Otaru is a sightseeing spot that can be easily reached in just over 30 minutes from Sapporo Station by rapid train.
Otaru prospered greatly during the Meiji and Taisho periods as a result of modernization.
Before World War II, the port flourished as a trading port and fishing center.
Modern buildings, warehouses, and canals built during that period still remain.
The entire town has a nostalgic atmosphere.
Let us introduce you to Otaru.
Otaru City
Otaru Canal
Otaru Port has developed as the gateway to the development of Hokkaido
The total length of the canal is 1140 m. The width of the canal is 20 m along the roadside harbor line and 40 m in the northern part of the canal as it was originally built.
It has been transformed into its current form with walking paths and a town garden.
The walkway is illuminated by 63 gas lamps, which are very beautiful when lit up.
The stone warehouses along the canal remain as they were in those days and are being reused as restaurants and other facilities.
Gas Lamp Lighting Hours
Otaru Canal Walkway: Sunset to 24:00 (18:00 to 24:00 from June to August)
North Canal Walkway Lights are turned on and off by light sensors (18:00 to 4:00 the next morning from June to August)
Gas light in front of Canal Plaza Sunset – 24:00
Access
10 min. walk from JR Otaru Station
Blue Cave
Blue Cave is located in Niseko Shakotan Otaru Kaigan National Park
It is a cave created by the power of nature with no human intervention.
The natural light shining into the cave makes the surface of the sea appear to glow blue.
Cruising Boat
Adult 5,000 yen
Rafting Boat
6,000 yen per person
Access
Approximately 45 minutes from Sapporo by JR and on foot.
5 minutes by car from JR Otaru Station (13 minutes on foot)
Amato Main Store
Founded in 1929, Amato’s motto is “the best ingredients and the best taste anywhere.
We wrap our carefully selected confections in our original gift boxes to make gifts for all occasions.
Such “Amato” sweets are ideal for gifts and souvenirs.
Please take a look at Amato’s packaging technology.
Otaru Sablet and Marron Colon, which have been loved for more than half a century, come in seven varieties: Almond, Cacao, Wonut, Cheese, Strawberry, Black Tea, and Green Tea.
Otaru’s Famous Cream Zenzai (Zenzai with cream) Popular ice cream since it was first sold in 1960. The azuki beans and Gyuhi rice cake melt in your mouth.
Access
6 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station
Kitaichi Glass
Asahara Glass, the predecessor of Kitaichi Glass, was established in 1901.
The company began with the manufacture and sale of oil lamps and floating balls for the fishing industry.
With 17 stores in the city, Kitaichi Glass is Otaru’s representative glass brand. Kitaichi Glass is popular for its high quality and wide variety of products.
Kitaichi Glass is also involved in restaurants, cafes, and the sale of sake, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.
AloJapan.com