Explore Otaru: Top Attractions and Itinerary
Otaru is a port city in southwestern Hokkaido, attracting many visitors with its romantic, retro streets, rich dairy-based desserts, and exquisite glass crafts. Famous attractions include Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, and Mount Tenguyama. Due to its proximity to Sapporo, it’s ideal for a day trip.
by KWON YOUN
Transportation to and Around Otaru
Getting to Otaru
From Sapporo to Otaru
By Train: The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs ¥750. For more details, click here.
By Highway Bus: The journey takes about 1 hour and costs around ¥730. For more details, click here.
From New Chitose Airport to Otaru
- By Train: The journey takes about 74 minutes and costs ¥1,950. For more details, click here.
Getting Around Otaru
Otaru’s city center is compact and ideal for walking, with only a few attractions requiring a bus ride.
Where to Stay in Otaru
Most tourists choose to take a day trip to Otaru from Sapporo, but staying overnight isn’t a bad idea either.
Dormy Inn Premium
The hotel is located directly opposite the exit of Otaru Station, featuring a large public bath and offering complimentary late-night ramen.★★★ Location 8.8 | Facilities 8.6 | Value for money 8.3
Otaru Nord Hotel
The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station, but it’s closer to attractions like Otaru Canal, Denuki Koji, and the shopping streets.★★★★ Location 9.0 | Facilities 8.2 | Value for money 7.9
Otaru Half-Day or Full-Day Trip Itinerary
In the morning, take the JR train from Sapporo to Minami-Otaru Station, then walk for 6 minutes to Sakaimachi Street, where the Otaru Music Box Museum is located.
Stroll along Sakaimachi Street, where you can shop and snack at various glass craft stores, dessert shops, and souvenir shops along both sides of the street.
Walk to Denuki Koji for a break and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea.
Continue walking to Otaru Canal for sightseeing.
Finally, walk from the canal to JR Otaru Station and return to Sapporo.
If you have extra time, you can also visit the Otaru Aquarium or go to Mount Tenguyama for the night view.
Top Attractions in Otaru
Otaru Sakaimachi Street
The street is lined with retro-style buildings and features many uniquely styled glass craft shops, food stalls, and more, making it the most romantic place in Otaru.
Hours: Most shops are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entrance Fee：Free
Recommended visit time: 15 minutes to 2 hours
Transportation:
- About a 15-minute walk from JR Otaru Station to Otaru Romankan
- About a 6-minute walk from Minami-Otaru Station to Otaru Music Box Museum
Main Shops：
- Otaru Music Box Museum Specializing in music boxes and various sparkling souvenirs, this shop has an elegant “old money” vibe. The tall clock at the entrance is known as the world’s largest steam clock, playing delightful music every 15 minutes accompanied by steam.
- LeTAO Famous for its rich-tasting cheesecake, you can also find its signature products at duty-free shops in airports across Japan.
- Kitakaro Otaru Known for its cream puff products, the most famous being the “Yume no Fushigi” cream puff, which may sell out if you arrive late.
- Rokkatei Otaru This store has branches throughout Hokkaido, and its best-selling item is the signature rum and grape-filled cookies. However, they have a very short shelf life, so don’t buy too many.
- Glass Craft Shops Otaru has many glass product shops, among which the more famous ones include Otaru Taishou Glass Museum and Kitaichi Glass Otaru. However, the small shops along the street are also enjoyable to explore, as they offer a wide variety of unique items with minimal repetition.
Selected Video: Snow Walk in Otaru Sakaimachi Street
Selected Photo:
by Y K
by JIEUN KWON
Otaru Denuki Koji
Located between Sakaimachi Street and Otaru Canal, this food street features retro architecture reminiscent of the Taisho era. Although it is not large, it has a concentrated variety of food shops.
Hours: Varies by restaurant
Recommended visit time: 30 Minutes
Transportation: A 1-minute walk from the canal warehouse area and about a 3-minute walk from the Otaru Romankan at the west end of Sakaimachi Street.
Selected Video: 小樽の食い倒れ
Otaru Canal
As a landmark attraction in Otaru, the canal has a history of over a century and once served as a vital transportation route connecting the port to warehouses. One side of the river features warehouses, some of which have been transformed into souvenir shops and restaurants.
Hours: The canal is open 24 hours, while the shops operate according to their individual business hours.
Entrance Fee：Free
Recommended visit time: 30 Minutes
Transportation: About a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station.
Selected Photo:
by KWON YOUN
Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway
Mount Tenguyama is the highest point in Otaru and was a filming location for the movie Love Letter. From the summit, you can overlook the entire city of Otaru. It is also one of Hokkaido’s top three night view spots, along with Mount Hakodate and Mount Moiwa in Sapporo.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. The ropeway runs every 12 minutes, and it takes 4 minutes to reach the top.
Ropeway Fare: 1,600 yen for adults and 800 yen for children for a round trip. Available for booking on Klook.
Recommended visit time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Tips:
- Please check the ropeway’s operation status on the official website in advance.
- There are multiple observation decks at the summit, offering different angles to enjoy the sunset and night views.
Transportation: From JR Otaru Station, take bus No. 9 to the Tenguyama Ropeway. The ride takes about 20 minutes and costs 240 yen.
Website: Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Official Website
Selected Video: 純白の絶景、冬の小樽天狗山
Otaru Aquarium
If you don’t have time to visit Asahiyama Zoo to see the penguin walk in winter, Otaru offers a smaller alternative.
Hours: Summer: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Winter: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
There are extended closure periods during seasonal transitions, so please check the official website in advance.
Admission: 1,800 yen for adults, 700 yen for elementary and middle school students, 350 yen for children aged 3 and over
Recommended visit time: 1 - 2 hours
Tips:
- The penguin walk is a unique winter-only event. Be sure to check the show times upon entering.
- A 10-minute walk north from the aquarium takes you to Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck.
Transportation: From JR Otaru Station, take bus No. 10 or 11. The ride takes about 25 minutes, costs 240 yen, and stops right at the entrance. Check the bus timetable here.
Website: Otaru Aquarium Official Website
Selected Video: A Fun Day Trip at the Otaru Aquarium
Otaru Snow Light Path
Every February, ice sculptures and warm candlelight can be seen all over the streets of Otaru, blending with the snowy landscape to create the most magical winter scenery. The main sites include Otaru Canal, the Old Temiya Line, and Mount Tenguyama.
Festival Dates: Early February each year, lasting about a week. Check the official website for exact dates.
Entrance Fee：Free
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Transportation:
- Otaru Canal + Former Temiya Railway Line: About a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station to the Former Temiya Railway Line, then another 5-minute walk to the Otaru Canal.
- Mount Tenguyama: From JR Otaru Station, take bus No. 9 to the Tenguyama Ropeway. The ride takes about 20 minutes and costs 240 yen.
Website: Otaru Snow Light Path Official Website
Selected Video: 4K 小樽雪あかりの路
Thank you for reading, and may you have a wonderful journey!
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