If you're planning to sightsee in Otaru, the Otaru Canal is a must-visit. Completed in 1923, the canal dates back to when Otaru Port was Hokkaido's trade hub. While it's no longer used for trade due to the development of the harbor wharf, the canal has transformed into a popular tourist spot. You can still see the former glory of the canal and its historic stone warehouses.

Walking down Chuo-dori Street from JR Otaru Station towards Otaru Port for about 10 minutes brings you to Chuo-Bashi Bridge, one of the three bridges crossing the canal. From Chuo-Bashi Bridge, head east for 4-5 minutes to Asakusa-Bashi Bridge, where you'll find the main walkway and the highlight of the canal.

The cobblestone walkway, retro-designed gas lamps, stone warehouses, and rippling canal all add to the charm of the Otaru Canal. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the canal, taking in the photogenic scenery.

・Access: 10-minute walk from Otaru Station

In March 2024, the Otaru International Information Center opened in a straight line from Otaru Station. Previously known as the Otaru Tourism and Products Plaza, also called Canal Plaza, it closed on March 31, 2024. The functions were relocated to the new center, establishing it as a new hub for Otaru tourism. Conveniently located near Otaru Canal and the cruise ship terminal, access is easy.

The center offers a tourist information desk, a shop, a rooftop deck, lockers, a currency exchange machine, and foreign language tourist maps, providing extensive services for international visitors. At Port Marche Otarue, you can purchase specialty products from Otaru and Hokkaido, and enjoy local flavors (tax-free shopping available). To make the most of your visit to Otaru, start by gathering information at the Otaru International Information Center.

From the Otaru International Information Center, head southeast on Rinkosen Street along the canal. You'll find the Stained Glass Museum just before the first stoplight. This museum is one of four historical buildings that make up the Otaru Art Base.

These buildings were constructed during Otaru's most prosperous era and now showcase various artworks.

The Former Takahashi Warehouse has been renovated into the Stained Glass Museum, featuring numerous stained glass pieces from British churches dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. The majestic displays will make you lose track of time.

The former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch has been transformed into the Nitori Museum of Art. It features Japanese paintings by Daikan Yokoyama and Gyodo Kawai, Western art by both Japanese and international artists such as Ryusei Kishida and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and numerous wooden sculptures by Mitsuun Takamura and his students.

The Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch has preserved its original interior, including the safety deposit box vault and conference room, which are available for viewing. In the hallway adorned with plaster sculptures, you can also enjoy a projection mapping show themed around Hokkaido's four seasons.

Heading southwest from the Otaru Art Base on Nichigin-Dori Street, you'll reach the Bank of Japan Otaru Museum in about 3 minutes. This street, once lined with many banks, was known as the "Wall Street of the North." The museum building was designed by architect Tatsuno Kingo, who also designed the iconic red brick Tokyo Station. Featuring a Renaissance style and a unique roof with five domes, the museum offers exhibits explaining the history and role of the Bank of Japan, as well as the structure of finance.

The remnants of Otaru’s prosperous era can still be seen throughout the facility, such as the luxurious counter made with marble. Inside the heavy vault there is a section which can hold 100 million yen.

Heading northeast from the street in front of the Bank of Japan Otaru Museum, turn right at the first stoplight and cross the bridge to reach another major sightseeing spot in Otaru, Sakaimachi-dori Street.

This 900-meter one-way street is lined with shops housed in old merchant buildings and Western-style structures. You'll find glass craft workshops that Otaru is famous for, Western sweets shops, and even sushi restaurants. Sakaimachi-dori Street offers a variety of unique shopping and dining experiences.

From the direction of the Wall Street of the North on Sakaimachi-dori Street, head southeast for 600 meters. On your left, you'll find Kitaichi Glass Sangokan. Kitaichi Glass is Otaru's most famous glass craft workshop. The Sangokan (third shop) is housed in a renovated stone warehouse and is divided into three themed floors: Japanese, Western, and Country.

For Japanese-themed products to incorporate into your daily life, visit the Japanese floor. The Country floor features modernized old-fashioned oil lamps and various other styles. If you prefer lamps that resemble stained glass with an international flair, head to the Western floor. There are many attractive craftworks for sale, making it a perfect place to buy gifts from Otaru.

・Admission: Free
・Hours: 8:45 AM to 6 PM
・Closed: Open daily

Fifty meters south of Kitaichi Glass Sangokan is the Hokkaido sweets shop Rokkatei Otaru Canal Shop. On the first floor, they sell their famous Marusei Butter Sandwich along with a variety of Western and Japanese baked sweets.

The café on the second floor offers exclusive sweets that can only be enjoyed there. We recommend the Yukiya Konkon Majirikke Nashi, a soft-serve ice cream topped with a Yukiya Konkon black cocoa biscuit. The rich milk-flavored soft-serve ice cream with a fresh aftertaste is perfect for a relaxing break.

Next to Rokkatei Otaru Canal Shop is the Kitakaro Otaru Main Shop. Kitakaro is renowned for its sweets, including the Hokkaido Kaitaku Okaki and especially their large cream puffs, such as the Jumbo Pie-shu Yumefushigi and Jumbo-shu Kitano Yume Dream.

Another popular item is the Baumkuchen Mori no Yousei, created as a souvenir for the opening of the Otaru Main Shop. The chef carefully prepares each cake to achieve the perfect softness. Don't miss out on the Otaru Honkan Baumkuchen Set, which includes a soft-serve ice cream and a drink. This set is available only from May to the end of October at the shop's café space.

Heading 50 meters south from Kitakaro Otaru Main Shop, about a 1-minute walk, you'll find the LeTAO Main Store. Their Double Fromage, featuring a layer of rich baked cheesecake and a layer of soft, milky rare cheesecake, is a popular item with many orders nationwide.

The store faces the popular sightseeing spot Marchen Crossroad, and the second floor is a café where you can enjoy views of the cityscape during teatime. The store offers exclusive menu items such as the Rare Double Fromage and the Kisekino Kuchidoke Set, which includes the Double Fromage and the rich crème brûlée Venice Rendezvous.

・Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM (Café: 9 AM to 5:30 PM, hours may vary by season)
・Closed: Open daily
・Access: 5-minute walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station

The area around the stone lamp in front of the LeTAO Main Store is a popular sightseeing spot known as Marchen Intersection. Officially named Sakaimachi Crossroads, it is located at the end of the street. This area features many retro buildings like the LeTAO Main Store and the Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building, creating a foreign ambiance and making it a perfect spot for photos. In front of the Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building, there is a steam clock that whistles every 15 minutes.

Across the street from Marchen Intersection’s stone lamp square is the Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building.

This renovated two-story brick and stone building, originally built in 1912 as the main office for a rice dealer, features an interior made of Japanese zelkova wood and a main hall with a ceiling height of 9 meters. The museum displays many music boxes throughout the store.

There are various music boxes made from different materials and shapes, such as wood, glass, and ceramic, or in shape of stuffed dolls and other characters. Have a look through the store and you might find a music box that might catch your attention.

How about ending your day trip from Sapporo with a night view of the Otaru Canal? From the Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building, head east to Marchen Crossroad, turn left at the first stoplight, and head north on Rinkosen Street for 10 minutes to return to Asakusa-Bashi Bridge on the canal.

The canal walkway features 63 gas lamps that illuminate the warehouses along the water. The orange lighting creates a romantic atmosphere at night. Particularly around Asakusa-Bashi Bridge, the gentle curve of the canal and the glowing gas lamps provide a perfect photo spot to conclude your Otaru tour.

・Access: 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station