Otaru is a charming port city located on the island of Hokkaido in northern Japan, just 30 kilometers northwest of Sapporo. With its picturesque canals and well-preserved architecture from the early 20th century, Otaru exudes a nostalgic charm that attracts many visitors. In addition to its stunning scenery, Otaru offers many tourist attractions, from historical landmarks to local food delicacies. This guide will showcase the top 15 things to do in the town, including must-visit museums, exciting activities, and mouth-watering food. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Otaru has something for everyone to enjoy. So, let’s dive into the top tourist attractions of Otaru and start exploring this charming town!
To travel to Otaru, you should know that it is just a short 30-minute ride by rapid train or a 55-minute ride by express bus from the bustling city of Sapporo, making it an easy day trip or a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
The most popular option for getting to Otaru from Sapporo is to take the train, which frequently runs throughout the day and takes about 30 minutes. The train station in Otaru has located just a short walk from the Otaru Canal and other main attractions in the city.
Tourist tip: Before leaving the train station, don’t forget to check the brochures. Sometimes, they can help find new information about seasonal events or attractions in the town.
Things to do in Otaru
We leave you a map with the attractions you must visit, and we have divided it between the things to do and the places to eat.
1. Otaru Canal
One of the main attractions of Otaru is the historic Otaru Canal, which was constructed in the early 20th century and has become an iconic landmark of the city. The canal is lined with old brick buildings and is especially beautiful at night when the gas lamps light up the water.
2. Glass Shops/Studios
For those interested in glassworks, Otaru is a must-visit destination. The city is home to several glass studios and shops, where visitors can watch glassblowers at work and purchase unique and beautiful glass products. One famous studio is the Otaru Glass Studio, located in a historic building. It offers visitors the opportunity to make their glassware.
3. Otaru Museum
The Otaru Museum is another must-visit destination in the city. To get there from the train station, you must walk for about 20 minutes. To start, head towards the Otaru Canal, and once there, take the path to the left, opposite all the other attractions on this list. However, if you’re a train enthusiast, this place will be well worth it.
The museum houses various train designs from different eras in Japan; the best part is that you can explore the interior. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Otaru to find history and an excellent picture, this is a great option.
4. Seiyo Museum
The museum is next to Otaru Canal and has two sections. The first section is a souvenir shop, ranging from funny poop-shaped key chains to spectacular champagne glasses and handicrafts made with glass; entrance to this section is free.
The second section is a permanent exhibition with antique-style lamps and furniture; you must pay for an entrance ticket. In this place, you can also buy a package that gives you access to other beautiful art exhibitions in Otaru as the Stained Glass Museum (Former Arata Firm, Former Takahashi Warehouse), Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch (Important Cultural Properties), Nitori Museum of Art (Former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch) and House of Western Art (Former Naniwa Warehouse).
5. Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street
This street is a hot spot on Otaru, featuring well-preserved historical buildings that now host shops, cafes, and restaurants.
These buildings were constructed when Otaru was a bustling port town and served as the main street for merchants and traders. Today, the buildings have been restored and are a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors to experience the old-world charm of Otaru.
During winter, Otaru Sakaimachi Dori is decorated with thousands of tiny glass lanterns, creating a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. The street is also a popular spot for the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival when the entire street is illuminated with snow lanterns and candles.
6. Marimokkori
If you’re looking for a friendly activity in Otaru, walking down Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street is a must! Here, you’ll get to meet the charming Marimokkori, one of the mascots of Hokkaido, along with Melon Kuma. When you come across the Marimokkori doll, you might notice a slight bulge in its lower part. The explanation comes from his name; Marimokkori comes from the combination of “marimo,” a green alga that grows in some Hokkaido lakes, and “mokkori,” a playful Japanese slang term used to refer to an erection. It’s a fun and friendly sight to see!
7. Antique Museum
If you’re a fan of musical boxes and wind-up dolls, you can’t miss this fun activity in Otaru. The collection features pieces from REUGE, Simon & Halbig, and other famous brands. REUGE is known for its precise and eccentric music boxes. At the same time, Simon & Halbig was a doll manufacturer known for bisque doll heads with subtle coloring; they even supplied parts to other brands.
Once you enter the museum, head to the right wing and discover a stunning music box where you can sit and enjoy its melody. What makes this piece unique is its construction. The music box and the wooden drawer enclosing the seat are enough to envelop you with its melody.
Admission is free, and you can enjoy aeolian pipe organ & antique music box performances; you can check their website for times and details.
8. Allnight Lamp
It is almost at the end of Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street, in front of the Otaru Music Box Museum. Visiting this point is a must for photographs; in winter, it is spectacular with the snow, and in spring, the cherry blossom will give you a beautiful background painted pink.
9. Otaru Music Box Museum + Steam Clock
Another must-visit attraction in Otaru is the Otaru Music Box Museum, where visitors can browse a vast collection of music boxes and make their own.
Where to eat in Otaru
From delectable seafood dishes to superb cakes, we’ve covered you with our list of must-eat places in Otaru. So, get your taste buds ready, and let’s dive into a foodie adventure like no other!
10. Sawasaki Suisan
Sawasaki Suisan No.1 is a restaurant slightly away from Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street. Still, its delicious dishes such as miso soup, chirashi don, and generally sushi are well worth trying.
11. Otaru Beer Otaru Warehouse No.1
Located next to the Otaru Canal, this museum/restaurant is well worth tasting a delicious German-style beer. You can choose between dark, pilsner, and wheat beers.
The place has two floors. On the first floor, you can find the souvenir shop and the fermentation vessel where the beer is stored; Meanwhile, in the upper part are the bathrooms and a view of the first floor.
In general, waiting to find a table is unnecessary; if you prefer something other than beer, you can still enjoy a German-style dish or roam freely.
12. Ika Taro Honpo
A small Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Street business sells fried and roasted squid products. You can buy them as a snack while enjoying a beer. The most recommended ones are spicy but don’t worry, they are not that spicy. The prices per package vary between 400 and 540 yen.
As a curiosity, you can see at the entrance how they make squid tempura, without a doubt, something fun to do while you’re out for a walk.
13. Rokkatei (六花亭) Otaru Canal Store
Without a doubt, it is something that you must eat when you are in Hokkaido. The store has some products you cannot find in New Chitose Airport, and they allow you to do tax-free shopping. We thought we could find them at Tokyo airport, but at least in Terminal 2, we couldn’t.
But what do they sell? Well, these are some of the products you can buy:
- Freeze-dried sweet-tart strawberries coated with white chocolate.
- A moist and rich bite-sized chocolate madeleine.
- A biscuit sandwich of cream with raisins made with white chocolate and butter from Hokkaido.
- Ice cream sandwich.
- A soy sauce-flavored fried okaki made with kelp, bonito, and shiitake soup stock.
The truth is that their snacks are trendy, so much so that you will see many people taking several bags to share with their couples, friends, and family.
14. Kitakaro Otaru Main Shop
The store is next to Rokkatei, selling snacks and souvenirs. It is famous for its Cream puffs, but it could have been better for us. However, the ice cream they sell is a must-eat regardless of hot or cold weather.
On the top floor, you can find tables to enjoy your purchase.
15. LeTAO
Before, we talked about Rokkatei as a place you must visit. In this case, most of its products are to buy and enjoy later when you return to the hotel or your country. However, LeTAO is the place that you must visit to sin Gluttony at the moment. They have a great variety of delicious cakes you can accompany with coffee.
We recommend LeTAO Main Store next to Allnight Lamp. However, due to its location, it may be very crowded during your visit, but don’t worry, there are three other branches very close to each other in Otaru.
Conclusion
To sum up, Otaru is a beautiful and charming city worth visiting for anyone traveling to the northern island of Hokkaido. Its historic buildings, scenic canal, and glassworks offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Additionally, Otaru’s proximity to Sapporo makes it easily accessible, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the wonders of Otaru and create unforgettable memories.