Things to do in Otaru

Welcome to Otaru

During your time in Sapporo, make a day trip to the nearby harbor city of Otaru (Otaru-shi) to explore its unique canals and preserved herring mansions that offer a glimpse into Otaru’s past as a herring fishing hub. Today, the town’s cobblestone streets are hung with picturesque gas lamps, and the stone warehouses along its network of canals have been converted into a vibrant community of cafes, restaurants, shops and glassworks.

Glassblowers are especially revered here, and you can visit local glassmakers like Kitaichi Glassworks Company, or take a glass blowing lesson at the Glass Studio. Other sights include the Otaru museum, housed in a restored warehouse, and the Music Box Museum, which has a half dozen locations around town and a collection of more than 25,000 music boxes.

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Top 2 attractions in Otaru

A view of the warehouses and benches of the Otaru Canal, Hokkaido.

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Otaru Canal

One of Hokkaido’s best-known sightseeing spots, historic Otaru Canal provides a nostalgic glimpse into the days when the region was a hub of trade with Russia and China. Lined with turn-of-the-century brick storehouses that now house shops, cafés, and museums, Otaru Canal is a lovely spot for a stroll.

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Cityscape of Otaru as seen from Mt. Tengu, Japan.

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Mt. Tengu (Tenguyama)

Standing 1,745 feet (532 meters) above Otaru, Mt. Tengu (Tenguyama) is the symbol of the Hokkaido city. From the summit visitors can take in sweeping views of Otaru and the Sea of Japan.

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