Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Otaru, Japan

Summary:

When visiting various locations on the island of Hokkaido, particularly Sapporo, it is advisable to explore some of the smaller towns in the vicinity. One such town that deserves attention is Otaru, which, while lesser-known outside of Japan, holds a prominent place domestically due to its vibrant arts scene and notable glassblowing industry.

This town, located by the harbor, boasts a seafood-focused culinary culture, allowing visitors to savor some of the most exquisite sushi in the region.

Exploring Otaru also provides insight into the historical significance of its fishing industry through visits to former merchant residences. Additionally, the network of canals presents an excellent opportunity for walking tours throughout the city.

1. Try the Ice Cream

Otaru and the broader Hokkaido region are celebrated for their delectable ice cream.

For an exceptional experience, visit Kita-no Aisukurimu-ya-san, situated inside a historic warehouse from 1892. This ice cream shop is renowned for its unique flavors, including ika-sumi (squid ink), which presents a striking black color yet possesses a pleasant sweetness.

For those feeling adventurous, sampling the sea urchin flavor known as uni is a must, while the sweet melon flavor offers a more traditional choice.

2. Walk Along Otaru Canal

Otaru Canal, constructed in 1923, serves as the town’s focal point. A walkway borders the canal, offering a scenic path for leisurely strolls. Visiting in the evening is particularly enchanting as the promenade lights up with historical oil lamps, creating a charming ambiance.

For a different perspective, consider taking a boat tour along the canal, which typically lasts around 40 minutes.

3. Check Out the Glass Ware

Otaru is recognized as a significant glass production area in Japan, historically notable for oil lamps and glass floats utilized in the fishing sector.

The contemporary glass industry now offers a diverse array of decorative items, with numerous workshops throughout the town providing excellent opportunities for souvenir shopping. Visitors may also participate in glass blowing classes to create their own pieces.

Kitaichi Glass is a prominent establishment here, celebrated for its exquisite handmade crystal products available nationwide.

4. Explore Otaru Museum

The Otaru Museum comprises multiple sections, with the Ungakan section showcasing intriguing dioramas that depict the city’s history.

Housed in a warehouse dating back to 1893, it is conveniently located near the renowned Otaru Canal. Visitors can discover how Otaru’s development was closely tied to its thriving herring trade during the 20th century.

5. Walk Through Nichigin-dori

The term Nichigin-dori translates to ‘Wall Street of the North’ in English.

This area once served as the financial district of the city, and many historical buildings remain well-preserved, allowing visitors to experience a sense of the past while strolling through the streets.

6. Try the Local Beer

For those seeking refreshment in Otaru, Otaru Beer is a renowned beer hall worth visiting.

This establishment features a Bavarian theme, complete with staff dressed in traditional attire and live polka music during the evenings. Brewed in-house, the local beer offers authenticity and freshness that contributes to the overall experience.

7. Visit the Otaru Music Box Museum

While Otaru is celebrated as a domestic tourist destination, it remains relatively lesser-known among international visitors.

A significant highlight of Otaru is its notable music box industry, best explored at the Otaru Music Box Museum. Here, one can appreciate a collection of historical pieces and even participate in designing customized music boxes as mementos.

8. Tour the Herring Mansion

Being one of Japan’s primary fishing ports, Otaru boasts a rich fishing heritage.

Foremost among the fish harvested locally is herring, which played a crucial role in the town’s economic ascent over the years.

Many of the exquisite mansions scattered across Otaru owe their existence to the wealth generated by this industry. One notable establishment, the ‘Herring Mansion,’ dates back to the 19th century and now features galleries showcasing fishing antiques and informative dioramas detailing the history of the local herring trade.

9. Go on a Cruise

Situated by the water, Otaru offers a variety of aquatic activities for visitors to partake in.

A popular option is a cruise along the canal, or for a broader view, guests may choose a cruise around Otaru Harbor. Multiple cruise companies operate these excursions and provide insightful English commentary that highlights key landmarks along the route. Many cruises also include opportunities to feed the abundant water birds inhabiting the harbor.

10. Check Out the Steam Clock

A distinctive and iconic landmark in Otaru is the Steam Clock, which visitors should not overlook. This clock was gifted to Otaru from Vancouver, Canada, and is unique in that it is powered by steam.

Visitors often gather around the clock to witness the steam whistle and chime, which occur on the hour and every 15 minutes, respectively.

11. Shop for Antiques

Otaru is renowned for its selection of antique shops, offering a wide variety of intriguing finds across the city.

Many antique shops are situated in the town center, encouraging leisurely exploration. Collectors will delight in the opportunity to discover period kimonos, hairpins, and other unique artifacts. Notably, Shichifuku is one of the most acclaimed antique shops, known for its vintage sake cups, some believed to be over a century old.

Visitors are encouraged to engage in negotiation while shopping, as it is customary to haggle for better prices!

12. Go on a Self Guided Walking Tour

Otaru’s compact size enhances its charm, as many significant historical structures, shops, and eateries are in close proximity to one another.

A self-guided walking tour is an excellent way to appreciate all the sights, beginning at the Otaru Music Box Museum and proceeding down Sakaimachihondori Street. Guests may then stroll along the banks of one of Otaru’s charming canals, concluding their tour at the Museum of Money.

This approach offers an enjoyable combination of sightseeing and light exercise.

13. Visit the Former Nihon Yusen Building

The Former Nihon Yusen Building was historically significant as the center for trade orders in Otaru. Constructed in 1906, it exemplifies the architectural evolution of the city.

Visitors can admire unique features such as rice paper wallpaper adorned with gold etchings, providing insight into the design aesthetics of that era.

14. Try the Sushi

Otaru is reputed for offering an exceptional sushi experience within Hokkaido, with establishments like Otaru Sushi-ko renowned for its commitment to using the freshest local ingredients.

Given Otaru’s coastal proximity, the menu features a variety of sushi topped with freshly caught seafood, including salmon, sea urchin, and sumptuous crab. Additionally, Otaru is well-known for its kaisen-don, rice bowls topped with the best sashimi selections.

15. Tour the Bank of Japan Otaru Museum

Once serving as the Bank of Japan’s offices in Otaru, the museum’s structure dates back to 1912 and was designed by the same architectural firm responsible for Tokyo Station.

Among its notable architectural details are keystones shaped like owls, symbolizing a well-known Ainu deity, which are said to protect the building. Visitors may also delve into the region’s monetary history during their visit.