Time in Otaru is best spent taking in the atmosphere through a stroll along its enchanting canal. Providing a genuine glimpse into a bygone era, such intact slices of history are a growing rarity in Japan these days.

Visitors can also browse through and purchase stunning Otaru glassware while sampling the unique seafood dishes on offer around the port. And that’s just the start! For such a small city, there’s so much to do in Otaru!

Otaru has more on offer than just its historical buildings! The romantic township brims with famous desserts and souvenirs not found anywhere else in Japan!

We’ve picked 7 must-stop shops offering all kinds of delectable desserts and other goodies to sweeten up your Otaru adventure! Many of these also offer take-out, so you can indulge while enjoying the sights and sounds of this incredible city.

As a flourishing port, sushi naturally became a staple menu item throughout Otaru. Ranging from legendary joints on ‘Otaru Sushi Street’ to local sushi trains frequented by residents, we’ve drawn up a list of five that represent the best of Otaru sushi. All are near Otaru Station and the canal area, making them easily accessible even on a day-trip. If you feel a sushi craving coming on in Otaru, we’ve got you covered!

Once you’ve had your fill of canal-side strolls and scrumptious sushi, it’s time to get active and delve into Otaru’s rich arts and crafts culture! From glass blowing, candle making, and music box building, there are numerous places offering exciting activities for beginners the whole family can enjoy!

Make an extra-special, hand-crafted souvenir, along with invaluable lifelong memories with these 6 things to do in Otaru!

Otaru’s burgeoning popularity has naturally led to an array of hotels allowing visitors to enjoy the city in comfort and style!

While only a 35-minute train ride from Sapporo, the historical significance and restaurant scene makes Otaru worth spending a night in! To help you find the perfect stay, we present our top picks for the best Otaru hotels with great locations, amazing views, and reasonable prices!

Otaru’s enchanting canal system, dynamic seafood, booming arts scene, and unique craftsmanship make it a truly special place. Even surrounded by other amazing Hokkaido gems, such as Hakodate and Sapporo, the quaint Otaru truly stands out!