Otaru / Kiroro / Shakotan

Top Things to do

• Otaru Canal

  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 Aquarium

  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.

• Cape Kamui

  Hokkaido Shakotangunshakotanchou Kouzakichou

  Located at the northwestern tip of the Shakotan Peninsula, Cape Kamui has imposing cliffs that rise up 80 meters out of the Sea of Japan. From the car park at the foot of the Cape, visitors can walk up to the top of the cliffs along “Charenka’s Path” promenade, a distance of 770 meters. It takes around 20–30 minutes to complete the walk to the edge of the cliffs; visitors can enjoy marvelous views of the sea as they walk. At the cliff edge, there is a panoramic, 300-degree view of the sea horizon, giving a real sense of how the Earth is actually round, not flat. In early summer, the Hokkaido Daylilies are in bloom, which is a beautiful sight. Please note that opening hours of the gate at the entrance to the path up to the cliffs vary depending on the time of year.

• Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway

  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.

• Former Nippon Yusen K.K. Otaru Branch

  Hokkaido Otarushi Ironai 3-7-8

  Construction of the two-story brick building of modern European revival style began in 1904 and was completed in 1906. It is now designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Otaru, once the base city of Hokkaido’s development, is now a city reminiscent of the state-of-the-art technology and works by leading architects of the time. It can be said that the representative building is “Former Nippon Yusen K.K. Otaru Branch”. It is where the Russo-Japan border demarcation meeting was held, and the meeting room where the acanthus patterned wallpaper, “gold-cordered paper (kinkara kawakami)”, reflecting the light of the chandelier is a must-see.

• Otaru Museum canal building

  3.5

  31 Reviews

  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.

• Bank of Japan Otaru Museum

  4.0

  262 Reviews

  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.)

• Main Building of the Otaru Music Box Museum

  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.

• Kita-no-Aisukurimu Yasan ice cream parlor

  Hokkaido Otarushi Ironai 1-2-18

  Kita-no-Aisukurimu Yasan is an ice cream parlor housed in a stone warehouse close to the Otaru Canal. In addition to the popular fresh caramel, there are plenty of unusual selections that are unique to Hokkaido such as squid ink and sea urchin. With the refreshing 6% milk fat content, the delicious taste is very popular.