Otaru is a charming port city known for its charming shops and gorgeous canal. One day in Otaru makes for the perfect day trip from Sapporo. It is easy to navigate and has the perfect amount of things to keep you busy for one day. Additionally, you will not want to miss the delicious food.
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History of Otaru
Otaru, a port city on the western coast of Hokkaido, Japan, has a rich and fascinating history closely tied to the development of trade and industry in the region. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people, the area underwent significant transformation during the late 1800s, as Japan opened up to international trade following the Meiji Restoration.
In the 1900s, Otaru became one of Hokkaido’s most prosperous cities and served as a financial and shipping center of the island. The city’s canal was once used for transporting goods from the ports to the area houses and remains a symbol of the era. Today, the city has reinvented itself as a tourist destination and celebrates its heritage through its architecture and museums.
When to Spend One Day in Otaru
Spending one day in Otaru is great anytime of the year; it just depends on the type of experience you want. If you want a winter wonderland and love winter charm, visit during the wintertime. Spring brings the cherry blossoms, while summer has all of the festivals.
How to Get to Otaru
It is very easy to get to Otaru from Sapporo, especially if visiting as a day trip. Head to the JR Sapporo Station and ride the train for about 40 minutes to the Minami-Otaru Station. This will cost you approximately ¥750, and there are multiple trains departing every hour.
Transportation in Otaru
Once in Otaru, everything is within walking distance of the train station. Alternatively, Uber is available if you do not want to walk.
Where to Stay in Otaru
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Check out the best hotels in Otaru here! You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel. There are not a ton of hotels in Otaru, and many people visit Otaru as a day trip from Sapporo. If you do choose to stay in Otaru, opt for the Grand Park Otaru or the Hotel Sonia Otaru. Alternatively, stay in Sapporo at the ANA Holiday Inn Sapporo or the Courtyard Sapporo and visit Otaru as a day trip.
What to do During One Day in Otaru
Otaru is the perfect day trip from Sapporo anytime of the year. Start by taking the train from Sapporo which will get you into the main Sapporo station. From there, it is about a 20 minute walk to your first stop.
Sumiyoshi Shrine
Start your one day in Oatru with a visit to the Sumiyoshi Shrine. Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka, founded in the 200s, is one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines and is dedicated to deities who protect travelers and sailors. It is renowned for its distinctive Sumiyoshi-zukuri architecture and the iconic arched Sorihashi Bridge. If you are in Oratu on New Year’s Day like we were, it is a Japanaese tradition to visit the shrine.
Lunch at Kurumiya
After spending some time at the shrine, grab lunch at Kurumiya, which is at the base of the shrine. This place is known for their soba noodles. What is also cool about Kurumiya is that they have traditional Japanese seating on cushions versus chairs.
Otaru Steam Clock
On the way to your next stop, make sure to check out the Otaru Steam Clock. The Otaru Steam Clock, a gift from Vancouver, Canada, stands outside the Kitaichi Glass shop and is one of only a few in the world. Powered by steam, it releases puffs and plays a charming melody every 15 minutes, delighting visitors.
Kitaichi Hall
Cost: $
Hours: 9am-5:30pm
After lunch, head to Kitaichi Hall for some coffee and dessert. Kitaichi Hall is a former warehouse now famous for its warm interior lit by more than a hundred oil lamps. Today, it serves as a café and cultural space where visitors enjoy tea, sweets, and instagrammable pictures.
Shopping
Next, you will want to check out all of the shops Otaru has to offer. Walk along the Otaru Denuki Koji to check out all of the shops and food stalls. Many of the shops offer traditional Japanese goods that you will not want to miss. Favorite options include Kitaichi Glass Otaru and Yuzen Chopsticks.
Tanaka Sake Brewery
Cost: Free
Hours: 9am-5:30pm
When spending one day in Otaru, you cannot miss the Tanaka Sake Brewery. This historic brewery is known for producing traditional sake using the region’s pure water and locally grown rice. Visitors can tour the brewery, learn about the brewing process, and enjoy tastings of freshly made sake.
Walk the Canals
The number one thing to do during one day in Otaru is to visit the canals. The Otaru Canals, once a bustling hub for shipping and trade, is now a scenic walkway lined with old brick warehouses, gas lamps, and charming cafés, making it one of the city’s most picturesque spots. You will want to visit it in the evening when it is lit up with lots of lights. It’s also gorgeous in the wintertime.
Otaru Beer Otaru Warehouse No.1
Cost: $
Houts: 11am-10pm
End your evening with a visit to the Otaru Beer Otaru Warehouse. This brewpub is in a renovate warehouse and offers a variety of German style beers. You can opt to do a tasting flight, grab a pint, or eat in the restaurant. Visitors can also walk around to view some of the brewing machines while enjoying a beverage.
Final Tips for One Day in Otaru
If you want to visit another shrine, you can also add the Suitengu Shrine to your one day in Otaru. No matter what, Otaru makes for an amazing day trip from Sapporo and should be added to any Hokkaido itinerary. If you have more time, make sure to plan some time in Niseko before visiting the major Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
