Otaru City, Hokkaido

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The romantic city filled with exotic history

Enjoy Slow
Travel in Otaru, Hokkaido

[Overview of Otaru City]
■JR Sapporo Station ⇔ JR Otaru Station (fastest 32 mins by JR, about 60 mins by bus)
■New Chitose Airport⇔ JR Otaru Station (fastest 75 mins by JR, about 1hr 20min by bus)
Department of Otaru Industrial Bay Area for Tourism Promotion
12-1, Hanazono 2chome, Otaru
TEL：+81-134-32-4111
Otaru City Official Site
Watch more videos [The charm of Otaru as seen in the video]

Otaru is a city of history and romance with an exotic atmosphere.
Otaru, which once prospered from herring fishing, was also the center of Hokkaido’s economy. Financial institutions were concentrated in Otaru, and at one time the city was so prosperous that it was called the “Wall Street of the North. Even today, there are many historical buildings such as stone Western-style buildings and old Japanese architecture remaining here and there in the city. Take your time and enjoy Otaru.

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Otaru
Digital Map

Request from Otaru City: About Tourist Manners

For foreign tourists

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Otaru Tourist Area

Otaru City Center

There is little flat land between the mountains that approach the coastline. People come and go, goods are transported, and the population has grown rapidly in the center of the city, where large ships make port calls. The following is a compact list of attractions, popular spots, local delicacies, and Otaru eating spots.

Shukutsu Takashima Area

The Shukutsu area was once a bustling herring fishing area, and even today, the history of the herring palace and Kihinkan (the Old Aoyama Villa) is etched in the area. The Otaru Aquarium, a popular marine aquarium, is also located in this area. Be sure to try the view from the observatory in Shukutsu.

Asari Area

Asarigawa Onsen, a hot spring area in Otaru, is located in the Asari district. In addition to hot springs, golf, skiing, and trekking, services for those who use stay-at-home workcations while supporting their physical health have begun.

Zenibako Area

Zenibako is rich in scenery of sea and mountains. The 10-kilometer-long sandy beach with its blooming Japanese roses is a bathing beach. The industrial park and Ishikari Bay New Port are bases for Hokkaido's industries, and the coastline of Shukutsu, Takashima Cape, and Mount Akaiwa can be seen on the opposite shore. It is a fascinating area.

Ranshima & Oshoro Area

The first beach in Hokkaido was Ranshima Beach. The shallow sandy beach was unsuitable for herring fishing, but with the opening of Ranshima Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line, it became popular as a vacation home and for swimming. The beach is crowded with bathers every summer.

Otaru Viewing Spots

Otaru Observation Decks
Otaru Streets
Otaru, City of Slopes
Otaru MAP

Otaru Observation Decks

Asahi Observation Deck, Otaru City

It is a popular spot with a panoramic view of the sea and the city. There are 18 walking trails in the area.
MAP

Otaru Shukutsu Panoramic Observation Deck

A beautiful observatory for sunrise and sunset overlooking the Sea of Japan beyond Otaru Aquarium.
MAP

Otaru City Tenguyama Observation Deck

The Heart Observation Deck is located at the top of Mt. Tenguyama, a popular location where the movie "First Love" was filmed.
MAP

Otaru Park Viewing Platform

A park on the hill behind City Hall. The viewing platform square is a popular walking course with a view of the ocean.

Otaru City Kenashiyama Observation Deck

From the 470-meter-high Kenashiyama (mountain), one can enjoy a beautiful view of Otaru Port, Temiya, and the Shukutsu area.

Otaru Streets

Otaru Canal

1.1 km in length, the barges were shuttling back and forth in a storage facility in the center of the street, lined with brick warehouses.
MAP

Otaru Sakaimachidori Street

A seaside street from the Meiji period to the early Showa period, when Otaru prospered as a shipping port. Stone buildings line the street.
MAP

Ironai Banking District

From the Meiji period to the early Showa period, banks from all over Japan lined the street with their branches as Otaru prospered.
MAP

Otaru Sushiyadori Street

Fast food representing Otaru. Sushi restaurants, known as gourmet Ezomae Sushi, lined the street.
MAP

Remnants of the old Temiya Line

Opened between Temiya and Sapporo for coal transportation. Currently, part of the route is open to the public as a sightseeing spot. Events are held there.
MAP

Otaru Miyakodori Street

With a history of over 100 years, it is the second oldest shopping arcade in Hokkaido.
MAP

Otaru Sunmall Ichibangai (Shopping Mall)

This street became the central district of Otaru in the Taisho era (1912-1926) when three prominent drapery stores opened their stores. Formerly known as Inaho Daiichi Odori.
MAP

Otaru Chuodori Street

The road leading straight from JR Otaru Station to the Otaru Canal.

Yanagawa Shopping District

With a history of over 100 years, this shopping district retains the atmosphere of the Showa period.

Otaru Snow Light Path

This event originated in Otaru City and is named after a festival of snow and candles. The flickering candlelight is fantastic.
Details

Otaru, City of Slopes

Shussezaka (Miharizaka Slope)

It is a slope leading to the residence of Itaya Miyakichi, who made his fortune in the shipping business from apprenticeship, and has a good view of the city.

Sambongi Steep Slope

Steep slope in the past with three elm trees on the hill (next to Orgel Doh "Music Box Hall" at the Marchen Crossroads).

Hagemashi no Saka (Encouragement Slope)

Residents have to be encouraged to climb up and down the hill, which has a maximum slope of 24 degrees and about 900 meters (from Temiya Bus Terminal to Suehiro Junior High School), which is difficult to climb up and down without encouragement.

Gaijinzaka (Foreigner Slope)

It is a steep hill leading down from the stairs of Suitengu Shrine, where foreigners lived in the neighborhood.

Funamizaka (Ship View Slope)

Steep slope with a gradient of 15 degrees. From the top of the hill, you can see ships coming and going at Otaru Port. The slope leading to Tomioka New Town.
MAP

Jigokuzaka (Hell's slope)

It is a 1.5 km long slope leading to Otaru University of Commerce. In the past, there was nothing around and students commuting to school suffered.

Umaya no Saka (Stable Slope)

The current Temiya 3-chome used to be called Umaya-cho, a steep slope from the fireman's house to Suehiro Junior High School. The slope is 11 degrees.

Shokuninzaka (Artisan Slope)

On the narrow slopes of Yamada-cho, craftsmen such as Buddhist altar makers, joiners, painters, engravers, framers, and vintage clothing makers set up store.

Let's enjoy walking around Otaru!

Points of Interest

Otaru Sumiyoshi Shrine

Please visit the shrine when sightseeing in Otaru City. The view of the harbor (Ferry Terminal) from the torii gate is very nice.
MAP

Otaru Ryugu Shrine

The shrine is located on a hill at the end of Ryugu Street. The shrine is popular for its prosperity like a rising dragon, such as for good fortune and success in life.
MAP

Otaru Suitengu Shrine

Located on a hill in the center of Otaru, it is dedicated to the god of water. It is a popular spot from which to view Otaru Port, the Sea of Japan, and the shopping district.
MAP

Otaru Park

A park on the hill behind City Hall. The viewing platform square is a popular walking course with a view of the ocean.

Otaru Kihinkan

Old Aoyama villa of the Aoyama family, who made their fortune from herring fishing. Aoyama villa is a sightseeing spot in Otaru that offers a tour of the villa, garden, and meals.
MAP

Wing Bay Otaru

Large commercial complex in front of Otaru Port Marina, directly connected to JR Otaruchikko Station. There is a movie theater, restaurants, stores, and a hotel.
MAP

Otaru Port Marina

It is a yacht harbor and a starting point for cruising courses. Charter cruises can be arranged.
MAP

Otaru Canal Cruise

A new Otaru sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy a familiar cruise around Otaru Canal and Otaru Port by boat.
MAP

Popular Spots

Otaru Canal

This is the most popular tourist spot in Otaru, with a retro atmosphere and a total length of 1.1 km, lined with 63 gas lamps.
MAP

Otaru Sakaimachidori Street

It is Otaru's representative shopping and gourmet sightseeing zone, with approximately 120 stores of various kinds facing each other in its 1.3 km length.
MAP

Otaru Tenguyama Observation Deck

The heart-shaped observatory at the top of Mt. Tenguyama, popular as the filming location for the movie "First Love". The night view is popular, and you can take the ropeway up to the top.
MAP

Otaru Aquarium

This is a powerful aquarium that makes use of nature, including a marine mammal park facing the sea and an indoor swimming pool. Penguin walks are popular.
Details

JR Otaru Station

The retro station building built in 1935 is a popular photo spot. The front of the station is the bus terminal, the gateway to Otaru sightseeing.
MAP

Otaru Art Base

Using four buildings from Otaru's prosperous days, it consists of three museums and the former Otaru branch of the Mitsui Bank.
MAP

Otaru Sushiyadori Street

The restaurants are lined with the freshest fish, known as Ezomae Sushi, which is Otaru's most famous gourmet dish, made directly from the freshest ingredients.
MAP

Kitaichi Glass

This sparkling Otaru specialty store inherited its glasswork culture from the glass floating balls used in fishing.
Details

Otaru International Information Center

This site provides travel information such as event information, model walking courses, sightseeing guide maps, etc. for Otaru.
Address: 5-3 Minato-machi, Otaru-shi Opening hours: 9:00-20:00 (varies according to season or events)
MAP
View spot information (official website)

Local Gourmet

Otaru Sushi

Ezomae Sushi, one of Otaru's most popular gourmet specialties, is made with the freshest ingredients.
MAP

Mantis Shrimp

Otaru's mantis shrimp is harvested by gill-net fishing. Otaru shako is a brand name due to the quality of its flesh.
MAP

Chow Mein with thick sauce

It is the soul food of Otaru and a B-class gourmet dish that has been popular since the Showa period (1926-1989).
MAP

Otaru Local Sake

Popular sake breweries (Kitanohomare, Watanabe, and Tanaka) once existed along with the prosperity of Otaru. The fine sake Takaragawa from Tanaka Brewery is popular.
MAP

Otaru Local Beer

Otaru Beer is a locally brewed beer made using the authentic German beer method that is representative of Otaru.
MAP

Otaru Seafood Cuisine

Otaru is a port town with many morning markets, and seafood bowls are popular because 40 kinds of fish and shellfish are landed here.
MAP

The half chicken fry

The half chicken fry from Otaru Narutoya is a popular gourmet dish with crispy skin and juicy meat.
MAP

Otaru Wine

Hokkaido Wine Co., Ltd. is famous by the name of Otaru Wine.
MAP

Otaru Sweets

We can look forward to long-established stores such as Amato, Panju, LeTAO, Niikuraya, Shofukuya, and Yakata Blanche.
MAP

Otaru soft serve ice cream

Yamanaka Dairy Farm Otaru, Otaru Milk Plant, Misono Ice Cream, Popura Farm Otaru and other popular stores.
View Gourmet Information (official site)

Otaru 3-Day/2-Night Trip Recommended Course

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

Day 1 / City Sightseeing

Enjoy the central tourist area!

❶ Departure from Otaru Station
↓　Walk 13 min.
❷ Otaru Art Base / 4 Museums
There are four museums: Stained Glass Museum (Old Takahashi Warehouse and Old Arata Trading Company), former Otaru Branch of Mitsui Bank, Nitori Art Museum (Old Otaru Branch of the Hokkaido Colonization Bank), and Western Art Museum (former Naniwa Soko), requiring 2 to 3 hours to visit
↓　Walk 5 min.
❸ Sakaimachidori Street
A tourist spot lined with stores selling Otaru’s specialties such as glass and music boxes. (1 hr.)
↓　Walk 10 min.
❹ Miharashizaka（Shussezaka）
Steep slope with a maximum gradient of 20%. You can see the Otaru cityscape and Otaru Port.
↓　Walk 6 min.
❺ Suitengu Shrine / Gaijinzaka
Located on a hill overlooking Otaru Port and famous for its cherry blossoms. (20 min.)
↓　Walk 15 min.
❻ Otaru Canal / Asakusa Bridge
The symbol of Otaru. At dusk, the stone warehouses are lit up with gas lamps, creating a different atmosphere from the daytime. (10 min.)
↓　Walk 5 min.
❼ Otaru International Information Center
Can be used as a stopover at the Otaru Canal, light-up facilities, and other nighttime strolling locations. A wide variety of souvenirs (30 min.)
↓　Walk + bus: about 30-40 min.
❽ Night view at Mt. Tenguyama
From Ironai 1-chome bus stop (9 Tenguyama ropeway line), 17 min. From the Otaru Tenguyama ropeway boarding area, it is a 5-minute ropeway ride to the top of the mountain. You can enjoy the cafe and the Tengu no Yakata (Tengu Museum). (1 hr. 30 min.)
↓　Bus: about 20-30 min.
❾ Local Gourmet
There are many delicious restaurants from seafood to meat dishes unique to Otaru.
Lodging

Day 2 / Sightseeing in the Suburbs Area

A full day of sightseeing for both adults and children!

❶ Departure from Otaru Station
↓　From Otaru Station bus stop (11 Shukuzu Line), about 26 min. Get off at Otaru Aquarium and walk about 10 min.
❷ Shukutsu Observation Deck
A beautiful place for sunrise and sunset. The lighthouse, Herring palace, and aquarium at the tip of Shukutsu look as if they are jutting out into the sea, making it a spectacular spot.
↓　Walk 10 min.
❸ Otaru Aquarium (Lunch)
Visitors are welcomed by 5,000 marine animals of 250 species. You can also enjoy dynamic shows, an amusement park, and a restaurant. (3 hr.)
↓　Walk 16 min.
❹ Kihinkan
This is the villa of the Aoyama family, who made a huge fortune from herring fishing, and is one of the most famous art mansions in Hokkaido, designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the national government. (30 min.)
↓　From Shukutsu 3-chome bus stop, take (11 Shukutsu Line) to Otaru Station (about 25 min.).
❺ Transfer at Otaru Station
↓　From Otaru Station, take (6 Boyodai Line or 16 Okusawa Line), get off at Sumiyoshi Jinja-mae and walk 5 min.
❻ Sumiyoshi Shrine
The pioneering work in the central part of Hokkaido leads from Sumiyoshi Shrine in Otaru to the Hokkaido Shrine. You may see Ezo squirrels in the precincts of the shrine. (30 min.)
↓　Walk 10 min.
❼ Nantaru Market
This market has long been popular with locals, after-workers, and tourists. (25 min.)
↓　Walk 10 min.
❽ Tanaka Shuzo (sake brewery) Kikkogura
This is a rare sake brewery in Japan that uses 100% Hokkaido rice and brews local sake all year round. (30 min.)
↓　Walk 10 min.
❾ Sakaimachidori Street
Walking around while looking at souvenirs (1 hour～)
↓　Walk
❿ Local Gourmet
There are many delicious restaurants from seafood to meat dishes unique to Otaru.
Lodging

Day 3 / Otaru Walk

History Walk

❶ Sunmall Ichibangai
Walking along side streets in Otaru is different from touring the canals.
↓　Walk 10 min.
❷ Remnants of the old Temiya Line
It was built to offload Hokkaido coal from Otaru Port. Temiya to Sapporo, and Sapporo to Horonai (now Mikasa). The line was abandoned with the decline of coal. (10 min.)
↓　Walk 20 min.
❸ Otaru Park
This park is located on high ground in Otaru. There are walking paths and playground equipment, and the wisteria trellises in early May and the autumn leaves in October are beautiful in this park. (1 hr.)
↓　About 12 minutes on foot or about 4 minutes by bus from Tomioka 1-chome bus stop (19 Otaru Shodai Line) bound for Otaru Shodai-mae. Short walk from Midori 3-chome bus stop.
❹ Jigokuzaka (Otaru University of Commerce)
A long slope of about 1.5 km with a 10-degree incline leading to Otaru University of Commerce
↓　Downhill walk 18 min.
❺ Sushiyadori Street
About 16 popular sushi restaurants are gathered here. Enjoy fresh seafood from the waters around Otaru for lunch! (1 hr.)
↓　Walk 5 min.
❻ Ironai Banking District
Due to the distribution of goods and a large herring catch, banks moved into the area one after another. A section of the city called the Wall Street of the North was established. (55 min.)
↓　Walk 5 min.
❼ Chuodori Street
This is the street that goes straight down from the front of Otaru Station to the sea. It is the shortest way to the canal.
↓　Walk 8 min.
❽ Sankaku Market
There are 15 stores in the market. Six of them are restaurants. Souvenirs and seafood bowls are popular among tourists. (30 min.)
↓　Walk 1 min.
❾ Otaru Station
The charm of Otaru as seen in the video

Information from Otaru City

Tourist Information Center Update

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Monthly Event Information

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Weather in Otaru

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Emergency Information from Otaru City

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Otaru Eating Around Inbound MAP

Member Stores of Otaru Eating Around Inbound MAP

❶ Kitanoryoba Otaru Unga Branch
❷ Grand Park Otaru
❸ Otaru Sobaya Yabuhan
❹ Kihinkan Hanakazura
❺ osteria il Piatto
❻ Otaru Ezoya
❼ BAR MODERN TIMES
❽ Otaru Fuku Sushi
❾ Otaru Takeno Sushi
❿ Ore no Donburi GKS
⓫ Otaru Muse
⓬ Wagyu Kurosawa Honten
⓭ Kushiyaki Taisho Hanazono-ten
⓮ Hotel Neuschloss Otaru
⓯ New Sanko Otaru Honten
Otaru Eating Around Inbound MAP Home page

Access

Otaru Digital Map
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Recommended route: From Sapporo

It takes about 1 hour from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station by "Kosoku Otaru-go" bus. 32 minutes minimum by JR line. By car, it takes about 30 minutes by expressway.

Recommended route: From New Chitose Airport

Minimum 75 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Otaru Station by JR Line "Rapid Airport". By car, it takes about 60 minutes by expressway.

Recommended route: From Tokyo

Haneda Airport - New Chitose Airport is 1 hour and 30 minutes by plane. From New Chitose Airport, take the JR line to Otaru Station in 75 minutes minimum.

Bus (Hokkaido Chuo Bus, JR Hokkaido Bus)
  • Sapporo Station – Otaru Station about 1hr.
  • New Chitose Airport – Sapporo Station about 1hr. 20min.

The “Kosoku Otaru-go” bus to/from Sapporo is convenient. From New Chitose Airport, you need to transfer at Sapporo.

Rent-a-car
  • [Highway Expressway] Sapporo – Otaru about 30 min.
  • [Highway Expressway] New Chitose Airport – Otaru about 1hr.
  • [Local road] Sapporo – Otaru about 1hr. 20min.
  • [Local road] New Chitose Airport – Otaru about 1hr. 20min.
JR
  • Sapporo Station – Otaru Station fastest 32 min.
  • New Chitose Airport – Otaru Station fastest 75 min.

From New Chitose Airport and Sapporo, the “Rapid Airport” is convenient. There are three stops: Otaruchikko, Minami Otaru, and Otaru.

Airplane
  • New Chitose Airport – Sendai 1hr. 15min.
  • New Chitose Airport – Tokyo 1hr. 30 min.
  • New Chitose Airport – Nagoya 1hr. 40 min.
  • New Chitose Airport – Osaka 1hr. 50 min.
Ferry (Otaru Ferry Terminal)
  • Niigata – Otaru about 18hrs
  • Maizuru – Otaru about 20 hrs

Department of Otaru Industrial Bay Area for Tourism Promotion
12-1, Hanazono 2chome, Otaru TEL：+81-134-32-4111

Otaru City Official Site

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