Famous Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Otaru, Japan

August 22, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 4717 Views

Otaru city is located in Shirbeshi Sub Prefecture of Hokkaido in Japan. The city is just south west of Sapporo. Otaru day trip from Sapporo is popular among the residents and tourists alike. Though there are several Otaru attractions to enjoy in winter and summer. The best things to do in Otaru, Japan include skiing, canal cruise, trying beer, enjoying ice cream, street food exploration, music boxes and glass shopping.

The canal is the best place to begin for Otaru sightseeing. You can cover several places to visit in Otaru during canal boat cruise. If you visit Otaru in winter, you can also enjoy the Snow Light Path along the canal. The sight of snow reflecting colorful lights is an Otaru must see. There is a tourist information center near the canal where you can pick up Otaru travel guide. You can then head towards the coast to visit the Aquarium. It is one of the most well known Otaru tourist attractions. You can see animals like penguins, seals, and sea lions at this Otaru attraction.

Otaru is well known for glass blowing and glass handicraft items. Many people make Otaru day trip from other Hokkaido cities & towns to get these glass items. It is also one of the most popular souvenirs tourist take home after Otaru travel. Another popular item to take home after enjoying Otaru places of interest is Music Boxes. You can learn about the city’s history with melodious artifacts at Music Box Museum, which is a major Otaru, Hokkaido attraction. In case of both glass items and music boxes, you can have them custom made as per your desires. You can even learn how to make one yourself at a workshop. It would be one of the best things to do in Otaru, Hokkaido.

People visit Otaru in summer for the beaches and in winter for skiing. Oturu beach is one of the most pristine in all of Hokkaido. The city has a long coast line consisting of several Otaru beaches. It’s not that you can’t enjoy coastal places to visit in Otaru during winter. The water is just too cold and the sand becomes a little coarse for beach activities. Though there is one coastal location known more for Otaru sightseeing than as a beach. That’s Takashima Cape, a major highlight among Otaru attractions to enjoy pristine views of nature with a solitude lighthouse standing at the edge.

Among best things to do in Otaru in winter are skiing, sledging, snowboarding, and attending snow festivals. Japan has a special place for snow and winter. Hence there are several Otaru attractions for winter. There are 5 major ski resorts and open ski slopes located on 5 major mountains around Otaru. You will find them all on any Otaru travel guide. The open to public ski slopes are great as for all snow based activities you could think of as best things to do in Otaru in winter. The resorts however provide an extra layer of facilities and luxury. Once you are done enjoying the snow, you can head to enjoy another Otaru attraction in winter: the hot springs. Though the hot springs operate all year, they are best enjoyed during winters after a day in cold.

Table of Contents

The Best Tourist Places to Visit in Otaru, Hokkaido

1. Otaru Canal Cruise

This canal is one of the most beautiful sights in the city. It is quite romantic and a popular path to walk. If you want you can also take a boat cruise to explore the Otaru Canal. It is especially among top things to do in Otaru in winter. You will need an hour’s time at least for this experience.

2. Otaru City Museum

This museum tells the story of the city. It is one of the first Otaru attractions you should visit to get a perspective on the history, culture and people of the city. As you explore the exhibits in this museum and take in that information, the rest of Otaru travel would become more interesting. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this museum.

3. Nichigin Dori Street

This street is both a cultural and historical icon of the city. The name literally translates to “Wall Street of the North” as it used to be the primary financial area of the city. There are many old buildings still intact on this street and hence it is also an important addition to historical Otaru sightseeing. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore it.

4. Music Box Museum

The museum is exclusively dedicated to music boxes. It is one of the most interesting places in Otaru Japan guide. You will see a variety of music boxes in a wide range of sizes, designs and themes. If you wish, you can also get your own music box made here or make it yourself as a souvenir. It will be among memorable things to do in Otaru Japan. You will need about an hour for Music Box Museum.

5. Herring Mansion (Nishin Goten)

This is one of the most ornate places to visit in Otaru Japan. This mansion is named after the herring fish, which was the main exports of the city during its rise to prominence. The mansion speaks about the fishing industry of Otaru and the riches it resulted. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore the Herring Mansion.

6. Steam Clock

The Steam Clock is the most iconic Otaru tourist attraction. The clock was a gift to Otaru from Vancouver, Canada. It is a unique sight to watch this clock whistle with steam. You will need a couple of minutes to admire this monument and take pictures with it.

7. Bank of Japan Museum

This building used to be the center of operations for Bank of Japan in Otaru. Now it houses a museum outlining the financial history of the bank, the city as well as the country. The 19th century historical building is an Otaru must see for its architecture. You will need about 30 minutes to explore it.

8. Nitori Museum of Art (Former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch)

This is one of the finest art museums on Otaru travel guide. The museum exhibits Japanese as well as foreign artworks in form of paintings, sculptures, wood carvings and so on. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

9. Sakaimachi Dori Street

If you are looking to shop when you visit Otaru, just explore this street. It is a happening venue with shops, stores, restaurants and cafes lined on both sides. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it depending on how much you shop.

10. Tanaka Sake Brewery

When you visit Japan, you must try sake and this is the place to do it in Otaru. You can explore a variety of alcoholic beverages that this brewery produces besides sake as well and explore how they are manufactured. This place becomes even more appealing to tourists and locals alike among Otaru attractions in winter. You will need about an hour to tour this brewery.

11. Mount Tenguyama

Add this majestic mountain to your itinerary if you are willing to make Otaru day trip.The mountain is the best venue near the city for outdoor things to do in Otaru Japan. You can either hike up the mountain or take the ropeway to reach the top. Once you get there, the view is breathtaking, more so if you chose to hike. You will need at least half a day’s time to enjoy Mount Tengu.

12. Kitaichi Glass

If you are interesting in purchasing some interesting souvenirs to remember Otaru travel, then explore this grand glass items showroom. There are several branches of the store in the city and each one of them is unique. You will need about 10 to 15 minutes to explore the store.

13. Nikka Whiskey Distillery

This distillery makes one of the finest whiskey in the country and was founded in 1934 by Taketsuru Masataka, considered to be the father of Japanese whiskey. It has become popular among Otaru tourists spot owing to the rise in popularity of Japanese whiskey. You will need 30 minutes to explore this distillery.

14. Former Nippon Yusen Building

This building is deeply linked with the history of fishing industry of the city. It in Nippon Yusen building that fishing orders were processed. It holds significance among historical Otaru Hokkaido attractions and still retains much of its grandeur. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.

15. Otaru Aquarium

This is one of the best places to visit in Otaru Hokkaido with family. The aquarium holds over 250 species of marine life including several rare species. It is also popular among places to go in Otaru for sea lions and penguin show. You will need an hour or so at this aquarium.

16. Tomioka Church

This church stands out from its surroundings owing to its medieval gothic style of architecture. It is a stunning building and definitely an Otaru must visit place. The interior of the church as magnificent as the exteriors. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore this church.

17. Fairy Tale Junction (Marchen Intersection)

This public square reminds people of the old days due to the historical buildings surrounding it. It is an especially wonderful as places to visit in Otaru in winter when the now covers parts of the square. There is a reason it has been named the Fairy Tale Junction. You will need 15 to 20 minutes to enjoy this almost magical place when you visit Otaru.

18. Kitaichi Venetian Art Museum

This place recreates Italian canal town of Venezia. The decor reflects 18th century Venezian palaces. You get a complete and faithful recreation of the Venezian vibe with decor, lagoon and even a gondola. It is one of the most incredible Otaru tourist attractions. You will need an hour or two to explore it.

19. Blue Cave

The blue cave is a magnificent cave in the ocean off the coast of the city. Even the journey to the cave in a boat is among best things to do in Otaru. You get to explore the cave and you also get incredible view of the ocean as well as the coastline. Keep at least half a day’s time for this experience.

20. Otaru Beach

Though there are several beaches in the city, Otaru beach is the most well known and popular among tourists. You can also check out Dream Beach, Shioya Beach, Zenibako Beach, Otamoi Beach and Ransima Beach during Otaru travel.

If you had already explored the above mentioned top 20 tourist attractions of Otaru and still you want to see or do something more in Otaru, then Check out our below list of other things to see and do in Otaru.

Things to do in Otaru, Japan

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Otaru, Japan

Music Box Museum
Otaru Museum
Herring Goten Hall
Tanaka Sake Brewery
The Bank of Japan Museum
Otaru Antique Museum
Taishou Glass Palace
Otaru Art Base Museum
Kitaichivenetsia Meseum
Temiya Rail Line
Nishin Goten
Ryugu Shrine
Suitengu Shrine
Otaru City General Museum & Canal Museum
Geijutsumura Stained Glass Museum
Former Nippon Yusen Co Ltd Branch
Sumiyoshi Shrine
Otaru Steam Clock
Takashima Misaki Lighthouse
Kaimeiro Music Box Laboratory
Otaru City Museum of Art
Fugoppe Cave Archeological Site
Otaru Literary Museum
Tomioka Catholic Church
Nitori Museum of Art
Temiya Cave Preservation Building
Ninja Ring Stones Historical Site
Museum of Venetian Art

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Otaru, Japan

Takashima Cape
Mount Tenguyama
Mount Tengu
Shibuya Blue Cave
Barato River
Mount Kenashi
Mount Shioya Maruyama
Kenashi Mountain Pass
Mount Harukayama
Otaru nature Village
Hoshioki Waterfall

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Otaru, Japan

Otaru Aquarium
Tenguyama Ski Resort
Tengu Ski Resort
Asari Ski Slope
Space Dome
Onsen Osupa Hot Springs
Yunohana Olsen Hot Springs
Niki Rural Fruit Park
Temiyaryokuka Botanical Garden
Kiroro Hot Springs
The Glass Studio
Asaridake Ski Resort
Cherry Mountain Farm
Harukayama Ski Slope
Otaru Sea Animal Park
Yoichi Winery
Dreamland Icarus Castle
Nokano Botanical Garden
Kotsu Marine Land Amusement Park

Shopping in Otaru, Japan

Sakaimachi Shopping Street
Sankaku Market
Kitaichi Glass
Denuki Koji
Nantaru Market
Laox Duty Free Store

Beaches in Otaru, Japan

Ranjima Beach
Dream Beach
Ishikari Beach
Shioya Beach
Zenibako Beach
Asari Beach
Higashi Beach
Hamanaka Moire Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours & Adventure Things to do in Otaru, Japan

Otaru Canal Cruise
Tenguyama Air Lift Cable Car
Otaru Snow Cruise Onze
Skiing
Sledging
Snow Rides
Snowmobile Ride
Snowboarding
Blue Cave Glass Boat Cruise
Otaru Coast Nature Exploration Hike Trail

Sightseeing in Otaru, Japan

Otaru Canal
Temiya Park
Maeda Forest Park
Canal Side old Warehouses
Shukutsu Observation Deck
Kenashiyama View Point
Otaru Park
Asahi Observation Deck
Otaru Snow Light Road
Tenguyama Observation Deck
North Wall Street
Unga Park
Hamanasunooka Park
Ironaifuto Park
Nagahashi Naebo Park
Hiraiso Park
Akaiwayama Observation Deck

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Otaru, Japan

Kita-no Aisukurimu-Yasan
Sushi Street
Otaku Beer
Renga Yokocho Food Stall Village
Kitaichi Hall
Toriya Otori
Takinami Shokudo Seafood Shack
New Sanko
Sushi Kou
Masazushi
Sushi Yoshi
Teppanyaki Sushi
Rakuten
Marukatsu
Naruto
Iso Zushi
Nishizuka
Orizushi
Yabuhan
Shikama
Tempura Wakisaka
Wakadori Jidai
BINE
Kamaei
Tokaiya
Aozora Zenibako
Shun Sushi Restaurant
Shirokuma Shokudo
Takeya
LeTAO

How to Reach Otaru, Japan?

By Air

There are 2 airports you can use for Otaru travel. Both of them are located in Otaru. The Okadama Airport is closer to Otaru. Though you will only get domestic flights at this airport to visit Otaru. You can land at Okadama Airport from Hakodate, Memanbetsu, Misawa, Kushiro, Rishiri, Matsumoto, and Shizuko. Another airport for Otaru travel is New Chitose Airport, which is a further away from the city. This airport serves many domestic and international airlines. You can get flights from several countries including Russia, Malaysia, China, South Korea and many more. If you are traveling from outside Japan, then New Chitose Airport will the appropriate choice to visit Otaru. After reaching the airport you will have to get to use land transport for things to do in Otaru, Japan.

By Road

You have get on JR Hakodate Line to visit Otaru by train. If you are traveling via New Chitose Airport, you can use Airport Rapid train to reach Otaru within a matter of 30 minutes. All other trains and transport options take way longer for Otaru travel.

If you are traveling by car or any other private vehicle, highway route E5A. The route runs along the coast and is great for Otaru sightseeing. You will be able to cover several Otaru attractions including City Museum and Canal along this route. You will also get to enjoy several Otaru beaches along the same highway.

By Water

Otaru is one of the biggest passenger port on Hokkaido Island. You can get a ferry from Niligata, Kyoto, and Maizuru for Otaru travel. Ferry ride to visit Otaru takes about 18 to 20 hours. Otaru travel guide would not suggest this option if you are on a tight schedule. Though the ferry gives you an opportunity for Otaru sightseeing as well.

Image Reference

Otaru Canal Cruise – Rulosan / PixaBay
Nichigin Dori Street – 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
Music Box Museum – Trevor Dobson / Flickr
Herring Mansion (Nishin Goten) –
Steam Clock – Arjan Richter / Flickr
Bank of Japan Museum – 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
Nitori Museum of Art (Former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch) – 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
Sakaimachi Dori Street – 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
Tanaka Sake Brewery – Hideki Yoshida / Flickr
Mount Tenguyama – Raymond Ling / Flickr
Kitaichi Glass – bryan… / Flickr
Nikka Whiskey Distillery – 663highland / Wikimedia Commons
Former Nippon Yusen Building –
Otaru Aquarium – Russell_Yan / PixaBay
Tomioka Church – 山本昂左衛門 / Wikimedia Commons
Fairy Tale Junction (Marchen Intersection) – bryan… / Flickr
Kitaichi Venetian Art Museum –
Blue Cave –
Otaru Beach –