Smart Ways to Avoid Crowds and Enjoy a Safe, Comfortable Trip to Otaru.
- Written by: LIVE JAPAN Editor
Otaru in Hokkaido is a highly popular tourist destination among both foreigners and Japanese.
Therefore, depending on the season, it can be extremely crowded, making it difficult to board your preferred mode of transportation or even increasing the risk of accidents.
*This article includes advertising content.
Smart Ways to Avoid Crowds and Enjoy a Safe, Comfortable Trip to Otaru.
During Japan's peak holiday seasons—April 29 to May 5, August 10 to August 15, and December 25 to January 5—accommodations are often fully booked, and traffic congestion is widespread. Similarly, during Chinese New Year (late January to early February), a major holiday for Chinese travelers, large crowds are also expected.
To help you steer clear of the crowds and enjoy a smoother trip during these busy periods, we've put together helpful travel tips and information.

- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Popular Tours & Activities
-
Obihiro's Beloved 90-Year-Old Sweet Shop and the 'Milk Road' Treat Fans Keep Coming Back For
by: Guest Contributor
-
Hokkaido's Best 10 Budget Onsen Stays (Ryokan & Hotels From 20,000 Yen a Night)
-
Romantic Places in Hokkaido: Where to Honeymoon Across the Seasons
by: Himanshi Shah
-
10 Recommended Apartment Hotels in Hakodate for Families & Groups
by: Sae Haneda
-
Okashi Kissa Miura - The Charming Hokkaido Cafe Serves French-Inspired Sweets in the Beautiful Countryside
by: Guest Contributor
-
Coming October 2026: JR Hokkaido Introduces Ticket Machines with Passport Readers for Easier Rail Pass Purchases
by: Guest Contributor
-
Top 20 Things to Do in Furano: Your Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Sightseeing, Food, and Shopping
-
Otaru Travel Guide: Inside Hokkaido's Leading Destination (Sightseeing, Food, and Shopping Tips)
-
Tokyo Train & Subway Guide: Navigate the City Like a Pro (JR, Subways, IC Cards & Passes)
-
Highway Bus Guide from Sapporo Station: Bus Stop Locations and Ticket Reservations
-
Guide to Traveling Hokkaido by Train: Prices and Distance for All Main Train Stations
-
These 18 Things to Do in Hakodate Will Make You Fall in Love With the Northern Wonderland
by: Guest Contributor
- #best sushi hokkaido
- #things to do hokkaido
- #best ramen sapporo
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sweets otaru
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best nature furano
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best japanese soft drinks












