Sightseeing
Change appearance with the season
Otaru
Otaru is rich in nature.
Its appearance changes dramatically depending on the season.
A place full of charm that will make you want to visit again and again
We hope you enjoy Otaru.
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Tourist Attractions
Otaru's economy once developed through trade, fishing, and coal, and it flourished as the leading financial city in northern Japan.
Otaru's iconic canal, Wall Street in the North with its old bank buildings, and the remains of Hokkaido's first railway line.
We will introduce you to some of the best tourist spots in this historic city.
Art
Otaru City Museum of Art and Literature
Located in the former Otaru Regional Savings Bureau of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, it houses an art museum and a literature museum. It stores materials and works mainly of writers with ties to Otaru, and the art museum displays books and materials of novelists, poets, tanka poets, and haiku poets, including Nakamura Zensaku and Ichihara Arinori, while the literature museum displays books and materials of novelists, poets, tanka poets, and haiku poets, including Kobayashi Takiji and Ito Sei.
Access: 5 minutes on foot
Otaru Art Base
This complex art space utilizes a historic building constructed in the early 20th century. Composed of multiple facilities including a stained glass museum and a Western art museum, it offers a luxurious experience of appreciating outstanding paintings, beautiful glass art, and magnificent decorative arts from both Japan and abroad.
Access: 5 minutes on foot
Touring tourist spots art
Former Temiya Line of Japanese National Railways
It is part of Hokkaido's first railway, the Government-run Horonai Railway, which opened in 1880 to transport coal from Horonai (Mikasa City) to the port city of Otaru. The line changed name and function before being closed in 1985. It has now been developed into a walking trail with a total length of approximately 1,600 meters, leaving behind the remains of the tracks and crossing gates.
Access: 5 minutes on foot
Otaru City Museum Main Building and Canal Hall
This museum focuses on the history and nature of Otaru, the transportation history of Hokkaido, and science and technology. The main building is located at the starting point of the former Japanese National Railways Temiya Line and mainly exhibits railways, and hosts many events and experiences for children. The Canal Museum displays tens of thousands of items related to Otaru's history and natural history dating back to the Jomon period.
Access:
[Main building] From the bus stop "Chuodori", take "2 and 3 Otaru City Main Line", "11 Shukutsu Line", or "12 Akaiwa Line" and get off at "Temiya"
[Canal Hall] 3 minutes walk from the hotel
Bank of Japan Financial Archives
This historic building was designed by leading Meiji-era architects, including Kingo Tatsuno. Utilizing the former Otaru branch of the Bank of Japan, it provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the history of Otaru's development (once known as the "Wall Street of the North"), the structure of the Bank of Japan, and the history of money.
Access: 5 minutes on foot
Otaru City designated historical building
The city boasts a wealth of valuable buildings that tell the story of its past prosperity, including warehouses, banks, trading companies, and shops. These beautiful buildings, adorned with the most advanced technology and designs of their time, are still used today as shops and hotels, adding a touch of charm to the entire city.
Otaru Aquarium
This aquarium boasts a magnificent location surrounded by nature. Visitors can enjoy thrilling dolphin and sea lion shows, and in the "Marine Mammal Park" area, which is a section of the natural ocean, they can see sea lions and penguins living their lives up close.
Access: From the Chuodori bus stop, take the 10 Otaru Aquarium Line or the 11 Shukutsu Line and get off at the final stop, Otaru Aquarium
Enjoy nature
Kiroro Resort
Located near Otaru, this year-round resort is surrounded by abundant nature. In winter, it's a bustling ski resort offering some of the world's finest powder snow, while in summer, visitors can enjoy trekking and various outdoor activities in a cool climate. A shuttle bus service is also available during the winter season.
Hot springs Ski Resort
Located just a 20-minute drive from downtown Otaru, this ski resort offers easy Access while allowing you to ski while enjoying stunning views of the Sea of Japan. Its diverse course design caters to skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced, and a relaxing soak in Hot springs at the foot of the mountain is a popular way to unwind after a day of skiing.
Access: Take Chuo Bus from Otaru Ekimae Terminal to the last stop on the 13 Asarigawa Hot springs line, and get off at Asarigawa Hot springs.
Temiya Park
Located in the northern part of the city, this park sits on a lush, elevated hilltop offering panoramic views of Otaru Port and the beautiful cityscape. It boasts a chestnut grove of approximately 230 trees, considered the northernmost limit of natural chestnut forests. In spring, it becomes a popular spot for locals, with around 700 cherry trees in full bloom.
Access: From the Chuodori bus stop, take the 2 and 3 Otaru City Main Line, 11 Shukutsu Line, or 12 Akaiwa Line to Temiya, then walk for about 10 minutes
Otaru's Eight Wards and Eight Views
The city is divided into eight districts, and eight beautiful scenic spots have been selected for each district, totaling 64 breathtaking viewpoints. From beaches and capes to historic fishing ports and panoramic views from hilltops, you can enjoy the profound charm of Otaru, which varies depending on the season and location.
Ranshima Beach
This historic beach, established in 1903, is known as the "birthplace of Hokkaido's swimming beaches." It features crystal-clear waters and a gently sloping, beautiful sandy shore, attracting many swimmers and campers during the season.
Access:
Bus: From Otaru Station Terminal, take the "18 Yoichi Line", "20 Shakotan Line", "Expressway Iwanai-go", or "Expressway Niseko-go" and get off at "Ranjima"
JR…From Otaru Station, take the train bound for "Shikaribetsu/Kutchan" and get off at "Ranjima"
Taste food
Italian Restaurant
Otaru boasts many Italian restaurants. This is due to its historical background as a thriving "Wall Street of the North," where Western cuisine took root. With fresh seafood from Otaru Port, agricultural products from neighboring Yoichi, and a wealth of wines from this renowned wine-producing region, it's definitely worth a visit to create lasting travel memories.
Hanazono area
This is Otaru's representative entertainment district, packed with everything from long-established sushi restaurants and izakayas to yakiniku restaurants and nostalgic snack bars. Just a step away from the main street, narrow alleys wind and turn, allowing you to enjoy a retro and deep night that retains the atmosphere of the Showa era.
Access: About 10 minutes on foot