Located just 30–40 minutes by train from Sapporo, Otaru is a picturesque port city known for its canal-side scenery, historic architecture, and glass craftsmanship. Whether you’re here for a romantic stroll, shopping, or seafood, Otaru offers a peaceful escape with an old-world vibe.
Otaru Canal – The Heart of the City
Once a busy shipping hub, now a charming promenade lined with vintage warehouses
Especially beautiful at dusk, when gas lamps light the walkway
Ride a canal boat for a unique perspective of the town’s past
Sakaimachi Street – History Meets Shopping
A preserved merchant street with stone buildings turned into shops and cafes
Discover hand-blown glassware, music boxes, and artisan sweets
Don’t miss the Otaru Music Box Museum, a whimsical highlight
Fresh Seafood & Local Cuisine
Otaru is a sushi paradise, thanks to its bustling fishing port
Try kaisendon (seafood bowls) at the morning market
Enjoy local specialties like Herring dishes, once the city’s economic staple
Winter Magic – Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
Held every February, this festival transforms the town with snow lanterns and glowing canal lights
A fairytale-like setting that attracts photographers and couples
Otaru Canal
Otaru Canal is a romantic waterway lined with historic warehouses, gas lamps, and walking paths, especially magical during sunset and winter festivals.
Sakaimachi Street
Sakaimachi Street in Otaru features preserved merchant buildings, glass workshops, music box shops, local sweets, and a nostalgic shopping experience.
Otaru Snow Light Path
Otaru Snow Light Path is a winter festival with glowing lanterns, snow sculptures, romantic canals, and magical evening illuminations in February.