2024 Otaru Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
Otaru is a famous port city in Hokkaido. It was once the center of economic development and the bustling commercial capital of Hokkaido. It is even known as the “Northern Wall Street” of Japan and is now a well-known tourist town and City of Romance. The Otaru Canal can be said to be a legacy of the prosperous historical period. There are still hundred year old extant warehouse buildings located along the riverbanks. Under the reflected lights of kerosene lamps, the canal and the nearby red brick warehouses create an exotic romantic atmosphere. The taste of history is intoxicating. Otaru has a very mature glass industry, so consider purchasing some of the exquisite glass work on your visit. The 1995 Japanese film Love Letter was set in Otaru and many fans like to come here to get a feel for the movie's scenic backdrop.
Today's Weather
Mostly clear 1-14℃
Popular Attractions
Otaru Canal
Otaru Tenguyama
Otaru Music Box Museum
Asari
Kitaichi Glass Otaru
Reminiscing about Hokkaido for a whole year.
📌 Ultimate Lazy Guide to Hokkaido (5 days 4 nights)
Day 1: Fly from Tokyo to Hokkaido
🍣 Dinner: Toriton Sushi Maruyama Conveyor Belt Sushi (Fresh ingredients and affordable prices)
Day 2: Sapporo 🚃 Otaru 🚃 Otaru
P3 View: Get off at Otaru and check out the seaside. There's a small path next to the famous Polar Bear Cafe where you can walk in and see the snow and sea directly.
P4 View: Keep walking to the right of the Polar Bear Cafe to reach the seaside. You have to cross a thick layer of snow, but there's a clear path made by people. Just follow the crowd!
Otaru Route: Minami-Otaru Station ➡️ Music Box Museum ➡️ Otaru Shopping Street ➡️ Otaru Canal ➡️ Mt. Tengu (We skipped part of the route due to laziness. We took a taxi from Otaru Canal to Mt. Tengu, costing 72 RMB for three people)
❗️ Otaru Tips:
1. One day is enough!
2. Highly recommend Mt. Tengu if the weather is good, it's very beautiful.
🍖 Dinner: Avoid Sumibi Yakiya (The worst BBQ I've had in Japan)
Day 3: Tanukikoji Shopping Street ➡️ Hokkaido University ➡️ Hokkaido Supermarket ➡️ Sapporo Station Shopping (This route is a bit boring)
🐟 Lunch: Shihachi Fresh Fish Shop North 24th Street
〒001-0024 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Kita Ward, North 24th Street, West 2nd Block, 1-13 Bears Building 1F Bears 24 Building
(Very delicious and affordable, recommended)
Hokkaido University: Went to the Owl Cafe, had pudding and milk (average taste)
Hokkaido Supermarket: Randomly found a large supermarket near Hokkaido University. Highly recommend visiting supermarkets in Japan! The sushi and sashimi are delicious and cheap. We originally went to collect and taste all kinds of Hokkaido milk but couldn't find them all.
❗️ Tips: If you love Hokkaido milk, head straight to Mike Stand at New Chitose Airport for a full variety.
🍜 Dinner: Ramen Ichiryuan
〒060-0004 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, North 4th Street West, 1st Block, 1st Building, Hokuren Building Basement 1st Floor
(Rich ramen, their specialty is ramen with scrambled eggs)
Day 4: Sleep in ➡️ Hokkaido Shrine ➡️ Sapporo Factory
🍛 Lunch: Soup Curry: Picante (Hokkaido Shrine Entrance Store)
(Highly recommended, this soup curry is extremely delicious, the chicken leg is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, I still miss the taste)
Hokkaido Shrine: Optional visit, there are many people drawing on trees with snow, quite cute.
Sapporo Factory: Paradise for outdoor enthusiasts (Montbell, Arc'teryx)
Dinner: Kushidori (Chain store, search for the nearest one)
(Very tasty and affordable!)
After a trip to Hokkaido, my perspective on spending has completely changed.
|||Snowflakes, hot springs ♨️, sunsets 🌅, and swans - all the beauty you can imagine in winter is gathered here in snowy Hokkaido.
I strongly recommend booking hotels in advance if you're planning to visit Hokkaido‼️ Nobody told me that a night in a hot spring hotel in Hokkaido during winter could cost over 4,000 yuan 🥹🥹. If you're planning a winter trip to Hokkaido, I suggest reading this guide before you set off.
[Pre-trip Advice]
❶ Don't worry too much about language barriers. Using simple English words ➕ hand gestures is generally understandable. ❌ Avoid using long sentences. Get a translation app, and a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and English works perfectly fine‼️
❷ If you want to see snow, focus solely on Hokkaido. A 5-7 day itinerary is fine. Hokkaido is vast with a sparse population, and attractions are far apart. Public transportation can be time-consuming, so it's recommended to rent a car or join a car-sharing service with friends.
❸ It's also good to exchange some yen for use in small shops (especially ramen shops). There are currency exchange machines and counters everywhere, so don't worry. Otaru is small, 📸 but every photo captures a romantic atmosphere. It's quite expensive, so I suggest a day trip from Sapporo to Otaru! Remember to sit on the right side of the train for amazing sea views.
[Some Notes]
‼️ Don't make phone calls, video calls, or play music out loud on trains and subways. It's really, really quiet. I've seen Japanese people secretly answering calls, but it's truly rare.
‼️ Don't eat strongly flavored foods. On long-distance trips like the Shinkansen, you can buy bento boxes. Although they're cold, I can attest that they taste quite good.
[About Transportation]
Airport buses are really slow, even in good weather conditions. It takes [about an hour and a half] from Sapporo city hotels. I recommend taking the JR for return flights; for arrival, you can choose the bus 🚌.
[About Attractions]
Sapporo: Hokkaido Shrine, Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Hokkaido University, Sapporo Clock Tower, Sapporo International Ski Resort ⛷️
Otaru: Otaru Sakaimachi Street, Funami Slope, Mt. Tengu, Otaru Canal
Biei: Blue Pond, Shirahige Waterfall, Biei Christmas Tree 🎄
Furano: Forest Fairy 🧚 Terrace
[Clothing Guide]
🧥 Upper body: Thermal wear + fleece-lined inner layer/down vest + long down jacket, or fleece + light down. It's about -6 to -7°C, but it doesn't feel too cold. Indoor spaces are heated.
👖 Pants: Fleece-lined thick pants or thermal underwear ➕ regular pants are sufficient.
🧣 Others: Bring gloves 🧤, hats, scarves, and earmuffs for warmth and style!
🥾 Shoes: Three must-haves for snow - waterproof, non-slip, and warm. You can buy anti-slip pads at FamilyMart and Lawson convenience stores in Sapporo.
[Itinerary Suggestions]
👉 For snow and hot springs ♨️, take the western Hokkaido route: Start from Sapporo, visit Otaru, then Lake Toya, enjoy hot springs in Noboribetsu, and return to Sapporo.
👉 For a more in-depth experience with more attractions, take the eastern route: Sapporo - Asahikawa - Biei Town - Furano - Hoshino. Attractions are far apart, so independent travelers should allow more time for transportation.
👉 If you want to visit Asahikawa Zoo 🐧, Blue Pond in Biei, or Furano area, it's recommended to rent a car 🚗. JR trains are available, but with fixed schedules. This route offers top-tier snow experiences.
Under the Oil Lamp: Music and Fine Wine at OMO Cafe & Bar - A Perfect Night in Otaru
💞Recommended Reason:
OMO Cafe & Bar, located on the third floor of OMO5 Otaru, is a unique space transformed from a historic building, designed to provide guests with a free and comfortable resting environment. Every night after 8 PM, oil lamps are lit, creating a romantic atmosphere with their soft glow. The cafe also regularly plays antique music boxes with over a century of history, producing beautiful melodies every 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a perfect night in Otaru in a classical setting.
In terms of dining, OMO Cafe & Bar meticulously designs desserts and offers a variety of creative cocktails. Among them, the 'Shakotan Blue OMO Style Wine Ball,' themed around Shakotan Blue, is a stunning alcoholic cocktail with an attractive hue and refreshing taste.
In this retro and charming space, you can immerse yourself in the melodious music of the music boxes, savor exquisite wines, and enjoy an elegant and unforgettable evening. OMO Cafe & Bar is one of the highlights not to be missed when traveling in Otaru.
Hokkaido Otaru Two-Day Two-Night Travel Guide.
This guide is suitable for friends who have limited time and only visit Sapporo and Otaru.
1️⃣Accommodation Sapporo Grand Hotel
From New Chitose Airport Station, take the Rapid Airport Line directly to Sapporo Station, and walk ten minutes to the hotel. The accommodation experience is perfect, you can walk to the city center and commercial street, there are many convenience stores around, and it is very convenient to go to the airport.
2️⃣Transportation
On the first day, around 11:00 am, take the local line from Sapporo Station with Otaru as the final stop. You can use a watermelon card to enter the station or buy a ticket at the machine. After selecting your destination, insert coins according to the displayed amount. After entering the station, be sure to take your ticket! It will be used when exiting!
If you want to get to Otaru quickly, you can take the Rapid Line. Some stations will not stop in the middle. Because we wanted to get off and see the sea, we took the Local Line (the ticket will be invalid if you get off in the middle).
Most people choose to get off at Asari Station, but you can also get off at Zenibako Station, the previous stop of Asari Station. There are fewer people, you can walk directly to the beach, and if you are hungry, you can go to 711 to buy a rice ball 77.
Next, return to Zenibako Station and take the train to Otaru. On the way back, we chose the Rapid Line, which will be faster.
3️⃣Otaru🤩
My favorite Hokkaido city, after all, the movies "Love Letter" and "First Love" were filmed here, especially romantic! The city is relatively small, one day is enough.
Get off at Minami-Otaru Station and walk down a slope for about ten minutes. Turn around to Otaru Commercial Street and walk to Otaru Station. The bus to Mount Tengu departs from the bus stop next to Otaru Station. You can buy tickets, swipe your watermelon card, or pay 240 yen by coin when you get off.
On the second day, get off at Otaru Station directly, and immediately go to Funamiseki. This whole day is for city walking, then walk from Funamiseki to Otaru Canal.
4️⃣Mount Tengu🏔️
Cable car 1600 yen for adult round trip, manual ticket purchase takes one minute. To prevent the cable car from closing early, we went up the mountain at 2:30 pm. You can wait for the blue hour on the mountain. If it snows heavily, you can wait in the window seat of the rest room. If it stops snowing, you can go out and play in the woods. You can also take a photo of the same style as "Love Letter".
5️⃣Food
Otaru Seafood Restaurant Sawazaki Suisan No. 3 Crab rice is more expensive but delicious. Very small shop.
Sapporo's soup curry must be eaten! Kinotoya Bake's milk ice cream is also super delicious!
Hokkaido 5-Day Self-Drive Itinerary
Day 1: New Chitose Airport - Sapporo
Upon arriving at New Chitose Airport, pick up your rental car and head straight to Sapporo. Visit the Sapporo Clock Tower and Odori Park, and don't miss the local ramen. In the evening, stroll around Tanukikoji Shopping Street to enjoy shopping and the lively night market atmosphere. 🎉
Day 2: Sapporo - Otaru
Drive from Sapporo to Otaru, which takes about an hour. The Otaru Canal and historical buildings are stunning. Enjoy fresh seafood sushi and various snacks and desserts at Letao. Don't forget to visit the Otaru Music Box Museum and make your own music box. 🎶
Day 3: Otaru - Asahikawa
Next, drive to Asahikawa, which takes about two hours. The animals at Asahiyama Zoo are incredibly cute! In the evening, try Asahikawa ramen, especially the popular "Santouka" ramen. 🍜
Day 4: Asahikawa - Furano - Biei
Depart from Asahikawa to Furano to see the lavender fields (in summer). Then head to Biei to take some beautiful photos of the Blue Pond. The scenery is absolutely stunning! 📸
Day 5: Biei - Noboribetsu - New Chitose Airport
On the last day, visit Noboribetsu to see Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and experience the hot spring culture. Then return to New Chitose Airport to conclude your delightful Hokkaido trip. 🌟
The Charming Otaru Canal: A Different Atmosphere by Day and Night with European Flair
When traveling to Hokkaido, the first choice for most travelers is undoubtedly Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido. Besides experiencing the bustling city of Sapporo, we highly recommend taking a day trip to nearby cities. Today, we introduce you to Otaru, a beautiful port city known for its canal and rich historical ambiance. Although Otaru is not far from Sapporo, the two cities have entirely different atmospheres.
The landmark of Otaru is definitely the Canal! The Otaru Canal was excavated in 1914. Due to the prosperous port trade at the time, the government hoped to use the canal to transfer goods from large ships to small boats, which would then transport the goods along the canal to warehouses. The canal was completed in 1923 and became an important transportation facility for loading and unloading goods in Otaru. This led to the construction of numerous warehouses and factories along the canal, with a total of 88 warehouses at its peak.
As Otaru's trade volume gradually decreased after World War II, the canal fell into disuse. It suffered from blockages and lack of maintenance, leading to siltation and foul odors. The government once proposed to fill in the canal, but this met with public opposition. After negotiations, a partial filling plan was implemented. The preserved section of the canal has now transformed into a famous tourist attraction in Otaru, with the surrounding warehouses converted into restaurants and shops.
The Otaru Canal offers different aesthetics in each season. From late spring to summer, it has a refreshing green vibe; in autumn, the leaves on the warehouse walls turn red, creating a melancholic scene; in winter, the riverbanks and warehouses are covered in snow, creating a romantic atmosphere. Regardless of the season, the canal and warehouses are illuminated with orange lights at night, enhancing Otaru's romantic charm.
Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the canal's pathways. Exploring the Taisho-era buildings and European-style architecture around the canal is also a unique experience. If time permits, you can join the Otaru Canal Cruise, which lasts about 40 minutes. On the cruise, you can listen to the crew narrate the history of the Otaru Canal and its surrounding buildings, offering a deeper exploration of the enchanting Otaru.
Tenguyama Ropeway in Otaru, Hokkaido: One of Hokkaido's Top Three Night Views and Filming Location for the Drama 'First Love'
Tenguyama is located in Otaru, connected by the Tenguyama Ropeway which links the southwestern part of Otaru to the mountain summit. At the top of Tenguyama, you can visit the Tenguyama Shrine and enjoy one of Hokkaido's top three night views. It is also a filming location for the drama 'First Love'.
The Tenguyama Ropeway spans 735 meters, with a car arriving every 12 minutes, taking about 4 minutes to reach the summit from the base. Since its opening in 1979, the Tenguyama Ropeway has retained a nostalgic charm compared to the more modern Hakodate Ropeway. Even the creaking sounds of the machinery add to its storied atmosphere.
At the summit of Tenguyama, there is a café and souvenir shop, as well as activities like the Tengu Zipline, Tengu Hot Air Balloon, and sledding slope. There are five observation decks, and the one where I took my photos is the 'Tenku Terrace', which has several tables and chairs on the deck, offering views of Otaru Port and the cityscape.
Explore the Romantic Otaru Orgel Museum in Hokkaido
The Otaru Orgel Museum is undoubtedly a shining gem in Otaru City, Hokkaido. Filled with a nostalgic atmosphere, various antique music boxes act like time wizards, instantly transporting you to the past. Whether classical or modern, each music box is a masterpiece of craftsmanship that will surely captivate you.
The museum's elegant decor makes it feel like stepping into a hall of nostalgia. Inside, you'll find music boxes from all over the world, each telling its own unique story. Even more exciting is the live workshop where you can watch artisans at work and even create your own music box to take home as a unique souvenir.
Need a break? The museum also houses a café with a cozy atmosphere and delicious snacks, making it a perfect place to relax. The gift shop is filled with a wide variety of music boxes, satisfying all your desires and offering great options for souvenirs to bring back to friends and family.
Located in Otaru's main tourist area, the museum complements other attractions in the vicinity. Otaru itself is famous for its ancient canals and historic buildings, making the entire city a beautiful canvas full of surprises.
Otaru Canal - A Glimpse into Otaru's Historical Scenery
Located in Hokkaido, Otaru is a port city surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing Ishikari Bay. The city retains a rich historical atmosphere, with the Otaru Canal being the most iconic tourist attraction. Built in 1923, the canal, though man-made, blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, making it an ideal place for strolling and leisure.
Walking along the path beside the canal, you will see 63 gas lamps flickering at sunset on one side and preserved stone warehouses on the other, creating a romantic and nostalgic ambiance. These warehouses, built during the Taisho period, have now been converted into restaurants and commercial facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious food while soaking in the historical atmosphere.
For a different perspective of the canal, consider taking a canal tour boat. The approximately 40-minute ride offers a full view of the canal's beauty and its many historical buildings. Guides accompany the tour, providing detailed explanations of the historical stories behind the sights and sharing the best photo spots.
Don't miss the nighttime cruise after sunset, when the gas lamps and building lights reflect on the water, creating a mesmerizing scene. The scenery here is sure to captivate your heart, making it a perfect spot for a romantic date.
Travel to Hokkaido Otaru, with hotel recommendations
Visiting Hokkaido, Otaru is definitely a must-visit city. This seaside town is not only the filming location of the movie 'Love Letter', but it was also once known as the 'Wall Street of the East'. The architectural style blends Western and traditional Japanese elements, plus the red brick warehouses, making it a place with its own unique urban culture.
🧳Three-day two-night travel recommendations
Day1️⃣
✅Take the JR to Otaru Station🚉. Otaru Station was built in 1934 and is one of the oldest reinforced concrete buildings in Hokkaido. Here you can get a free city map and classic information.
✅Otaru Shopping Street. There are many historic buildings here, and now it has become a travel checkpoint that operates various delicacies and souvenirs.
✅Music Box Museum. Music boxes are a specialty of Otaru, and the Music Box Museum has a long history and a large area. There are a lot of music boxes to choose from, and the museum's building, which was built during the Meiji period, is also one of the highlights.
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day2️⃣ Mount Tengu
Overlooking the entire city from a high point, the scenery is open and beautiful when the weather is good, and it is also one of the must-visit places in Otaru.
🚌Otaru round-trip to Mount Tengu 480JPY (round-trip)
🚡Mount Tengu cable car 1600JPY (round-trip)
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day3️⃣ Otaru Canal
The canal, red brick warehouses, and kerosene lamp roads, the retro atmosphere has attracted many artists to create and sell their works along the coast. You can take a cruise to experience Otaru from a different angle.
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🏨Hotel Recommendation
This time we stayed at OMO5 Otaru, which has two buildings, one is transformed from the old Otaru Chamber of Commerce and Industry with nearly a hundred years of history, and the other is in a modern style.
The interior of the hotel is full of retro charm.
Especially the restaurant, where each dining table is lit by an oil lamp, and there is live music from antique music boxes in the evening, which is very romantic💕
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📍The location of the hotel is very good, less than ten minutes' walk from JR Otaru Station, the shopping street, and Otaru Canal.
💁♂️I really like the feature here - OMO Ranger (city guide) service. The hotel staff are all locals, and they will take guests on a small tour first, introducing the city's historical stories and hidden gourmet restaurants unknown to tourists. This service has Chinese guides available~
The above are some practical travel tips for Otaru, remember to like and save.
5 Things You Must Know When Traveling to Otaru, Japan!
"How are you? I'm fine."
The most unmissable place in Hokkaido is Otaru.
As the filming location of "Love Letter",
this place has the most niche and quiet beauty in Hokkaido.
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The first thing: "About Otaru"
Otaru is a seaside town on the west coast of Hokkaido, Japan,
This small town is covered with snow,
It became popular because of the movie "Love Letter", and has become a must-visit place for many people when they come to Hokkaido.
/
The second thing: "Main attractions"
Otaru is not big, there are not many attractions, and you can finish it in a day trip.
1、Otaru Canal:
Famous because of Love Letter, the canal bank has been transformed into various craft shops,
The retro brick warehouse is full of literary atmosphere.
It is especially recommended to come here at night, and the restaurants and bars along the river are not to be missed.
2、Funaizaka:
The slope where the postman rides a bicycle to deliver letters in "Love Letter", standing on a high ground, you can also overlook the beautiful sea in the distance, it is very suitable for taking pictures, the sea view + snow scene at a glance, full of literary sense.
3、Kitichi Dori:
The busiest and most prosperous commercial street in Otaru, all kinds of handmade and gourmet dining, can be found here.
4、Fairy Tale Crossroad:
The end of Kitichi Dori is Fairy Tale Crossroad, surrounded by Music Box Museum, hello kitty cafe, etc., a must-visit place for taking pictures.
5、Music Box Museum:
A European-style retro building with a history of more than 100 years, it has collected more than 3,000 music boxes from all over the world, and it feels like a fairy tale world when you walk in!
You can buy all kinds of music boxes here, and you can even customize the music and shape yourself.
6、hello kitty cafe:
Just opposite the Music Box Museum, the first floor is a merchandise shop, and the second floor is a cafe. The hello kitty theme style is a place that girls like to check in.
7、Tengu Mountain:
The night view of Tengu Mountain, along with the night view of Hakodate and the night view of Sapporo Moiwa Mountain, is known as the "Three Great Night Views of Hokkaido", and it is also the place where the heroine of "Love Letter" ran wildly in the snow.
It is recommended to go in the afternoon, you can see the city view during the day, and you can also see a very dreamy night view at night~
8、Asari:
A seaside fishing village near Otaru, here are the sea, snow, and small villages, very quiet and literary, very suitable for taking pictures and checking in.
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The third thing: "Recommended travel route"
(JR train to Asari Station) Asari—(JR train to Otaru Minami Station)—Fairy Tale Crossroad—(walk)—Music Box Museum—(walk)—hello kitty cafe—(walk)—Kitichi Dori—(walk)—Otaru Canal—(walk)—Funaizaka—(No. 9 bus)—Tengu Mountain
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The fourth thing: "Recommended food"
1、Masazushi: Filming location of "Love Letter", a very romantic restaurant
2、Zezaki Fisheries: All kinds of Hokkaido seafood are available
3、LeTAO Main Store: Biscuits and chocolates are very famous!
4、Kitakaro: Fairy Forest Annual Ring Cake
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The fifth thing: "Transportation Strategy"
The most convenient and fast way from Sapporo to Otaru is to take the JR train, the fare is 750 one way, and the time is about 36 minutes.
For city travel, except for going to Asari or Tengu Mountain, you need to take a car, and the rest can be reached on foot.
Hokkaido Otaru Asari Station | The romance at the seaside junction
| The romance at the seaside junction.
If you want to take a set of photos at the seaside junction📷
You definitely can't miss Hokkaido Asari Station❗Every minute is like a Japanese anime heroine.
Transportation🚇: Sapporo Station-Otaru (divided into ordinary and express trains)
⚠️The ordinary train stops more stations, and the express train stops fewer stations
After getting off at Asari Station, 🉑you don't need to leave the station, you can directly check in a few photo spots📸.
1️⃣Platform🚉: Both platforms have a photo atmosphere, you can go to the exit to take a group photo with the station sign with the sea as the background, and the other side can go to the head of the platform to take a group photo when the train passes.
2️⃣The entrance of the exit lounge: The yellow house🏠 is very photogenic
3️⃣Walk out of the exit of the lounge (do not swipe the watermelon card to go out, you can come back to take the car after taking the photo)
➡️Junction: Be careful⚠️ Pay attention to safety when the car comes, and you can take pictures after the barrier is put up
➡️Walk into the road with houses, you can see a large open space, enjoy the sea view, sit and take a few atmospheric photos along the stone🪨 side.
❣️The train timetable is displayed on both platforms, you can reserve time for taking pictures, and you can continue to take the train to Otaru Station after the photo is over～
Hokkaido 'Love Letter' Filming Location｜Complete Guide to Otaru Tengu Mountain
There's always a winter to go to Hokkaido, so I came to Otaru.
'Love Letter' was filmed many years ago,
but the 2021 re-screening on 520 was the first time I saw it,
so I have memories of Otaru.
🌲【Recommended Otaru Attractions】Suitable for 1 day tour
The main attractions in Otaru are Otaru Canal, Funamizaka, Tengu Mountain, and Asari Station. Otaru Canal and Funamizaka are not far from Otaru Station, about 300-500 meters away, you can quickly shoot and stroll around. Asari is suitable for getting off the train from Sapporo to Otaru for a quick shoot, then you can get on the train, or you can pass by when you return to Sapporo from Otaru.
【About Tengu Mountain Guide】(Must See)
🚌Transportation: Take the No. 9 bus from the 4th platform at the entrance of JR Otaru Station to Tengu Mountain, the one-way fare is 240 yen.
🎫Cable Car Ticket: Queue up to buy the cable car ticket immediately after arrival, the round-trip price is 1600 yen, it is more cost-effective to swipe wx. Swipe zfb or wx as much as possible in Japan, the exchange rate is good, save money.
⏰Time: It is recommended to arrive at Tengu Mountain at 2-3 o'clock, you can shoot the scenery from day to night. The night view can be shot when it gets dark at 4 o'clock, don't wait until it's pitch black to shoot, you can't shoot anything, and there are a lot of people going up the mountain from 4-5 o'clock, and the queue is freezing. Remember to go up the mountain at 2 o'clock no matter what, go to the place you haven't shot the next day. Remember.
⛰️Mountain Top Environment: There is a house on the top of the mountain, it is very warm inside, you can eat and drink, there are many people in line. You can go out and shoot for a while and come in to warm up, it's also nice to shoot the cable car through the glass, there are only two cable cars, one red and one blue. The red one looks good. There is a shrine, a pavilion, and a tree on the top of the mountain. It's beautiful to go when the weather is clear, you can see the whole Otaru and the coastline, if you have the conditions, it's beautiful to shoot with a telephoto camera. The brighter the clothes in the snow, the better. You can also imitate the 'Love Letter' black coat.
🏨Hotel: Otaru hotels are almost all near the station, just a few hundred meters walk, very convenient, and eating is also convenient.
Unlock the 'Love Letter' limited travel, enjoy hot springs, skiing, and gourmet food
❄ Many people's longing for Hokkaido comes from the movie 'Love Letter', which depicts Otaru, Hokkaido as a romantic snow country town. Now this 'Love Letter' will invite you to a date in the snow country
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【Travel Highlights】
🦀Top Seafood｜Taste the fresh and sweet taste of the famous Hokkaido cold water seafood
🏂Quality Powder Snow｜Experience the silky world-class powder snow at Niseko/Rusutsu Ski Resort
✨Glass Workshop｜Feel the magical change of glass under high temperature, witness the craftsman's blowing process, and experience the production course
♨Hokkaido Hot Springs｜Bathe in the winter hot springs in the Sapporo backyard hidden by locals at Jozankei
⛄Snow Lantern Road｜In the winter-limited festival, feel the beautiful winter of Otaru decorated with warm candlelight and snow sculptures
🥃Visit Whiskey Brewery｜Taste the rich flavor of single malt whiskey
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【Encounter on the Way】
✅Otaru｜Music Box Hall, Tengu Mountain, Asari, Triangle Market, Canal Warehouse, Funamizaka
✅Niseko and Rusutsu｜Skiing, drifting, horse riding, sledding, ice fishing, snow house sauna, helicopter tour, etc.
✅Sapporo｜Snow Festival, Sapporo Tower, Hokkaido Old Government Building, White Lover Factory, Tanuki Koji Shopping Street
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【Stay】
🏡Otaru Ginrinso｜Experience the Showa Japanese retro style, the vast and pure Ishikari Bay and the bustling romantic Otaru market are all in sight
🏡Niseko Park Hyatt｜Enjoy the private terrace hot spring, overlooking the magnificent scenery of Annupuri and Mt. Yotei
🏡Rusutsu Westin｜All rooms are duplex design, enjoy the fun of ice and snow in the mountains
🏡Jozankei Chalet｜Japan's latest SLH hotel, you can bathe in the hot spring in the room and enjoy the scenery of the four seasons
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【Delicacies】
🍣Otaru Sushi｜The top seafood produced in the cold water area makes the sushi chef adhere to the 'original flavor', highlighting the freshness of the ingredients
🐏Genghis Khan Grilled Lamb｜Thinly sliced lamb and vegetables are grilled on an iron plate, which is one of Hokkaido's local dishes
🏮Sapporo Miso Ramen｜One of Japan's three major ramen, with a representative flavor of rich soup
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【Itinerary Overview】
❄DAY1｜Love Letter of Snow Country
💡Go to Otaru to watch the night view of Tengu Mountain and walk on the Snow Lantern Road
❄DAY2｜Fairy Tale Cross Street
🎏Triangle Market, Funamizaka, Music Box Hall, Glass Shop Tour, Taste Yoichi Distillery Whiskey
❄DAY3｜Dancing Niseko/Rusutsu
🏂Experience winter sports in the world-class powder snow field
❄DAY4｜Warm Jozankei
♨Experience the stunning holiday in Jozankei Hot Spring in Sapporo's backyard
❄DAY5｜Play with the Snow Festival
⛄Play with one of the world's four major snow festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival, factory visit and production experience
❄DAY6｜Farewell to Hokkaido
👋🏻Return/Continue to travel to other cities in Japan
Fantastic scenery of Otaru canal
Getting There - 10 mins walk from Otaru station
Attractions - canal, port
Hotels - several hotels within the city
Food & Restaurants - seafood restaurants
Avg price per person - free of charge
Access - easy to access from Sapporo station and it could take only 1 hr drive via train
Otaru unaga is famous for it’s vide with canal and European building. Possible to talk a boat along the canal. The view of the canal is stunning not only in daylight but also with the lightning.
#hokkaido #otaru
Picturesque Northern Coast of Otaru
If you are driving to Otaru, you may want to visit Cape Observatory and Hiyoriyama lighthouse at northern part of the town.
You can get a great view of the sea, the lighthouse and boating and fishing activities around the coast.
Getting There - Car or bus 11 with a long walk and climb
Attractions - Cape Observatory and Hiyoriyama lighthouse
#otaru #hokkaido #summer #sea #lighthouse
Seafood Shopping at Sankaku Market
I love shopping for food, I love shopping for clothes. But when in Hokkaido, one has to head to Sankaku Market to shop and eat the freshest seafood. The market can be rather cramp but once inside the market, it is a seafood heaven. A wide variety of different local seafood can be spotted. Prices are very reasonable and definitely cheaper than what it is sold in Singapore.
You can find oysters, scallops of various sizes, and a plate of 10 huge oysters were only 1000¥ (about SGD10+), which means per oyster it's only $1! How worth it! You can even buy a box of Uni (creamy sea urchin) for 2300¥ (about SGD24), certainly more affordable than back home. My husband and I cant resist these yummy looking seafood and we also ordered some fresh fish sashimi and we definitely had to try their Alaskan King crab. After shopping and eating all those, it still didn't burn a hole in our wallet. If you're a seafood lover and want something affordable, you got to pop by Sankaku Market.
#shopandtrip
Otaru Day trip
Day trip to Otaru since my previous trip in May 2019 which I had fond memories of Otaru canal and the speciality of glass art piece.
Took the JR train from Sapporo station to Otaru (~35 mins) for Y750. I was prepared to stay a night at Otaru if l feel like it.
First stop at Otaru is definitely the fresh sashimi for lunch at 三角市场. There are several stalls and the pricing is pretty similar so pick your choice. I choose the stall that’s most crowded lol.
Next stop is to visit Otaru canel. It wasn’t as crowded compared to my previous trip either due to Monday instead of weekends or less tourists this time round. Make sure you check out photos of Otaru canal during the afternoon and night from the photos.
Stroll along the shopping street and I got a glass made night owl as souvenir.
When the sky has turned dark, I returned to Otaru canal to view it during the night which I didn’t do it during my previous trip. As I was strolling towards the canal, it doesn’t look impressive but oh boy, it just blew my mind when I took pictures of it during the night!
Finally decided not to stay a night as it’s pretty quiet and most shops were closed after 5.30pm.
Left Otaru heading back Sapporo downtown 😊
Hokkaido - The Most Romantic Otaru Aquarium
Before, I didn't have a chance to explore Otaru properly, so this time I specifically went to the aquarium for the Ferris wheel.
The shooting location of this Ferris wheel is in the parking lot of the Otaru Aquarium. After taking photos, you can go to the aquarium for a visit. There are cute little penguins 🐧 swaying around, which is very interesting.
Romantic Stroll at Otaru Canal
A romantic stroll at Hokkaido, Otaru Canal during our honeymoon in Winter.
There’s a small Jingisukan store nearby that is affordable and worth a visit. One set of Lamb Steak costs less than SGD20. Visit if you’re nearby!
#japan #hokkaidotravel #hokkaido #otaru #honeymoon
Hokkaido 8 days plan during Winter - Part 1
Day 3 - T JR TRAIN to Noboribetsu (7:30am, 8:30am) 2.45 hours - Super Hakuto
- We took a taxi to Date Jidaimura Noboribetsu 登別伊達時代村 0900-1600 (Adults - 2900, Child - 1500) from Noboribetsu train station - not much to play here, but a different experience for me
- We then checked in hotel, and walk out again to the Jigokudani (Hell Valley) 登別地獄谷, Walk around Noboribetsu Onsen dori Yuzawa Shrine 湯澤神社, 閻魔堂,
- We had dinner buffet and onsen back in the hotel. Very nice hotel to recommend indeed
Day 4 - After breakfast in the hotel, took a taxi to the train station and headed to Sapporo Station (as early as possible)
- in Sapporo station, we look for the luggage locker to put our luggage and then headed to Yoichi Station
- Yoichi - short walking distance to the Yoichi Nikka Distrillery - ニッカウヰスキー 北海道工場 余市蒸溜所, Japan, 〒046-0003 Hokkaido, 余市郡余市町黒川町7−６(with FREE sampling) and we had our lunch here.
- after lunch, we took JR Train To Otaru Minami Station (the train to otaru is an hour apart, plan your time well to catch the train, always crowded here during winter), Walk along two rows of shops to Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building
小樽オルゴール堂, Marchen Square, Le Tao Main store (cheese tart), 小樽 水天宮, Kitaichi Glass Otaru（北一硝子), Yukijirushi Parlor Otaru Shop 雪印パーラー 小樽店 (ice cream), Otaru Canal 小樽運河 (night view)
- JR Train from Otaru Station to Sapporo (every 30 mins)
Romantic Otaru
#winter2022 #otaru
Otaru is a romantic town that is easily accessible from Sapporo.
The Otaru Canal in the port and the surrounding stone warehouses have much to tell of the city’s proud form of long ago, which paved the way to prosperity beyond Sapporo and the cultivation of Hokkaido.
There are many historical buildings that still stand around the Otaru Canal from 100 years ago, which provide a nostalgic atmosphere that you can enjoy as you walk around. Here are some of the best places to check out during your visit.
Magical Otaru!
Otaru is a magical place that everything you see is so beautiful and unforgettable! This place are full of things to see and do! You can also explore some of Hokkaido’s finest food and fresh seafood here!
Many of the warehouses, factories & mills are still there today, at the famous Otaru Canal! It’s just like a painting, everyone can take perfect picture here!
Nowadays, Otaru also famous for it’s music boxes and any kind of Kitaichi glass products! So many picturesque and rich of history buildings are standing here awaiting travellers to take picture with them!
I want can go back there once again on 2023 or maybe every year?!
#2023travelwish
#tripblazers
#awesomepic
#wintergetaway
Yummiest Cream Puff in Hokkaido
I love cream puffs, especially those that are big with a nice golden brown choux puff and filled with a nice creamy and milky cream that is not too clotting. Where do you find such cream puffs?
It is not a secret but you can definitely find the above described cream puff at Kitakaro confectionary shop in Otaru Hokkaido, Japan. For people who likes sweet stuff like me, this place is like a dream come true. Expect to find items like their famous cream puffs, soft serve, cakes, biscuits, and drinks which they all make perfect afternoon tea treats.
Trust me, I was the happiest girl when I got their cream puffs. It was love on first bite! You could try their other snacks too and everything was worth the calories.
#afternoontea
LeTAO Main Store
#2023travelwish
Nice little cafe near the Otaru river.
This is the main store where LeTao’s story all started. Le TAO stand for La Tour Amitie Otaru.
We had our afternoon tea in the cafe located on the 2nd floor because it serves a variety of cakes exclusive to this store or Hokkaido only.
Staff were very friendly and gave us recommendations on what to order. The cake 🍰 and tea ☕ were delicious.
Must visit if you are in Otaru.
#otaru #hokkaido #friendstrip #2015
Otaru Steam Clock
#2023travelwish
This steam clock is right in front of Otaru Music Box Museum. It will play a short song every 15 minutes. Pretty cool to watch the clock play music using steam. The steam clock is a gift from Vancouver, Canada, that has the same type of clock in Gas Town. Don’t miss it!
#otaru #hokkaido #friendstrip #2015
Bakudan Yaki Honpo
#2023travelwish
Bakudan-yaki is like a larger version of takoyaki (about three times the size), and the texture is similar to rolled okonomiyaki. It is bigger than the size of a tennis ball.
Fully-loaded with cabbage, mushroom, corn, bacon bits and one bite-size piece of octopus, the gigantic bomb is covered with toppings of your choice. Be sure to look out for them when you are in Otaru. I ate it for the first time, but it was very delicious!
#hokkaido #otaru #friendstrip #2015
Popura farm Furano Melon ice
#2023travelwish
Melon ice cream was amazing! The vanilla one was pretty good at well. Eating the sweet melon in the end just added to this amazing dessert. The interior is very unique and aesthetically pleasing. We left here a happy bunch.
#hokkaido #friendstrip #2015
GRAND PARK OTARU
#celebratewithtrip
The location is great. It is connected to a shopping mall with a supermarket and restaurants close by. Spacious rooms overlooking the view of the yacht docks. Bed was comfortable and facilities were adequate. The staff are friendly. Highly recommended.
#otaru #hokkaido #japan #2015 #friendstrip
Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street
#celebratewithtrip
Otaru's Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street is located on the inland side of Rinkosen Street, parallel to the Otaru Canal. Iconic and popular shopping street in Otaru popular with locals and tourist alike. Many popular Hokkaido product shops and restaurants to explore. It was overall an enjoyable experience to explore the different shops as each of the shops has different designs. Highly recommended place for a sightseeing and shopping!
#friendstrip #otaru #japan #2015
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Otaru