Jutting out from the northern coast of Hokkaido, Otaru has become a key role in Japan’s trade and commerce thanks to its proximity to the sea. The Otaru Canal serves as the bloodline of the city, ringing in a special charm when summer is around the counter. When winter comes, the old warehouses beckon attention, serving a beautiful, nostalgic look reminding you of the long-gone Taisho era.
As the sun sets, gas lamps illuminate, casting a beautiful reflection on the canal that’s like a painting coming to life.
A fast train ride from Sapporo to Otaru only takes half an hour, so don’t miss out on this incredible city when you’re in Hokkaido.
This article will give you a heads-up on how to explore the city’s delights, including fun activities and delicious local food accessible by public transportation.
More on that below!
Read More: An Ultimate Hokkaido Travel Guide In 2024: Transportation & Sample Itinerary
Otaru History At A Glance
Emerging from a small fishing village, Otaru quickly entered a new chapter in history when it was stationed as a major economic hub of Hokkaido out of herring fishing.
In the 1890s, they started building warehouses and customs in this port city, turning Otaru into a bustling base for trading goods within and beyond Hokkaido. Shortly after, Otaru evolved into an international commercial city where big banks gathered, earning it the name “Wall Street of the North.”
Sadly, the good news didn’t stay with Otaru for long when the Otaru Canal was shortened to less than 500 meters and Sapporo replaced Otaru to be the new political and economic center of Hokkaido. From then on, its commercial role faded.
Today, Otaru has come into a new golden age when the heritage sites around the canal put on a new appearance as restaurants, cultural shops, and creative spaces.
Read More: What Is Hokkaido Best Known For? An Ultimate Attraction List By Region
How To Get To Otaru From Sapporo?
By Train
Take the JR Hakodate Line from Sapporo (JR) Station to Otaru Station. It’s a short 45-minute ride with a sweeping wraparound vista along the way. A one-way ticket costs around JPY 750.
By Bus
You have two options: JR Hokkaido Bus and Hokkaido Chuo Bus. These are express buses leaving bus stop #1 at the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal. The duration is roughly an hour but may be delayed due to traffic jams or uncertain weather. The average fare for a bus ride from Sapporo to Otaru is about JPY 680. No reservation is needed.
An Organized Tour To Otaru From Sapporo
Private transport, a private guide, an insightful exploration with untold stories, and lots of good food – opt for a private tour that only takes six hours to complete and you’ll be in awe! Get rid of all hassles arranging your own transport and unveil the hidden gems that only the locals know!
From Sapporo: Private Day Trip to Otaru
Best Ways To Get Around Otaru
By Foot
The major points of interest stick to the coastline, so as long as you’re located around the downtown core then it’s handy to walk everywhere.
Work your way out from the Otaru Canal which is only ten minutes from JR Otaru Station and you can easily reach The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum and the Warehouse District in the south. Walk north and you’ll find Otaru Museum, Temiya Ryokuka Botanical Gardens, and the natural hot springs.
By Local Buses
Alternatively, local buses are available around the Chuo Bus Terminal, linking the city center to Shiroi Koibito Park, Otaru Aquarium, Tenguyama Ropeway, and Sakaimachidori Shopping Street. The Otaru Bus Station has six different gates so make sure you reach out to the right departure point.
Head out to the ticket window/machine and settle your journey, with the fares ranging around JPY 220/way.
Best Places To Visit In Otaru For First-Timers
Otaru Triangle Market
Located in the downtown core, Otaru Triangle Market is a thriving year-round shopping hub with proximity to the JR Otaru Station. Locals and visitors love to call it “Otaru’s Kitchen” because it’s always buzzing with people who know their fish.
Oh yes! Fish is a real deal here but you can also find a wide range of freshly caught seafood stocked up in more than ten different vendors. Whether you want to see Hakodate’s famous crab or take home some sea urchins and squid, there’s a vendor for you. The market has a lively vibe with energetic crowds. Shopkeepers often call out to get you into their shops, so get ready to be welcomed with enthusiasm!
Otaru Canal
The bloodline of the Warehouse District, Otaru Canal is like a natural window where the seasonal transition rings in a special feel.
Originally a waterway supporting Hokkaido’s development, the canal was finished in 1923 after nine years of work. Today, this scenic spot is flanked by old stone warehouses from the Taisho and Showa eras.
You can even take a canal cruise between April and October for a 40-minute trip at around JPY 1,800. Rickshaws are also available for a comfy ride with English and Japanese explanations.
House of Western Art
From colorful stained glasses to Art Deco keepsakes, the House of Western Art is a place to be inspired. With several floors focusing on unique topics, you will find a range of delicate and quirky keepsakes to spruce up your home sweet home.
The crafts have been exclusively collected from Europe and the US. between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. If you’re into glass crafts, there are gifts for purchase.
Otaru Beer at Warehouse No. 1
Who would have thought they’d be drinking German beer at an old wooden house by the Sea of Japan?
Yes – right here by the side of Otaru Canal, Otaru Beer at Warehouse No. 1 brings in the finest German beer hall you’ve ever seen in Asia.
They’ve got a bunch of different beers, and the pretzel is surprisingly awesome. Unlike other plain old pretzels, the ones at Warehouse No.1 are super soft, chewy, and really tasty. I’d love to come by over sunset when everyone’s spilling out of the offices and just minding their own business with great beers and good friends. The rich wooden tones keep the vibe intimate and heart-warming for a get-together.
Denuki Koji in Otaru
Let’s call it a street food hub! Imagine 20 restaurants snuggled along a tiny alleyway. It’s cozy and great for daytime pics. Here you can find all kinds of hearty bites from fried fritters to yakitori-style and you can smell the BBQ while you walk around. It’s right near the Otaru Canal.
Kitakaro Otaru
Save the last for the best, Kitakaro is hands down the most talked-about confectionery in Otaru, drawing crowds to Sakaimachi on any given sunny day.
Wondering what to get? Well, the cream puff is surely a winner! Its outer layer is soft and fluffy, and when you take a bite, this amazing cream just oozes out.
Their epic selection of cream puffs may have you doubt what to get, but stick to the “mochi style” cream puff called ピスコット for a chewy texture when unsure. It’s a best-seller and often sold out.
Final Words: Is Otaru Worth Visiting?
Otaru beholds a special charm that sets it apart from any other Japanese city. It’s not as downright traditional as Kyoto but not insanely busy as Tokyo either!
Right here, you’ll be in awe with its beautiful mix of the West and the East. Come during winter to celebrate its magical atmosphere when the canal is dazzlingly lit up after dark.
My advice is to explore, try local food and drinks, and do some shopping. There are plenty of shops along the canal and shopping street, but it can get quite crowded, especially around the souvenir stores. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider heading to Mount Tengu for a night view, relaxing in the hot springs at Asarigawa Hot Spring Village, and discovering more about Otaru at your own pace.