Otaru Canal – Hokkaido

A charming port city in Hokkaido.
Otaru Canal in Otaru, Hokkaido

Otaru, a charming port city located in Hokkaido, Japan, is often overshadowed by the more popular tourist destinations such as Sapporo and Asahikawa. However, hidden within the city is a quaint and peaceful canal that is well worth a visit. 

The Otaru Canal is a stunning and serene waterway that runs through the center of the city, providing a breathtaking backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a romantic evening. The canal is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, providing a perfect opportunity to sample some of the local cuisine or pick up a souvenir. The local seafood is especially noteworthy, with fresh sushi and sashimi being a must-try for any foodie.

Until a more modern port was built, the Otaru canal used to be a key economic powerhouse of the prefecture in the early 1900s, with boats travelling up the canal and dropping off goods directly at the warehouses all along the waterfront. The modern port was built in the 1980s, and has since made the Otaru canal obsolete, however a movement to protect the heritage of the canal has seen the once busy port turned into tourist destination, and a memento of the towns history.

Otaru Canal at dusk with the lamps lit

One of the best times to visit the Otaru Canal is at night, when the canal is illuminated by lanterns and street lamps, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The brick buildings along the canal are also beautifully lit, showcasing the unique architecture of the city. 

During the winter months, The Snow Light Path Festival is held, and the canal is lined with twinkling lights and adorned with snow, making it a winter wonderland that is truly a sight to behold. You can experience the unique aesthetic of Otaru year round, as each season brings new colours to the leaves and the canal.

Where To Stay

Booking.com

Access

The Otaru Canal is a short walk 5-10 minute walk from JR Otaru station following the main road leading out of the station. 

From Sapporo, a train can be taken from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station. The journey will take about 45 minutes on the Local Otaru Train, and will cost 750JPY one way. You can also take a combination of the Local Otaru, Hakodate Line, and the Airport Express, which will take about 35 minutes, and cost about 1,590JPY one way. With a JR Rail Pass, the journey is free.

Are you planning a trip to Japan soon? Then you really should consider purchasing a JR Rail Pass, especially if you are planning on hitting all the major tourist cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Sapporo. 

The JR Rail Pass makes getting around the country easy, and can save you several hundreds in travel expenses. All you need to do is just show your pass at the ticket gate, and you have access to any and all JR rail lines across the country, and not just the standard commuter trains, but luxury trains, and even the world famous Shinkansen (Bullet Train). A JR Rail Pass is an essential item for any visitor to Japan. Buy your pass today by clicking here now!

Explore more in Hokkaido

Klook.com