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
-
10 Recommended Apartment Hotels in Hakodate for Families & Groups
by: Sae Haneda
-
Hokkaido for Travelers from India: A Complete First-Trip Guide
by: Himanshi Shah
-
Furano & Biei Bus Tour Review: Farm Tomita, Blue Pond & Shikisai no Oka in One Day
-
Why Kitami Mint Once Dominated the Global Market: A Visit to Hokkaido's Mint Museum
-
Experience 'Ghost of Yotei' IRL! See Why Niseko is The Ultimate Summer Escape
-
Okashi Kissa Miura - The Charming Hokkaido Cafe Serves French-Inspired Sweets in the Beautiful Countryside
by: Guest Contributor
-
Foreign Residents Tell All: 5 Hidden Gems in Hokkaido!
-
Shopping in Japan 2026: Annual Sale Calendar, Best Deals & Where to Shop
-
10 Awesome Things To Do in Hakodate, Hokkaido
-
Healthcare in Japan for Tourists: What to Do When You Get Sick or Injured in Japan
-
Flowers, Beer & More: Hokkaido Summer Driving Itinerary (+ Bonus 6-Day Plan)
-
From Snow to Sun: Things to Do in Asahikawa in Every Season
by: Himanshi Shah
- #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












