Otaru Attractions
Otaru is a port city in the southwestern part of Hokkaido and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan due to its abundance of buildings. Otaru is not large; after getting off at Otaru Station, you can walk to the iconic Otaru Canal, where Western-style buildings line the harbor, and visit this small city in a couple of hours. Otaru is not boring, with delicate glass shops, fairy-tale music box museums, dessert shops, and sushi restaurants appearing surprisingly, and you may even encounter the world's largest steam clock in a fairy-tale street. One of the highlights of Otaru in winter is the snow-covered small houses and streets, as well as the lamps that light up in the snowy night. If you're not in a hurry, take a ropeway to Mount Tenguyama for a panoramic view of this romantic city.
A river in Otaru
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Top Attractions in Otaru
1. Otaru Canal
Otaru Canal is one of the major landmarks of Otaru. Built in 1914, the canal is about 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) long and 40 meters (130 feet) wide and was once an important transportation route for goods. The red brick warehouses along the canal have been converted into restaurants, teahouses, shops, and art galleries. Walking along the canal, you can admire the retro coal gas lamps, brick warehouses, and artistic atmosphere. Towards evening, the canal is even more romantic under the setting sun.2. Mount Tenguyama
Mount Tenguyama is the highest peak in Otaru, named for its mountain shape resembling a dog's long nose. From the observatory on the mountain, you can overlook the entire cityscape and harbor scenery of Otaru, making it one of the three major nightscapes in Hokkaido. Behind the ropeway station is a statue of a long-nosed dog, and it is said that touching its long nose can ward off evil and fulfill your wishes. There is also the museum on the mountain, which displays the earliest skis and other items. In winter, Tenguyama Ski Resort is a gathering place for ski enthusiasts.3. Otaru Orgel Museum
Otaru Orgel Museum, established in 1912, is Japan's oldest and largest music box museum. The museum has three floors and houses over 3,000 music boxes from around the world, including doll music boxes and automatic music boxes that are of great collectible value. The exterior of the building is in a European red brick style, while the interior is a retro wooden structure, giving visitors the feeling of being in a fairy tale world. If just looking isn't enough, you can also experience creating a one-of-a-kind music box by assembling different parts.4. Asari - A Seaside Village
Asari, a small coastal village located in Otaru, is a quiet and peaceful place with simple and pure beauty. Asari faces the sea and has beautiful coastlines and sea views. In winter, visitors can enjoy the scenery of blue water and snow, and in summer, they can swim and sunbathe at the seaside. Compared to the bustling Otaru, Asari is quieter, allowing visitors to have leisure time here.5. Kitaichi Glass Crystal Kan
Established in 1901, Kitaichi Glass Crystal Kan is the largest and most historically significant glass workshop in Hokkaido. Kitaichi Glass Crystal Kan is famous for producing oil lamps and cameo glasses, and its exquisite glassmaking techniques have earned Otaru the reputation of “the hometown of lamps.” The glass products on display in the workshop are diverse, including various household items such as cups, plates, and vases, as well as exquisite crafts such as glass sculptures and ornaments. Visitors can not only visit and choose glass crafts here, but some shops also offer glassmaking experience activities, allowing visitors to participate in the glassmaking process and feel the charm of glass craftsmanship.Highlight Activities in Otaru
1. Otaru Snow Light Path
Otaru Snow Light Path is an important event in Otaru every February, when the city will light up a light path with over 150,000 candles. Glass balls will float on the Otaru Canal, each one containing a candle, casting a mesmerizing glow on the mirror-like water surface, as if bringing visitors to a dreamlike world. The Otaru Snow Light Path is also a prayer event, and even ordinary families in Otaru participate. During this time, every household will light small candle lanterns in front of their homes to pray for peace and happiness. The candle lanterns of each household combined together form a long snow light path.|
Otaru in winter
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2. Otaru Light Festival
Otaru Light Festival, held from late December to the end of January each year, is a winter event organized by owners of shops along the Otaru Canal. During the festival, you will see colorful and brightly lit decorations along the main streets near the canal, which are especially enchanting on winter nights. In addition to the street light decorations, there are also a series of exciting events held by nearby shops around Christmas, including sales and giveaways of various goods, making the streets of Otaru even more vibrant.3. Otaru Ushio Festival
Every year, from the last Friday to Sunday of July, Otaru welcomes its annual event, the Otaru Ushio festival, or Otaru Tide Festival. Otaru was once a fishing port, and residents hold the festival to express their gratitude to the sea for its blessings and to pray for safety. The Otaru Ushio festival lasts for three days, during which there are grand parades and dance performances on the main streets of the city center. On the first and last days of the festival, large fireworks displays are held, with more than 4,500 creative fireworks launched in the city center, lighting up the night sky with an extraordinary brilliance.More Attractions to Visit in Otaru
1. Funamizaka Street
Funamizaka is the second steep slope in Otaru, with houses of various heights and antennas crossing each other on both sides. If you stand on the high ground facing the sea, you will see layers of blue in the distance.|
A food stall in Miyako dori Shopping Street
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2. Miyako dori Shopping Street
Miyako dori Shopping Street is the commercial district in the center of Otaru and a popular tourist attraction. It still retains many buildings from the Taisho periods (1912-1926), giving the whole area a retro atmosphere. Walking here, you may occasionally feel as if time has gone back. There are many shops of various kinds along the street, including delicious snacks, unique glass art stores, and fresh seafood restaurants.3. Cape Kamui
Cape Kamui is the only seaside park in Hokkaido, with a terrain resembling a huge cow's horn extending into the sea. The color of the sea here is called “Syakotan Blue” by the people of Hokkaido, a deep blue like a rum cocktail. Strange rocks stand tall, and the coastline is winding and beautiful. Walking along the wooden boardwalk to the end of the cliff, you feel as if you have come to the edge of the world.|
Cape Kamui in Otaru
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