Otaru is located to the west of Sapporo, about 35 minutes by JR rapid train. It is also easily accessible from New Chitose Airport in 75 minutes by rapid train.
Otaru is a small port town facing the sea. The town has a history of development along with the development of the port and canals, and the scenery of the sea can be enjoyed.
It is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy the townscape with many old-fashioned retro buildings. There are many attractive sightseeing spots around the Otaru Canal, famous for its beautiful scenery. Kitaichi Glass, famous for its glass, Sakai-machi Street for shopping, and Sankaku Ichiba can all be visited within a 10-15 minutes’ walk.
Otaru Canal Winter Night Cruise & Rickshaw
Winter night cruises on the Otaru Canal are very popular. You
can also enjoy illumination for a limited time.
The rickshaw rides along the snowy road while getting to know the town of Otaru through the commentary of the rickshaw driver. You can also see big-sized tsuraras at old buildings in the town.
Snow Activities
Snowshoeing, walking skiing, and other casual snow activities are
available.
Restaurant
It is only a 15 minute drive from the snow resort, and the charm of Otaru is that there are many local restaurants nearby.
Otaru has many restaurants where you can enjoy the local atmosphere. There are also many famous yatai stalls and back-alley restaurants.
Food Recommendations
Sushi and kaisendon (seafood bowls) using fresh seafood from Otaru as ingredients are definitely recommended. It is also recommended to enjoy them with grilled dishes or Western cuisine. There are also many yakiniku and yakitori restaurants, which are very popular among the locals. Otaru Ankake Yakisoba, a local food, features hearty noodles and plenty of thick sauce. It is Otaru's most popular dish.
Wine & Sake & Beer
Otaru's delicious water supports wine, sake, and beer making. The
Otaru Wine Gallery will be renovated in September 2023 and offers tasting tours. Sake is brewed year-round and can be visited at any time of year. Freshly brewed beer is served at the beer hall. Enjoy a great night out in Otaru with wine, sake, and beer.
Otaru Snow Light Path At "Otaru Snow Light Path" held in February, candles spreading all around the city create a fantastic scenery.
Candles are lit by many citizens and volunteer teams from overseas in this popular event. Don't miss the snow and light formations such as objets d'art, snow candles, and ice candles.
Otaru Snow Resort
A skiing or snowboarding experience with a view of the sea is a memory that will last a lifetime.
There are three ski resorts in Otaru City, and the sea can be seen from all of them. The three ski resorts are located about 15 minutes by car from downtown Otaru. World-famous snow resorts such
as Kiroro, Sapporo Kokusai, Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano are also within a day trip from Otaru, making Otaru a base for long-term stays for snow sports, which will become a trend in the future!
Asarigawa Onsen Ski Area
The three ski resorts are located about a 15-minute drive from downtown Otaru. Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort is conveniently
located within walking distance of accommodations in the hot spring resort area. It offers a range of attractive slopes, from gently undulating ones suitable for families to steeper slopes that will challenge advanced skiers.
Snow Cruise Onze
Snow Cruise Onze is about 40 minutes from central Sapporo by car. The place is famous for night skiing and is open until 11:00 p.m.
every day. Visitors can have a wonderful time while skiing or snowboarding, viewing Ishikari Bay during the day and the night view
of the city at night.
Otaru Tenguyama Ski Resort
Otaru Tenguyama Ski Resort is renowned for its breathtaking views of Otaru City and Otaru Port, as well as its steep slope known as
"Tengu no Kabe," which has nurtured many famous skiers.
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