Spots in Otaru Area

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Otaru

Category

Main Building of the Otaru Music Box Museum

4.0

708 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otarushi Sumiyoshichou 4-1

This landmark of Otaru, the Otaru Music Box Museum is located on a corner of the Marchen Intersection of Otaru Sakaimachi street and Irifune street. Housed in a red brick structure built in 1912, this store displays music boxes collected from all over Japan and the world resplendent with a warm radiant atmosphere. The steam-powered clock by the entranceway announces the time every 15 minutes with a blast of steam and a melody. It is a popular photo opportunity spot.

The famed music museum in the Otaru Orgel-do II building in Otaru The Music Box Museum consists of multiple buildings scattered around the southern end of Sakaimachi Street but we concentrate on the...
Kamaei (factory direct shop)

4.0

430 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otarushi Sakaimachi 3-7

Kamaei is a long-standing kamaboko seasoned fish paste company founded in 1905. In addition to conventional kamaboko served on a wooden plank, Kamaei offers a wide variety of kamaboko products, including Shiokaze kamaboko formed by steaming it in a plastic film to shape it; kamaboko steamed with crab and other seafood on top; and Noshi Kamaboko, a terrine-like dish made by combining layers of kamaboko. The Kamaei plant offers factory tours as well as selling kamaboko direct to customers. There's also a cafe space where you can enjoy fresh-cooked kamaboko and unusual kamaboko dishes served no place else.

Big range of fish cakes from sweet, spicy and savoury. And it stayed fresh overnight too as we bought some to eat in our hotel room the next day and it was still delicious. There is also a souvenir...
Kitaichi Glass Sangokan (Emporium No. 3)

4.0

351 Reviews

Shopping

Hokkaido Otarushi Sakaimachi 7-26

Kitaichi Glass Sangokan (Emporium No. 3) located a little south of the canal is a popular tourist attraction even in Otaru and is well known as a glassware store. It also contains retailers of original glass products such as colorful glasses and lamps as well as cafe bars where stained glass spreads across the ceiling. One of the popular shops is Kitaishi Hall which is lit by 167 oil lamps. Because you can order meals and confectionary in the shop, it is recommended as a place to have a break from sightseeing. This fantasy space that is just like entering the world of the movies is worth a visit.

Many shops in Otaru selling glass items but this is one of the biggest we went which has a wide range of items and designs. I wanted to buy a sake set which I found here - good quality and pretty...
Otaru Canal Cruise

4.0

188 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otarushi Minatomachi 5-4

You can find the ticket center and dock at the Otaru Canal Chuobashi Bridge located about a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station towards the port. You can enjoy the history and romance of Otaru City from the canal boat with cruises lasting about 40 minutes. With the gas-powered street lights along the canal, the night cruises are a beautiful sight to behold. During the cold winter a canopy covers the boat and heaters are provided to keep passengers warm.

The tour itself especially the night time cruise (when it runs) is OK by be aware commentary is in Japanese only. So if you do not speak Japanese not worth doing cruise. As cruise does not have...
Bank of Japan Otaru Museum

4.0

329 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otarushi Ironai 1-11-16

In about 1900, banks concentrated in Otaru City and it began to be called “Wall Street of the north”. Among them, the Bank of Japan also entered Otaru City, and the building which was completed in 1912 became the Otaru Branch. Using the historical building of the time, historical artifacts of the Bank of Japan and the development of Otaru are displayed. You can feel the weight of a package containing 100 million yen (imitation) and see the anti-counterfeiting technology to prevent the forgery of bills. Guided tours are conducted twice a day (Required time: about 30 minutes.)

Revealed hitherto unknown facts to me about the economic importance of Otaru and Hokkaido in the east Asian region.
Otaru City General Museum Main Building

4.0

142 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Otarushi Temiya 1-3-6

A museum opened in July 2007 which looks at the history and natural environment of Otaru City as well as science, technology, and the history of transportation on the island of Hokkaido. The museum is divided into two facilities—the Main Building and the Canal Museum. The Main Building has a permanent exhibit which presents the history of railroads in Hokkaido, including 50 preserved examples of major railway vehicles used on the island such as the Shizuka steam locomotive. The Main Building also has a planetarium and science exhibits and conducts simple experiments and short craft classes on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. In the summer, the Iron Horse, a steam engine built in the United States in 1909, is operated outside the museum, and visitors can ride the train for free.

This museum is only about trains. The museum was just ok, very little English info. I did really enjoy the train cars on display outside. Especially the snow plow trains. Its worth a visit.
Otaru Taisho Glass Palace

4.0

194 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otarushi Ironai 1-1-8

Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Otaru Station, this shop was repurposed from the historical Natori Takasaburo Store built in 1906. Inside the shop are displays of Japanese style glass works made in Otaru City which are available for purchase. Nearby are a series of shops including the Vidro-Kan with its collection of miniature glass and the Tonbo Tama-Kan that features a workshop to try out glass production.

Located in The Former Takasabuto Natori Store, the building is one of the designated historic landmarks of Otaru City. Now occupied by the Otaru Taisho Glass Palace, this place is filled with...
Otaru Canal

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otarushi Minatomachi

Otaru Port played an important role as a gateway in the development of Hokkaido. During the late Taisho period small boats called “barges” were used to unload ships, but as the amount of cargo increased, the “Otaru Canal” was constructed so the barges could enter the warehouses directly. There are 63 gas lamps along the cobbled pathway and at night the lights create a nostalgic atmosphere. The warehouses along the canal are wooden frame and stone constructions kept in their original state, currently used as restaurants, etc.
Otaru Music Box Museum Hall Number 2 Antique Museum

4.0

133 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Otaru-shi Sakaimachi 6-13

"This music box company has shops not only in Hokkaido but also nationwide, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Okinawa. Enwrapped in the old-fashioned atmosphere of the museum building located 100 meters away from the Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building, visitors can enjoy the ""music of the heavens"" of the music boxes in the collection up close. Filled with historic and valuable antique music boxes, visitors can also view an Aeolian pipe organ made in England in 1908. The first self-playing pipe organ brought into Japan, the organ still resounds with the same beautiful sounds today as when it was first built."

I went here because my friend wanted to go. However I ended up falling in love with this place and came back with 2 music boxes. I hope I get a chance to go here again some day again.
Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura

4.0

109 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otarushi Nobukachou 2-2

Located only a 5-minute walk from the JR Minami Otaru Station, this is only sake brewery in Otaru. It proudly makes the Japanese sake brand, Takaragawa, Otaru Bijin liqueur, and Maho-no-Itteki hon-mirin, a sweet rice wine for cooking. Its stone masonry warehouse, built around 1905 is designated as one of Otaru's historic building. At the store, one can enjoy free sake-tastings of sake shipped direct from the brewery, Shiboritate fresh bottled sake without pasteurization, and approximately 10 other varieties of seasonal sakes. Brewery tours where one can observe the production process are offered for free all year round. *Reservations needed for groups over 10.

Visited this factory on a guided tour and found the process of how they make sake very interesting. Our guide explained all of the processes and at the end of the tour we could drink as much sake as...
Kitaichi Venetian Art Museum

3.5

136 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Otarushi Sakaimachi 5-27

The exterior of the building is modeled on the Palazzo Grassi in Venice while the second, third and fifth floor exhibition rooms, styled on the 18th century palace rooms, house an elegant museum. The museum hosts many special exhibitions in addition to the Venetian displays of interior design throughout the seasons and permanent displays of Murano Glass. You can also get dressed up in aristocratic or carnival-style clothing and have your photograph taken for posterity! The museum is a 10-minute walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station and a ten minute drive from Otaru interchange.

This shop sells lots of different coloured glass items produced locally. They are beautiful and intricate. Reminded me of Murano glass.
Wing Bay Otaru

3.5

76 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Otaru-shi Chikko 11

This commercial complex facility is located six minutes by outbound rapid train (JR Hakodate Main Line) from JR Otaru Station at JR Otaru-Chikko Station (directly connected to Wing Bay Otaru). It was built as a place of expression in Otaru, a city that combines nature and culture. It has popular brand shops, a fitness gym, movie theater and a variety of restaurants. In addition, events are held on weekends inviting various performers.

Went there for clothes shopping early January 2019. Claimed tax free so that receipt was stapled in my passport. And I hadn’t take a photo of the receipt before leaving receipts at custom of Chitose...
Otaru City Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion)

4.0

98 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otarushi Shukutsu 3-228

A mansion built for the fishing families in Otaru City. Originally established in Tomari on the Shakotan Peninsula in 1897 the mansion was relocated to its current location in 1958. Items and tools used in the daily lives of the families and used in the catching and processing of herring are on display. You can also experience the techniques of the time yourself with hands on exhibits.

Gives perspective to traditional fishing culture in Hokkaido with artifact and exhibits All beautifully displayed and with great views.
Suitengu Shrine

4.0

70 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otaru-shi Aioicho 3-1

A Shinto shrine located on a hill in the center of Otaru City with a sweeping view of downtown Otaru and Otaru Port. On the grounds, visitors can find a monument inscribed with a poem by Takuboku Ishikawa. Also a renowned cherry blossom viewing destination, in spring the shrine bustles with visitors. The main shrine and front shrine buildings have been designated Historic Structures by Otaru City.

Climbed up the mountain to Suitengu for Cherry Blossom. Still beautiful as before, enjoy nice sea view and peacefulness there.
Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway

3.5

3 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otarushi Mogami 2-16-15

The ropeway connects Mt. Tengu, the symbol of Otaru, from the foot of the mountain to the summit in about four minutes. In the daytime you can see views of Otaru City looking like a miniature garden below, Otaru port and Ishikari Bay, and on clear days you can see as far Mt. Shokanbetsu and the Shakotan Peninsula. The observation deck at the summit has been awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide to Japan. In the evening, you can enjoy the beautiful night views of Otaru, said to be one of the top three night views in Hokkaido. Enjoy a nostalgic evening with views over the city like jewels sparkling in the night.

Cool little ski area. Some quite challenging terrain to be found. Also nice bit of gentle area for learners. Easy access on a bus from Otaru.
Otaru Aquarium

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Otarushi Shukutsu 3-303

This aquarium allows visitors to view the ecology of more than 250 types of animals and fish up close. Their diverse shows such as the dynamic dolphin and sea lion show as well as the Penguin Walk, during which penguins walk from their enclosure to the ocean, are immensely popular. The Marine Mammals Park runs along the natural rocky shore, and has partitioned the seawater tank to exhibit sea lions, seals, and sea eagles in a natural habitat. Hokkaido Chuo Bus takes visitors from JR Otaru Station to the aquarium.
Otaru Museum canal building

4.0

49 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Hokkaido Otarushi Ironai 2-1-20

This museum, just a 10-minute walk in the direction of the Otaru Canal from Otaru Station, houses a collection of Otaru's history and nature artifacts. The main depository is located just a 20-minute walk beyond the museum, for which the museum combination admission ticket is valid for 2 days. The Canal Museum was built in 1893, and redesigned from the treasured stone masonry Former Otaru Warehouse, making the museum itself a highly valued asset. In the museum, a life-size replicated broad street of Otaru during its heyday, the Taisho period (1912-1926), is on display where one can enjoy using the old-fashioned telephone and the organ.

Based on my pre-study of the recommended sightseeing routes, we first visited Otaru General Museum Unga-kan (Canal Museum). The museum occupies the northern section of a timber-framed stone storage...
Orgel-doh(R) Kaimeiro Main Store

4.0

36 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otaru-shi Sakaimachi 1-20

"This specialty music box store is located facing Sakaimachi Street. The historic building was built in 1893, and Kaimeiro Brand music boxes are exhibited and sold here. It has been designated as a historical building of Otaru City, and has a mysterious atmosphere which evokes a sense of nostalgia. It has a reputation for allowing customers to spend their time peacefully in the spacious and brightly lit store. As the building also has a workshop, customers can choose their music and boxes to order ""mix and match music boxes,"" even purchase ""DIY music boxes"" to decorate themselves or also order ""custom-made music boxes"" with your memorable music."

この建物は、小樽市の堺町本通りにある旧第百十三国立銀行小樽支店の歴史的建造物です。大きな両開きの玄関扉と大きな窓には鉄格子が入っており、銀行だったことが分かります。現在はオルゴールのショップとして使用されていました。
Otaru Sankaku Market

4.0

529 Reviews

Shopping

Hokkaido Otaru-shi Inaho 3-10-16

Lots of live seafood on display here especially humongous crabs of all types! Fun visit for young kids. Many places inside selling seafood donburi which easily provides more bang for buck vs those...
The Glass Studio in Otaru

4.5

22 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otarushi Mogami 2-16-16

This glass workshop surrounded by nature in the foothills of Mt. Tenguyama, displays and sells works focusing on the glass craft artist Chiyoji Asahara. Visitors can also view the production of glass crafts, as well as experience glass blowing and a technique called sandblasting. The craft experience is popular, so reservations in advance are recommended.

As I had time to kill while waiting for the bus I popped into this studio. Amazing stuff, pity I couldn’t see myself bring it back to Australia. Looking down at the guys working molten glass was very...

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Hokkaido Areas

Not just a prefecture but an island of its own, Hokkaido is the most northerly prefecture and island of the Japanese archipelago. Arriving in Hokkaido, which is rural and bursting with breathtaking nature, means entering a world where vast national parks, towering mountains, and natural hot springs can be found at every turn. Come December, these natural splendors freeze over and morph into a winter wonderland.