Discover Otaru

Otaru has many different sides: Along the gently curving canal, you’ll encounter historic warehouses; the museums focus on nature and the city’s history; and from the summit of Mount Tengu, you can look out over the port and bay. When planning a trip, you can decide whether you’d rather focus on the city’s history, exhibitions, views or a boat trip.

Canal, warehouses and city history

The Otaru Canal was completed in 1923. Its gentle curve is due to its construction on reclaimed land along the coast. Stone warehouses line the canal; largely preserved in their original condition, some are now used as restaurants. The promenade is lit by 63 gas lamps. Together, the canal’s architecture connects the city’s history with a tangible sense of how the area is used today.

The former Temiya Line also tells the story of Otaru’s past. It was part of Hokkaido’s first railway, built to transport coal from the coal mines of Mikasa to Otaru Port. Today, a roughly 1,600-metre walking path follows the former line from the city centre to the Otaru Museum. If you’re interested in railway history, you can combine a walk with a look at this former transport route.

Exhibitions spanning nature, trade and design

The Canal Annex of the Otaru Museum of History and Nature explores both the natural world and the city’s history. More than 1,000 plant and animal species from Otaru are presented through specimens, photographs and dioramas. Other materials cover Kitamaebune shipping, herring fishing and Otaru’s development, including historical photographs and maps. The annex is housed in the Former Otaru Warehouse, a designated historic building.

Several museums offer a different perspective on design. The House of Western Art occupies the former Naniwa Warehouse and displays stained glass, glasswork and furniture in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. The Stained Glass Museum exhibits around 100 stained-glass windows made in the UK, once used to adorn church windows. At the former Otaru branch of Nippon Yusen, you can also see a structure designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

At the Bank of Japan Otaru Museum, you can get a tangible sense of a large number: in the former vault, try lifting model banknotes to find out how much 100 million yen weighs. This makes for a different museum experience from exhibitions focused mainly on historical images, collections or design.

Views, marine life and a trip to the Blue Cave

There are five viewpoints at the summit of Mount Tengu, with views of Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay. The Tenguyama Ropeway runs from the foot of the mountain to the summit; the journey takes about five minutes. If views are an important part of your trip, the summit and cable-car ride offer a distinct focus alongside the exhibitions and canal-side cityscape.

Otaru Aquarium is home to around 250 species, including porpoises, which are kept only there in Japan. On the water, the Otaru Blue Cave Exciting Cruising Tour runs from the North Otaru Canal to the Blue Cave. The round trip covers about 26 kilometres and takes around 70 minutes. These details give you a concrete point of reference if you’re considering including a boat trip in your plans.

Shape your trip around your interests

Sakaimachi-dori can add another dimension to your visit: this shopping street has glass shops, as well as shops and restaurants offering seafood, sweets and sushi. Alongside museums and historic buildings, shopping and a range of food options can also be part of your stay. When looking for a holiday rental in Otaru, you can start by thinking about which of these experiences you’d like to shape your trip. Whether you want to focus on exhibitions, views, city history, marine life or the offerings along the shopping street can help you organise your ideas for your stay.

More destinations

More destinations: Ashoro District, Nemuro, Kato District, Shibetsu District, Saroma, Kamishihoro, Hakodate, Samani.

For the broader travel overview: Hokkaido.