Are you planning a trip to Otaru but feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of sightseeing options and activities available? You’re not alone. Many travelers face dilemmas such as:
- Where can I experience the authentic flavors of Otaru?
- Which spots offer the best panoramic views of the city?
- How can I immerse myself in the rich cultural heritage and local delights?
Look no further! This comprehensive guide will address all these concerns, backed by firsthand experiences and recommendations. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear itinerary, brimming with must-visit spots, ensuring a memorable Otaru adventure.
- 1. Romantic Strolls Along the Otaru Canal (小樽運河)
- 2. Marvel at Exquisite Glasswork at Kitaichi Glass (北一硝子)
- 3. Soothing Melodies at the Otaru Music Box Museum (小樽オルゴール堂)
- 4. Culinary and Shopping Delights on Sakaimachi Street (堺町通り)
- 5. Breathtaking Views from Mt. Tengu (天狗山)
- 6. The Mystical Blue Cave (青の洞窟) Experience
- 7. Fresh Seafood Galore at Sankaku Market (三角市場)
- 8. Savoring Local Beers at Otaru Beer (小樽ビール)
- 9. Experiencing Ainu Sake “Kamuito-no-to” at Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura (田中酒造亀甲蔵)
- 10. Enjoying Various Shows at Otaru Aquarium (おたる水族館)
- 11. Exploring Retro Buildings on Northern Wall Street (北のウォール街)
- 12. Marveling at Breathtaking Views from Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck (祝津パノラマ展望台)
- Conclusion
1. Romantic Strolls Along the Otaru Canal (小樽運河)
At the Otaru Canal, you can immerse yourself in a romantic atmosphere.
The Otaru Canal (小樽運河) is a quintessential part of Otaru sightseeing, boasting landscapes lined with stone warehouses and brick buildings that exude an air of yesteryears. As dusk falls, the area is illuminated, creating a fantastical ambiance perfect for leisurely walks. The canal-side is equipped with walking paths and benches for those wishing to take it slow, and for a different perspective, hopping on a canal cruise is highly recommended.
The Otaru Canal offers a perfect romantic escapade with its scenic beauty, historical ambiance, and enchanting evening illuminations.
2. Marvel at Exquisite Glasswork at Kitaichi Glass (北一硝子)
In Kitaichi Glass, you can witness a dazzling array of beautiful glass products.
Kitaichi Glass is an emblematic glass manufacturer and retailer in Otaru. The renowned Kitaichi Glass 3gokan showcases a myriad of glass products, segregated into three stylistic categories: country, Japanese, and Western. Visitors will be captivated by sparkling stained glass, lamps, tableware, and decorative items, all shimmering under reflective lights. It’s the ideal place to find that perfect piece for yourself or as a souvenir.
Kitaichi Glass allows a unique insight into Otaru’s illustrious glass-making tradition, presenting a variety of stunning pieces suitable for keepsakes or gifts.
3. Soothing Melodies at the Otaru Music Box Museum (小樽オルゴール堂)
At the Otaru Music Box Museum, you can indulge in the healing tones of thousands of music boxes.
The Otaru Music Box Museum, marked by its distinctive steam clock, is Japan’s premier destination for music box enthusiasts, offering around 25,000 different music boxes. The soothing melodies that fill the halls create a therapeutic atmosphere. Visitors can find music boxes in numerous shapes, from sushi to jewelry boxes to plush toys, and even customize tunes and designs to their preference.
The museum stands as a testament to the cultural significance of music boxes in Otaru, providing a serene auditory experience and personalized mementos.
4. Culinary and Shopping Delights on Sakaimachi Street (堺町通り)
At Sakaimachi Street, you can indulge in delightful street food and engaging shopping experiences.
Sakaimachi Street is the bustling heart of Otaru’s shopping scene, featuring an array of eateries, restaurants, and shops offering local snacks, trinkets, and confectionery. Visitors can savor Otaru’s specialties like kamaboko (fish cakes), masu-zushi (trout sushi), and the famed double fromage cheesecake from LeTAO. Additionally, the street is peppered with charming retro-style stores and intriguing antique shops, making it a haven for food lovers and collectors alike.
Sakaimachi Street promises a fulfilling experience for visitors, combining gourmet food, unique desserts, and a plethora of shopping options, all set in an inviting atmosphere.
5. Breathtaking Views from Mt. Tengu (天狗山)
At Mt. Tengu, you can behold panoramic views that capture the essence of Otaru’s natural beauty.
Mt. Tengu stands as a symbolic landmark of Otaru, proudly listed among Hokkaido’s three most beautiful nightscapes. Accessible by ropeway, the mountain offers stunning vistas from its observatory, encompassing the Otaru cityscape, Ishikari Bay, and even distant landmarks like Mt. Yotei and the Niseko mountain range. The night view is particularly striking. At the “TENGUU CAFE” atop, visitors can enjoy these sweeping sights while dining.
Mt. Tengu provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness Otaru’s scenic marvels, complemented by a celestial night view, adding an unforgettable highlight to any trip.
6. The Mystical Blue Cave (青の洞窟) Experience
At the Blue Cave, you can observe the mystical cobalt blue sea and engage in exciting marine activities.
The Blue Cave is a natural marvel, a cave formation that astonishes with its cobalt blue waters. This phenomenon is rare and witnessing the sunlight reflect off the sea surface, casting an ethereal blue glow, is profoundly moving. Visiting requires joining a tour, where options for kayaking or snorkeling are available, adding an adventurous twist to the mystical visual treat.
The Blue Cave is a not-to-be-missed spectacle in Otaru, offering visitors an enchanting marine experience coupled with adventurous water activities.
7. Fresh Seafood Galore at Sankaku Market (三角市場)
At Sankaku Market, you can enjoy a range of fresh seafood, served to your preference.
Just a minute walk from Otaru Station, Sankaku Market is a seafood enthusiast’s paradise. True to its motto of affordability, the market boasts a wide selection of fresh seafood. Within the market, various dining options are available, from seafood bowls to sashimi and sushi. Visitors have the unique pleasure of selecting their preferred seafood items, which are then prepared into delectable dishes. Recommended local seafood includes delicacies like shako (mantis shrimp) and hakaku (squarehead).
Sankaku Market offers an immersive experience where visitors can directly interact with the vibrant seafood culture of Otaru, ensuring a meal that’s both fresh and personalized.
8. Savoring Local Beers at Otaru Beer (小樽ビール)
At Otaru Beer, you can relish unique, locally brewed beers following German brewing traditions.
Otaru Beer, under the catchphrase “Like No Other,” prides itself on producing additive-free organic beers, adhering to authentic German brewing methods. Among several locations, the highly recommended spot is Otaru Beer Warehouse No.1, a refurbished brick warehouse offering a distinctive ambiance. Patrons can enjoy the staple “Pilsner” and “Dark Lager,” alongside a variety of seasonal beers, providing a genuine taste of Otaru’s brewing craft.
Otaru Beer serves as a testament to Otaru’s rich brewing culture, inviting visitors to experience an array of traditional and seasonal beers in a setting brimming with historical charm.
9. Experiencing Ainu Sake “Kamuito-no-to” at Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura (田中酒造亀甲蔵)
At Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura, you can taste the traditional Ainu sake, Kamuito-no-to.
Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura, a longstanding sake brewery since the Meiji era, offers a unique experience with Kamuito-no-to, a traditional sake of the Ainu people. Made solely from rice and rice malt, this pure rice wine, whose name means “sake of the gods” in the Ainu language, presents an exclusive flavor profile. Visitors to the brewery can partake in tastings and tours, and the adjacent cafe serves sweets and drinks featuring Kamuito-no-to, allowing a deeper connection with Ainu culture.
Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura extends a rare opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the heritage of the Ainu through the distinctive flavors of Kamuito-no-to.
10. Enjoying Various Shows at Otaru Aquarium (おたる水族館)
At Otaru Aquarium, you can witness a variety of entertaining shows featuring marine life.
Otaru Aquarium thrills visitors with a host of captivating shows. The Dolphin Stadium showcases spectacular dolphin leaps and entertaining otaria performances. In the walrus tank, massive males, weighing over a ton, splash water and come right up to the glass. The penguin show, notably popular, often incites laughter as these adorable creatures completely ignore their trainers’ commands, embodying sheer freedom. The outdoor Marine Mammal Park, utilizing a natural cove, might even surprise visitors with wild seals or sea lions wandering in from the coast on days with rough waves.
Otaru Aquarium promises a day of fun and education, offering close encounters with marine species through various shows that both amuse and inspire awe.
11. Exploring Retro Buildings on Northern Wall Street (北のウォール街)
At Northern Wall Street, you can appreciate the historical Western-style buildings once central to Otaru’s financial district.
Northern Wall Street, once the financial hub of Otaru, is lined with imposing stone and brick buildings exuding a Western flair. The street is home to numerous historical structures, including the Bank of Japan’s former Otaru branch, now a financial museum, and the former Hokkaido Bank Head Office. Cafes and restaurants along the street provide perfect spots for visitors to relax and take in the view of these architectural marvels, immersing themselves in the historical ambiance.
Northern Wall Street stands as a historical testament to Otaru’s past prosperity, offering visitors a chance to stroll through history while enjoying modern-day amenities.
12. Marveling at Breathtaking Views from Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck (祝津パノラマ展望台)
At Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck, you can take in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Perched high above the town of Shukutsu in Otaru City, the Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck offers visitors a chance to gaze upon unrivaled scenic beauty. From this vantage point, one can spot the sprawling cityscape of Otaru, the shimmering Ishikari Bay, and, on the horizon, the majestic peaks of Mount Yotei and the Niseko Range. The setting sun casts a particularly mesmerizing glow, painting the scene in hues of gold and crimson. For those keen on getting a closer look, free telescopes are available. Furthermore, just a short walk away lies Shukutsu Coastal Park (祝津海岸公園), where visitors can indulge in a leisurely stroll along the coast.
Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck serves as a window to some of Otaru’s most captivating sights, ensuring an experience that lingers in memory.
Conclusion
In summary, Otaru is not just a city but an experience that caters to the senses, from visual delights to auditory pleasures.
By engaging with these activities, you’ll have successfully captured the essence of Otaru, creating unforgettable memories and perhaps, starting new traditions.
