The city of Otaru is a charming port town known for its beautifully preserved canal, historical buildings, glassware shops, and the enchanting Otaru Snow Light Path Festival held annually in February. Just a short distance from Sapporo, Otaru offers a glimpse into Hokkaido’s rich cultural and maritime heritage. Otaru can easily be reached from Sapporo by train, bus, or car.
Otaru Canal in the Summer
The Main Attractions
Otaru Canal is the heart of the city and a symbol of its historical significance as a major port. Lined with Victorian-style street lamps and old warehouses converted into museums, cafes, and shops, the canal area provides a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. The canal is especially beautiful at dusk when the gas lamps are lit, casting a warm glow over the water. Otaru Canal is a 10-minute walk from Otaru Station.
Sakaimachi Street
Sakaimachi Street is a historic merchant street lined with beautifully preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these structures now house glassware shops, music box stores, cafes, and souvenir shops. The street is famous for its Otaru Glass, where you can watch artisans at work and purchase exquisite glass products. Sakaimachi Street is a 15-minute walk from Otaru Station.
Local seafood at Sakaimachi Street in Otaru
Otaru Music Box Museum is a music-box shop with historical displays in a preserved building at the end of Sakaimachi Street. Visitors can make their own music boxes at the separate nearby Yukobo studio. The main building is about a 25-minute walk from Otaru Station, or seven minutes from Minami-Otaru Station. Entry is free, but there are fees for workshops and certain exhibits.
Otaru Music Box Museum
Otaru Steam Clock, situated in front of the Music Box Museum, is a popular landmark. This antique-style clock was a gift from the city of Vancouver and has an electrically driven clock mechanism with steam-powered whistles. The clock releases steam and plays melodies every 15 minutes, attracting many visitors eager to witness its charming performance.
Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion) is a historical building that offers insight into Otaru’s herring fishing past, which was once the backbone of the local economy. Built in Tomari in 1897 and moved to Otaru in 1958, the mansion served as the residence of a wealthy herring fishing magnate. Visitors can explore the traditional Japanese architecture and learn about the history of the herring industry through various exhibits. Nishin Goten is about a 25-minute bus ride from Otaru Station to the Otaru Aquarium terminus, followed by a five-minute walk. Adult admission costs 300 yen. The mansion opens seasonally from spring to late autumn.
Mt. Tengu offers panoramic views of Otaru and the Sea of Japan. A ropeway takes visitors to the summit, where they can enjoy observation decks, a ski museum, and hiking trails. In winter, Mt. Tengu transforms into a popular ski resort. The ropeway station is a 20-minute bus ride from Otaru Station, and an adult round-trip ropeway ticket costs 1,800 yen in summer and 2,000 yen in winter.
Otaru city view from Mt. Tengu observation deck
How to Get There
Otaru can be reached from Sapporo by train, bus, and car. The most convenient way to travel between these cities is by train, but considering the scenic coastal route, driving can also be an enjoyable option.
By Train
To travel from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station, you can take the JR Hakodate Main Line. The journey takes around 35 to 50 minutes depending on the service and costs 800 yen one-way for an adult in a non-reserved seat. Trains run frequently throughout the day, with journey times varying by service, and offer scenic coastal views as you approach Otaru. Check that your train is bound for Otaru.
Rapid Airport trains on this route offer both non-reserved seats and reserved u-seats. A separate reserved-seat ticket is required for a u-seat; the reservation costs extra unless it is covered by your rail pass. If you have a Japan Rail Pass or Hokkaido Rail Pass, you can reserve a seat on the Airport Rapid train at no extra cost. Obtain the reservation before boarding; seats are subject to availability.
Otaru Station
By Bus
Hokkaido Chuo Bus and JR Hokkaido Bus operate the Kosoku Otaru highway bus service. Otaru-bound buses depart from Sapporo Ekimae stop 1 and arrive at Otaru Station Bus Terminal. The journey takes around 1 hour, depending on the route and traffic, and an adult one-way ticket costs 730 yen. The canal is about a 10-minute walk from the Otaru terminal.
By Car
To travel from Sapporo to Otaru by car, take the Sasson Expressway (E5A). Allow around 50 to 60 minutes from central Sapporo, depending on traffic and your starting point. Tolls depend on where you join the expressway; for example, the standard one-way toll from Sapporo-Nishi IC to Otaru IC is 820 yen for an ordinary car. National Route 5 is a separate toll-free alternative. Driving allows you to explore at your own pace and visit attractions off the beaten path. However, consider the cost of renting a car and parking fees in Otaru. For more information on local driving, check our article on Car Rental in Sapporo.
Article by Maria Fukuda. Photos by 7maru/pixta (1), fotosM/pixta (2,5), Angkana Unthaya (3), Yukou/pixta (4), t.sakai/pixta (6). All rights reserved. Last updated 23-Sep-2026.
