Discover the Charm of Otaru Canal
Explore the scenic beauty and rich history of Otaru Canal, a must-see attraction in Hokkaido, Japan, where tradition meets stunning landscapes.
Otaru Canal is a picturesque waterway lined with historical warehouses and stunning views, making it a must-visit destination for tourists in Hokkaido. The canal's romantic ambiance and vibrant atmosphere attract visitors year-round, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich maritime history.
A brief summary to Otaru Canal
- Minatomachi, Otaru, Minatomachi, Hokkaido, 047-0007, JP
- +81134-32-4111
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during sunset for breathtaking views and perfect photo opportunities.
- Try the local seafood at nearby restaurants for an authentic Otaru experience.
- Take a boat tour to appreciate the canal's beauty from the water.
- Check for seasonal events or festivals that might be taking place during your visit.
- Explore the surrounding shops for unique glassware and traditional crafts.
Getting There
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Car
If you're traveling by car, head to Otaru, which is about 30 kilometers from Sapporo. Take the Hokkaido Expressway (道央自動車道) from Sapporo and exit at Otaru IC. Follow Route 5 towards Otaru city center. As you approach Otaru, you will see signs for the canal area. There is parking available nearby, but be aware that parking fees may apply, typically around 300-500 yen per hour.
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Train
For those using public transportation, take the JR Hakodate Line from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes and costs around 640 yen for a one-way ticket. Once you arrive at Otaru Station, exit the station and walk towards the canal, which is about a 15-minute walk (1.2 kilometers). Follow the signs for 'Otaru Canal' or use GPS navigation to guide you.
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Bus
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sapporo to Otaru. The Otaru Chuo Bus offers services from Sapporo Station and takes about 60 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the bus terminal and typically cost around 1,200 yen for a one-way trip. Once you arrive in Otaru, follow the signs to the canal, which is a short 10-minute walk from the bus stop.
Discover more about Otaru Canal
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hiyoriyama Lighthouse
4.5 km
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Fugoppe Cave
13.2 km
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Travel Hokkaido
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Hokkaido Shrine Mikado
29.6 km
Discover the tranquility of Hokkaido Shrine, a historical Shinto site surrounded by nature, perfect for reflection and cultural exploration in Sapporo.
Maruyama Primeval Forest
30.0 km
Explore the lush landscapes and tranquil trails of Maruyama Primeval Forest, a serene nature preserve in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido.
Maruyama Park Center
30.0 km
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圓山開村記念碑
30.3 km
Discover the serene Maruyama Kiyota Memorial in Sapporo, a tranquil tribute to history amidst beautiful gardens and rich cultural heritage.
Sapporo Masjid مسجد
31.1 km
Discover the beauty and serenity of Sapporo Masjid, a cultural gem in Hokkaido that welcomes all visitors to experience its tranquil ambiance.
Seikatei
31.3 km
Explore the rich history of Sapporo at Seikatei, a captivating historical landmark and museum showcasing the cultural heritage of Hokkaido.
Sapporo Shiryokan (Former Sapporo Court of Appeal )
31.4 km
Explore the rich history of Hokkaido at Sapporo Shiryokan, a former court of appeal turned captivating local history museum.
Hokkaido University Museum in Botanic Garden
31.5 km
Explore the Hokkaido University Museum in Botanic Garden for a unique blend of nature and educational exhibits in Sapporo.
Black Slide Mantra
31.8 km
Explore the Black Slide Mantra in Sapporo, a unique sculpture that merges art and play in the serene setting of Odori Park.
Sapporo Station South Square
31.8 km
Discover tranquility in the heart of Sapporo at the stunning Sapporo Station South Square, where nature meets urban life in a beautiful park setting.
Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza
32.0 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza, where lush green spaces and local culture come together in the heart of Hokkaido.
Odori Koen
32.4 km
Explore Odori Koen, Sapporo's iconic park offering lush gardens, seasonal festivals, and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Japan's northern capital.
Unmissable attractions to see
Otaru Art Base
0.2 km
Explore art and history in Otaru's beautifully preserved historical buildings, showcasing a diverse collection from stained glass to Japanese masterpieces.
Nitori Museum of Art
0.2 km
Discover art and history in a beautifully preserved former bank, showcasing a diverse collection from Japan and beyond.
Sakaimachi Hondori Street
0.5 km
Explore Otaru's charming Sakaimachi Hondori Street: a historic merchant haven with unique shops, museums, and culinary delights.
Sankaku Market
0.7 km
Experience Otaru's vibrant seafood scene at Sankaku Market, a culinary gem steps from the train station. Fresh catches & local flavors await!
Kitaichi Glass Otaru
0.9 km
Discover exquisite handcrafted glassware and immerse yourself in Otaru's rich history at Kitaichi Glass, a cultural landmark since 1901.
Former Nippon Yusen Co Ltd - Otaru Branch
1.0 km
Step back in time at Otaru's Former Nippon Yusen building, a symbol of the city's prosperous maritime past and architectural grandeur.
Otaru Music Box Museum
1.0 km
Discover a wonderland of melodies at Japan's largest music box museum, housed in a historic Otaru building. A nostalgic and enchanting experience.
Otaru
1.2 km
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Tanaka Sake Brewery, Kikkogura / Tanaka Sake Brewing Co., Ltd.
1.7 km
Experience the rich tradition of Japanese sake brewing at Tanaka Sake Brewery in Otaru, Hokkaido, where culture and flavor come together.
Otaru Port Marina
2.3 km
Discover Otaru's marine beauty: boat tours, charters, and full marina services await at Otaru Port Marina.
Old Aoyama Villa (Herring Palace)
3.7 km
Step back in time at Otaru's Old Aoyama Villa, a window into the opulent world of Hokkaido's herring fishing tycoons and Japanese heritage.
Otaru Aquarium
4.3 km
Discover Hokkaido's marine life at Otaru Aquarium: Engaging shows, diverse species, and conservation efforts await!
Tenguyama
4.3 km
Ascend to Tenguyama for panoramic views, mythical legends, and year-round adventures in Otaru, Hokkaido's scenic mountain retreat.
Blue Cave
6.8 km
Explore the mesmerizing Blue Cave in Otaru, Hokkaido, where stunning azure waters and breathtaking rock formations await your discovery.
Shioya Beach
7.2 km
Discover tranquility at Shioya Beach in Otaru, Hokkaido, a serene escape loved by locals for its sandy shores and peaceful atmosphere.
Essential places to dine
Moliere
29.6 km
Experience exquisite French cuisine at Moliere in Sapporo – where local flavors meet culinary artistry for an unforgettable dining experience.
Sushi Miyakawa
29.8 km
Experience authentic sushi at Sushi Miyakawa in Sapporo - where fresh ingredients and traditional techniques create unforgettable flavors.
Ryouriya SO
29.8 km
Discover authentic kaiseki dining at Ryouriya SO in Sapporo - where tradition meets seasonal excellence in every exquisite dish.
Dany's Restaurant
29.9 km
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Taku Maruyama
30.0 km
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La Olla Maruyama Oja
30.2 km
Experience innovative Italian-Japanese fusion at La Olla Maruyama Oja in Sapporo—a must-visit culinary destination!
北海道イタリアン食堂 ビビデバルデムーン マルヤマクラス店
30.2 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine infused with local flavors at Hokkaido Italian Dining Bibideval de Moon in Sapporo.
Kaiteiro MARUYAMA
30.2 km
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Japanese Cuisine Maruyama Kawanaka
30.3 km
Experience authentic Japanese flavors at Maruyama Kawanaka in Sapporo – where tradition meets taste in every delightful dish.
いただき繕 Itadakizen
30.6 km
Discover the culinary treasures of Hokkaido at Itadakizen - where tradition meets modernity in every delicious bite.
Maruyamakyoju
30.9 km
Discover Maruyamakyoju in Sapporo for an authentic taste of Japanese curry that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite.
Hassen Odori
31.4 km
Savor exquisite mutton barbecue at Hassen Odori, Sapporo's premier destination for authentic Yakiniku experiences.
ろばた すし 北のめし あきず
31.5 km
Savor authentic Hokkaido sushi and seafood at ろばた すし 北のめし あきず in Sapporo - a true taste of Japan's culinary heritage.
Sendai Rikyu Ox Tongue - Sapporo Steller Place Store
31.8 km
Indulge in authentic Japanese gyutan at Sendai Rikyu Ox Tongue in Sapporo's vibrant Steller Place – a culinary gem not to be missed.
Tonkatsu Wako
31.8 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Aeon Mall Sapporo Hassamu
25.1 km
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Museum Shop MARUYAMA
29.7 km
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Toko Store Maruyama
30.2 km
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EYBL
30.2 km
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Maruyama Class
30.2 km
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M'LLE
30.2 km
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chill
30.3 km
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flatand
30.3 km
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Co mo feel
30.3 km
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presse (プレッセ)
30.4 km
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Amérique
30.4 km
Explore Amérique in Sapporo for unique fashion finds that blend contemporary style with local artistry, perfect for every discerning traveler.
Daimaru Sapporo
31.7 km
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Hokkaido Shiki Marche
31.8 km
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APIA
31.9 km
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Sapporo Stellar Place
31.9 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
ENJOY BAR ふにふにランド(Instagram@enjoybarfunifuniland)
30.2 km
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Atta maruyama
30.3 km
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Le Salon SaU
30.3 km
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ナイン
30.6 km
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SYNC.
30.6 km
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Bar Caravel
32.1 km
Experience the elegance of Bar Caravel in Sapporo, where premium drinks and refined ambiance create the perfect evening escape.
Lounge & Bar Old Saloon 1934
32.1 km
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N43
32.1 km
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Cocktail Bar HARADA
32.2 km
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Bearfoot
32.3 km
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Beer Bar NORTH ISLAND
32.4 km
Dive into Sapporo's craft beer scene at Beer Bar NORTH ISLAND, where local brews and stunning city views create an unforgettable experience.
Bar OWL&ROOSTER
32.5 km
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BAR ReCalm
32.5 km
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BAR crusta
32.5 km
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Bar Piece of Dream
32.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Sapporo at Bar Piece of Dream, where expertly crafted cocktails and a cozy ambiance await you.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
円山倶楽部
30.2 km
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“D-Bop”Jazz Club Sapporo
30.9 km
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렌트반납
31.5 km
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Precious Hall
32.5 km
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CLUB・LIFE
32.6 km
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D-mode Sapporo
32.6 km
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CLUB ARROW
32.7 km
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Club 8(クラブエイト)
32.8 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Club 8 in Sapporo, where music, dance, and vibrant crowds create unforgettable nights.
ナイトイン 21世紀
32.8 km
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UTAGE SAPPORO
32.8 km
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Riviera Sapporo
32.8 km
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a.c.i.d-sapporo
32.8 km
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ブーティ
32.9 km
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ゲットー(GHETTO)
32.9 km
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LaLa Too
32.9 km
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