9 Best Things to Do in Otaru, Hokkaido

1. Otaru Canal

This canal was completed in 1923, and is one of the spots that best represents Otaru. The canal was designed such that goods could be unloaded from ships directly into warehouses. At 1,140m long, the canal is lit by gas lights along the banks, and with the warehouses lit up as well, it looks like a scene from a dream. In February, the Otaru Snow Light Path event takes place. Lighted candles float in the canal, making it appear even more beautiful than usual.

HP: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10040.html (English)

HP: https://otaru.gr.jp/shop/otarucanal (Japanese)

Address: Minato-machi, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido 北海道小樽市港町 (Google Map)

2. Bank of Japan Otaru Museum

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During the early Showa era (1926 – 1989), Otaru was a thriving financial hub, and was even called the Wall Street of the North. This building was the Otaru branch of the Bank of Japan back in the day, and it is now a tourist attraction where various exhibits are housed. The thick walls and sturdy building portrays a sense of history.

HP: https://www3.boj.or.jp/otaru-m/en/index.html (English)

HP: https://www3.boj.or.jp/otaru-m/index.html (Japanese)

Address: 1-11-16 Ironai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido 北海道小樽市色内1-11-16 (Google Map)

3. Otaru Music Box Museum - Hall Number 2 Antique Museum

HP: https://www.otaru-orgel.co.jp/en (English)

HP: https://www.otaru-orgel.co.jp/ (Japanese)

Address: 6-13 Sakai-machi, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido 北海道小樽市堺町6-13 (Google Map)

4. Mt. Tengu

To the southwest of Otaru stands Mt. Tengu (Tengu-yama) at a height of 532m. It's particularly lively in the winter due to the skiers who visit. It's also well-known for being a spot with great views all year round. In fact, the view from Mt. Tengu is known as one of the top 3 night views in all of Hokkaido! You can get to the peak via the ropeway service, and there's a ski museum, as well as a Tengu statue and hall, that you can visit. Tengu are mythical creatures that are said to be able to grant your wishes, so why not visit and make a wish?

HP: www.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp/tenguyama/ (Japanese)

Address: Top of Tenguyama, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido 北海道小樽市天狗山山頂 (Google Map)

5. Tanaka Shuzo Kikkogura

HP: www.tanakashuzo.com (Japanese Only)

Address: 2-2 Nobuka-cho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido 北海道小樽市信香町2-2 (Google Map)

6. Otaru Kihinkan

Once the residence of the Aoyama family, this building is also known as the Old Aoyama Villa. The Aoyama family made a fortune during the Meiji era and Taisho era (1868 – 1926) through the herring fishing business. Built on a large site of roughly 1,500 Tsubo (approximately 5,000m²), this two-story wooden building is a historic building that's also known as the Artistic Villa in the North. There are 18 rooms inside the villa, each with their own decor. There's a restaurant inside the villa serving herring dishes, so you can enjoy good food while gazing out at the scenery from within the Japanese-style room.

HP: www.otaru-kihinkan.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 3-63 Shukutsu, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido 北海道小樽市祝津3-63 (Google Map)

7. Nataru Market (Nantaru Ichiba)

At this market, you'll be able to see all kinds of fresh seasonal ingredients gathered in one place, making it an extremely popular spot for savoring fresh seafood and other produce. Since you'll be able to taste Hokkaido at its freshest here, this is a recommended spot for those who love seafood!

HP: www.nantaruichiba.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 2F Shinei Danchi Nantaru Ichiba, 12-1 Shin-Tomicho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido  北海道小樽市新富町12-1 真栄団地南樽市場 2F (Google Map)

8. Kitaichi Glass 3rd Building

Otaru is also well-known in Japan for its glassware, like crockery and accessories. Kitaichi Glass 3rd Building used to be a place where glass oil lamps were made. Following its name, the building continues to be decorated with many glass lamps, creating a special atmosphere. Kitaichi Glass has many branches throughout Otaru, but this particular one has been designated as a historical landmark. It's a great place to shop for glassware! There's a good variety of handmade glassware that's representative of Otaru. The faceted glass and items with playful designs are very popular. Do drop by and pick up a souvenir or two!

HP: https://kitaichiglass.co.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 7-26 Sakai-machi, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido 北海道小樽市堺町7-26 (Google Map)

9. Otaru Spring Festival

The Otaru Spring Festival (Otaru Haru Matsuri) takes place at the end of May. A stage is set up in the Hanazono Ginza Shopping Street (Hanazono Ginza Shotengai), and the residents, students, merchants, enterprises, and administration staff all come together at the city’s 7 shopping districts to host this big and lively festival. It's also famous for the 3-day all-you-can-eat event that happens at 3 selected restaurants. Dance events, Yosakoi (Japanese festival dance), karaoke contests, and more are also held during the festival. It’s bound to leave some great memories, so be sure to attend!

Address: At shopping streets located at the center of Otaru-shi 小樽市内中心商店街 (Google Map)

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