8 Fun Things to See & Do in Otaru On Your Hokkaido Trip

Once the economic hub of Hokkaido and with over 150 years of history under its belt, it’s no surprise that digging into the best things to do in Otaru is essential for any trip to the island.

Ranging from enjoying unique local cuisine & marching along historic canals to shopping for antiques among ageless merchant houses & exploring the region’s rich history of fishing, the number of tourist attractions in Otaru seems endless.

Unsure of where to go? Start planning your trip with this guide to the best places to visit in Otaru and ideas for what to see & do!

Must-see places to visit in Otaru

Walk along the Otaru Canal

Built in 1923, Otaru Canal is one of Otaru’s absolute must-visit attractions–and a must for any Hokkaido travel plan. The canal is bordered by a walkway allowing you to stroll along the bank of the waterway to enjoy its beauty. The lovely promenade is lit up in the evenings by antique oil lamps, giving you an old-world feel.

Boardwalk along Otaru Canal

You can take a tour of Otaru by walking along the canal, mixing with locals, and hearing the rich stories of the city. (Well, at least if you learn a little Japanese.)

You can also board a canal boat from which you can see the whole city from a different vantage point. Water tours usually last about 40 minutes, starting in the west, and taking you around the city.

Walk through Nichigin-dori

Roughly translating to “Wall Street of the North” in English, Nichigin-dori is one of the best places to visit in Otaru. As suggested by the name, Nichigin-dori was the financial district of Otaru in the olden days. On the streets, you’ll find an array of fine buildings that remain as they were years ago. This place is the perfect destination for sightseeing while you’re in Otaru.

Nichigin-dori Otaru Hokkaido Japan01bs.jpg

Adorn some comfortable shoes and stroll around the area in the afternoon to enjoy a historical walking tour of Otaru. The locals around here are quite friendly; be sure to ask a few questions about the history of the buildings to get the full picture.

Tour the Herring Mansion (Nishin Goten)

Fishing is the mainstay of Otaru. The fishing industry has flourished for ages in this city, and it’s still one of the major fishing ports in Japan.

Herring is the main item fished in the waters around Otaru and helped it rise to prominence. The riches from the fishing industry were used in building many of the mansions that dot Otaru, including the Herring Mansion (Nishin Goten).

Built in the 19th century, the ornate Herring Mansion is one of the city’s top points of interest. While visiting the mansion, be sure to check out the diorama explaining the history of the herring industry and the gallery displaying a number of unique fishing antiques.

Taste sushi at Otaru Sushi-ko

Your tour of Otaru is not complete without trying out the local sushi. The town is widely known for having one of the best sushi scenes in Hokkaido, with numerous popular sushi restaurants abound. One such spot is Otaru Sushi-ko, priding itself on using only the freshest local ingredients in its sushi.

Sushi at Otaru

As Otaru is on the water, there’s a wide variety of seafood to serve as sushi toppings, including salmon, crab, and sea urchin. Kaisen-don (bowls of rice served with toothsome sashimi toppings) is also popular and is a must-try food in Otaru. Bring your appetite!

Tour the Bank of Japan Otaru Museum

Once housing the Bank of Japan offices in the 20th century, the Bank of Japan Otaru Museum is a building rich in history and little mystery. The building was built in 1912 by the firm that designed Tokyo Station.

The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum.jpg

The key feature of the building is the owl-shaped keystones. The owls are said to be a nod to a revered Ainu deity and are responsible for guarding the building. Dress the part and come here to learn about everything money-related in Otaru and see the owls for yourself!

Shop for antiques at Shichifuku

Shopping in Otaru is nothing short of interesting, and what better item to shop for on your visit than antiques? Otaru is famous for its antique shops, and in them, you can find a wide range of fascinating items.

Most of Otaru’s antique shops are located in the center of the city. You can spend endless hours browsing through ornaments, antiques, hair pins, early-period kimonos, and many more items.

Shichifuku Antiques

Shichifuku is about the most famous antique shop in town, known for selling ancient sake cups, some up to 100 years old! Haggling is standard practice here and is all part of the fun. Be sure to negotiate and beat down the price before coming to a compromise.

Check out the Steam Clock

The steam clock is one of the most iconic sights of the city and shouldn’t be missed on your visit. The clock came into Otaru from Canada when it was offered as a gift from the city of Vancouver. To this day, it’s still powered by steam.

Otaru Steam Clock

On the hour, join the crowd of locals and tourists as they gather around the clock to watch the steam whistle activate. The chiming lasts about 15 minutes.

Try the local beer

Looking for a quenching drink in Otaru? Otaru Beer is the place to visit. The most famous beer hall in the city is decorated in a Bavarian theme, with the staff dressed in traditional garb.

Otaru Bakusyu Pilsener

Enjoy the local brew here as polka music plays in the background for a fun blend of booze and (not-so local) culture. The beer is made right within the pub, so you can be sure to get the freshest brew in the city right here.

Where to stay for sightseeing

Thanks to its compact size, choosing where to stay in Otaru isn’t such a hassle. Many of the city’s best hotels are within walking distance of the top places to visit. Get your search started with these excellent accommodations options:

  • Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal: One of the most budget-friendly picks in the city, this delightful hotel is located about a kilometre away from many of Otaru’s must-see attractions. Besides the Western-style accommodations, guests can unwind in the relaxing on-site onsen bath.
  • Dormy Inn Premium Otaru: An excellent value mid-range hotel located next to the main train station. As if the spacious rooms and location 5 minutes from the canal wasn’t enough, the hot springs bath here is absolutely fantastic.
  • Otaru Furukawa: A charming ryokan in a traditional Japanese building offering both Western- and Japanese-style tatami mat rooms. The onsen facilities and on-site restaurants are simply divine.
  • Grand Park Otaru: The grandest and most luxurious hotel in Otaru, this property sits on Ishikari Bay with beautiful views to match. The hotel has four restaurants—serving Italian, Chinese, and, of course, Japanese cuisine—and is home to one of the biggest shopping malls in Hokkaido.
Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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