Otaru is a small port city on Hokkaido’s western coast, a short train ride from Sapporo. Once a major hub for trade between Japan and Russia, it is celebrated today for its historic canal area, fresh seafood and arts and crafts scene.
It is picturesque any time of year but a snow-covered Otaru in winter is special. One day is enough time to explore its historic centre, shop for picturesque glasswork, eat at its famous seafood market and maybe visit a sake brewery. Here’s how to do it and what to see.
Getting There from Sapporo
I caught the JR Rapid Airport Line from Sapporo Station which took around 40 minutes. Services run every 30 minutes and you can check timetables and fares at JR Hokkaido Railway.
JR Hakodate line trains cover the same route in 50 minutes.
Buy a ticket from the vending machine or use your IC card (I used Suica). The Japan Rail Pass is valid on these services. There is no need to buy a ticket in advance.
Try to bag a seat on the left-hand side of the train for ocean views as you approach Otaru.
Buses also run between Sapporo and Otaru. Although generally slower and less frequent than trains, the bus can be a more scenic alternative, following a coastal route with views of Ishikari Bay.
My Suggested 1-Day Otaru Itinerary
As Otaru is compact and most of its attractions are within walking distance of each other, it is easy to explore in a single day. I visited as part of my 3-day Sapporo itinerary.
What to See in Otaru
Sankaku Market
Sankaku Market is to your left as you exit the train station.
The narrow alleys of this busy fish and seafood market are crammed with stalls selling everything from the city’s famous sea urchins to scallops. You’ll also see plenty of hairy crabs, another famous Otaru offering.
This is a great place for a seafood kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) breakfast, or return for lunch.
Otaru Canal
A symbol of Otaru, this canal was once central to the city’s shipping and trade industry. Although no longer used commercially, it remains a picturesque focal point, lined with old stone warehouses that have been repurposed into restaurants, shops and galleries.
Visit in the morning for fewer crowds. Otaru Canal is a ten-minute walk from the train station.
Sakaimachidori Shopping Street
I rarely recommend visiting a city’s shops – it always seems a little lame – but I’ll make an exception in this case.
Stretching for nearly a kilometre, Sakaimachi is a haven for lovers of traditional Japanese crafts. The shops here are famous for locally made glassware and music boxes, as well as sweets and sake.
Its shops are housed in stone and wooden buildings from the early 20th Century. Information boards will fill you in on their history.
Don’t miss the Otaru Music Box Museum (Otaru Orugoru-do) and the adjacent Otaru Steam Clock. This was a gift from Vancouver to Otaru and marks each hour with a blast of steam.
If you continue along Sakaimachidori, you’ll reach Tanaka Sake Brewery. Established in 1885, this brewery makes sake rice with groundwater from the melted snow of Mount Tengu. It offers free tours and tastings year-round.
What to Eat and Drink in Otaru
Otaru is renowned for its fresh seafood and sweets, as well as its own take on international dishes influenced by its trade history. Here are a few suggestions for dishes to try and where to enjoy them:
1. Seafood Kaisendon (Seafood Rice Bowl): A rice bowl topped with an assortment of fresh seafood, usually sashimi. Toppings often include salmon, crab, shrimp, scallops and sea urchin.
Where to Try It: Sankaku Market
2. Otaru Sushi: This is one of Hokkaido’s top spots for sushi because of its access to exceptionally fresh fish.
Where to Try It: Otaru Sushi Street (Otaru Sushi-yokocho)
3. Grilled Crab: A Hokkaido speciality.
Where to Try It: Sankaku Market
4. Uni Ikura Donburi: A donburi (rice bowl) featuring buttery sea urchin and briny salmon roe over rice.
Where to Try It: Kita no Donburiya Takinami Shokudo in Sankaku Market
5. LeTAO Cheesecake: A two-layered cheesecake with a light, creamy top and rich, dense bottom.
Where to Try It: LeTAO Main Store on Sakaimachi Street
6. Soft Serve Ice Cream: Hokkaido dairy is famous across Japan, and Otaru offers some of the creamiest soft-serve ice cream, often with unique flavours like melon, milk or cheese. It’s hugely popular, even in winter.
Where to Try It: Kitaichi Glass and Venetian Café on Sakaimachido
7. Otaru Beer: Brewed locally in a German-inspired style, made using traditional brewing techniques.
Where to Try It: Otaru Beer Brewery, located near the canal, has a restaurant and beer hall and also serves German-inspired dishes like sausages and pretzels.
My Top Tips for Visiting Otaru in Winter
Is Otaru Worth Visiting?
I enjoyed my day in Otaru but unless you are interested in its traditional crafts, I wouldn’t claim it’s a must-see, particularly if you are visiting Hokkaido outside of winter. That said, it’s an easy day trip from Sapporo and the Otaru Canal is one of Japan’s most iconic sights (not to mention it looks sensational in winter).
In short, Otaru is worth visiting if you have a half-day to spare. If you can’t fit it in, don’t worry that you are missing out.
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About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.