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 must-visit attraction showcasing a vast collection of music boxes from around the world. Housed in a charming historical building, the museum allows visitors to enjoy the nostalgic melodies of various music boxes and even create their own custom pieces. The museum is located at the end of Sakaimachi Street, about a 15-minute walk from 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 is one of only a few steam-powered clocks in the world. 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 1897, 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 a 15-minute bus ride from Otaru Station, and entry costs 300 yen.
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 a round-trip ropeway ticket costs 1,400 yen.
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 30 to 45 minutes depending on the service and costs 750 yen one-way. Trains run frequently, approximately every 15 minutes, and offer comfortable seating with scenic views of the coastline as you approach Otaru.
You can also take the Airport Rapid train between Sapporo and Otaru. This train offers both reserved and non-reserved seating. 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.
Otaru Station
By Bus
The Hokkaido Chuo Bus company operates regular services to Otaru, departing from the Sapporo Station Bus Terminal at intervals throughout the day. The journey takes around 1 hour and costs 640 yen for a one-way trip. Buses arrive at the Otaru Canal Terminal, conveniently located near the main attractions. This option is slightly slower than the train but offers a direct route to the heart of Otaru.
By Car
To travel from Sapporo to Otaru by car, take the Hokkaido Expressway (Route 5). The journey should take around 50 minutes and costs approximately 1,020 yen in toll fees. 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.
