Otaru (小樽市 Otaru-shi) is a small harbor city, about 30 km west of Sapporo. The city faces the Ishikari Bay, and it has long served as the main port of the bay. With its many historical buildings, Otaru is one of Japan’s leading tourist destinations. Also, because it is located within a 25 minute-drive from Sapporo, the city recently has seen growth as a bedroom community.
Otaru main attraction is its charming canal district. Its a variety of Western-style from the late Meiji period buildings made the Japanese dub Otaru the “Romantic city”. Have a look at the Mitsui Bank, former Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) building, Music Box Museum, among others.
Otaru’s nickname is “the town of hills” as there are so many hills, including Jigoku-zaka (hell hill) – a very steep slope, and the long, winding Funami-zaka. Mt. Tengu-yama that towers behind Otaru is a popular ski resort in winter. There is an observation point on Mt. Tengu-yama, and the panoramic view including the whole of Otaru and its port area is absolutely wonderful. There are also cable cars to take you to the mountaintop.
Otaru is a nostalgic town, old-fashioned mood is enhanced by its architecture and layout. A beautiful large canal flows through it. You also find the old remnant of the major industry of Otaru, many glass-ware shops. As they used to make a lot of glass buoys, lamps for fishery, they had many glass-ware factories, where they’ve come to make various kinds of products to attract the visitors as days went by
Otaru Main Attractions :
1. Canal Area. Beautiful canal lined by old warehouses.
2. Herring Mansion. A wealthy fisherman’s former mansion.
3. City Museum. Museum about the history of Otaru.
How to get Otaru :
By ferry
Otaru is one of Hokkaido’s key ferry ports, and the closest to Sapporo. Shin-Nihonkai Ferry (06-6348-1120) operates a daily service between Sapporo and Niigata (18 hours, ¥6,200+) and between Sapporo and Maizuru near Kyoto (20 hours, ¥9,600+). Both services are overnight, and private cabins are available for a higher fare (the base fare buys sleeping space on the floor).
By Train
Otaru is about 30 minutes from Sapporo and 75 minutes from Chitose Airport using the “JR Rapid Aiport” (￥620 and ￥1,740, respectively).
Between Shin-Chitose A.P. and Sapporo, take either JR or bus. For information, the page [Access between the airport and Sapporo] is helpful.
Fares can differ depending on the occasion. Discount tickets can be available.
From Sapporo to Otaru, it’s about 38.9km, from New Chitose Airport, about 81.9km. These 3 places are lined to one another making almost straight line, making it quite easy to enjoy one-day tour including a few hours’ stay in Otaru.
For the transportation from Otaru ~ Sapporo ~ New Chitose Airport, discount ticket by JR ?One day Walk Ticket?( Ichinichi- Sampo-Kippu )( 2,040 yen ) is convenient and cheaper ( by 320 yen ).
From Sapporo to New Chitose Airport
By Airport-Express( run every 15 min.), about 35 min. 1040 yen.
From Sapporo to Otaru
By express train ( run every 30 min. ) about 30 min. 620 yen.
By Bus
From Bus Terminal, Sapporo Station, run about every 10 min.(weekday) about 55 min., 590 yen.
By rent-a -car
Drive through express, about 39km, 45 min. 1,200 yen ( toll ) besides rental of the car.
By Taxi
From JR Sapporo Sta. to Otaru downtown including the express toll, from about 9,000 to 13,000 yen, about 50 min..
For the round trip from Sapporo to Otaru, including about 3 hours’ sight-seeing in Otaru, from about 27,000 to 35,000 yen.
Otaru Nightlife
There really isn’t much in the way of nightlife in Otaru. If you want to rave, jump on a train and head into Susukino in Sapporo. FInd the Gaijin Bar and kick back.
Photos of Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan.
Otaru is a small city and has an estimated population of 137,693 and the density of 580.11 persons per km².
The Herring Mansion stands 6 kilometers outside the city, just next to the Otaru Aquarium. From Otaru Station, buses take about 30 minutes and cost 200 yen.
Otaru City Museum stands next to Otaru Canal, a 5-10 minute walk straight down the main road from Otaru Station.
The canal was completed in 1923. The canal has been developed as a walkway. It is lit at night by gas lamps and walkway lights. Located 10 minutes walk from Otaru Station
From Sapporo to Otaru, it’s about 38.9km, from New Chitose Airport, about 81.9km. These 3 places are lined to one another making almost straight line, making it quite easy to enjoy one-day tour including a few hours’ stay in Otaru.
