How to enjoy Otaru, a Complete Guide to Otaru

A small port city on the island of Hokkaido, Otaru, was a business hub till the early 20th century.  The port was used extensively to ship coal to the rest of Japan for trading with the US and the UK. Its well-preserved Otaru Canal used to transport goods to and from the port’s brick warehouses remains an iconic symbol of the city enticing visitors from all over the world. Discover how to enjoy this quaint city and its other attractions to the fullest.

Kinosaki_Onsen_at_night | img via wikipedia commons

Introduction

Otaru boasts a rich history as the longest Japanese Settlers on Hokkaido and later as a thriving port city for coalfields in Ishikari and Sapporo transporting coal and herring. Nichigin-Dori, the area of Otaru where the banking industry had offices was nicknamed the Wall Street of the North. Many American, Russian, and British sailors traded in Otaru in that era.

The business activities of Otaru dropped after World War II due to lower demand for coal and the decline of the herring industry. Today the city boasts a thriving tourism industry.

Getting to Otaru

By Train – It is a ride of under one hour from Sapporo Station to Otaru by JR Hokkaido Line, the trains are frequent, booking is not required and are reasonably priced. 

By rented car – A drive from Sapporo by car is approximately 45 minutes, if you intend to stay overnight use a hotel providing parking facilities from among the best hotels in Hokkaido.

The best time to visit

This city offers different natural beauty through all seasons and welcomes visitors throughout the year. However, Autumn and Winter are usually quiet seasons allowing visitors to have a leisurely and enjoyable sightseeing experience. Autumn brings about beauty with different hues of foliage whilst winter carpets Otaru with snow leading to the winter wonderland of Otaru Festival. 

Attractions 

An advantage for visitors to Otaru is that the city is comparatively smaller. Many of the important attractions as well as restaurants and shopping areas like Sakaimachi Street are close to each other. A few of the interesting ones are listed below.

Otaru Canal – Built in 1923, the canal is bordered by an attractive promenade compelling visitors for a relaxed stroll admiring the stone warehouses irrespective of the season. Get to the vantage point of the bridge offering a picturesque view for capturing images. If you are staying overnight in Otaru visit the canal at night to see the beauty of it with street illuminations. If visiting during the winter period of February enjoy the Otaru Festival when thousands of candles light up the canal area.

Boat Ride – This boat ride on the Otaru Canal is an exciting experience looked forward to by guests at hotels such as Grand Park OtaruOtaru Music Box Museum – Being home to one of Japan’s major music box industries and a cool place to learn about it is Otaru Music Box Museum on Sakaimachi Street. Admission to this museum is free of charge.

Glass Shops – Otaru is one of the biggest glass-producing areas in Japan and is still famous for its oil lamps and glass products. Visit the many shops dotted around Sakaimachi Street like Kitaichi Glass outlet to see the glass making and buy souvenirs.

Otaru Steam Clock – Situated opposite the Music Box Museum, this steam clock was a gift to Otaru from Vancouver. The cool clock powered by steam plays a tune every quarter of the hour using the steam power to attract visitors.

Food and Drink 

Indulge in some of Hokkaido’s cuisine in Otaru of delectable seafood dishes, meat favourites, an assortment of desserts and many beverages.

Sushi – Have an authentic experience of this local food with fresh seafood, you don’t need to look further than the Otaru Canal for famous restaurants serving this.

Ramen – A favourite food of many locals and visitors. The Otaru version of Ramen is rich with Rausu kombu or bonito flakes offering a subtle yet delicious flavour. Try this at Mahoro in Otaru.

Hanmiage – This deep-fried chicken in a perfect shade of golden brown is crisp as you bite and juicy inside relished by locals and visitors.

Desserts – A medley of shops and restaurants serve delightful desserts like LeTAO Cheesecake (this originated in Otaru), soft scoop ice creams, cheese Danish pastry, cream puffs, chocolates and more.

Beer – Try an authentic Otaru beer that looks and tastes premium at Warehouse No. 1, a restaurant and brewery serving scores of visitors. Do a visit to the brewery and enjoy a filling meal here.

Sake – Tanaka Sake is famous in Otaru and still in operation keeping the sake brewing tradition alive in Otaru, visit Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura and enjoy a free tour of the brewery. A free sampling of sake can be done at the store.