True to its seaport town origins, Otaru is famous for its fresh and tasty seafood such as tuna, salmon, scallops, abalone, crabs, and whatever else you can think of. An exotic fare of chewy mantis shrimps and sweet-tasting sea urchins come especially recommended by us. For those who want to have it all, order a large seafood rice bowl as it will be topped with a wide variety of different seafood sliced into bite-sized chunks for easy consumption. Simply step into one of the tourist-friendly stores near the picturesque Otaru Canal and along Sakaimachi Street, or go directly to Sankaku Market for the freshest fish Otaru has to offer!

Sushi is one of Japan’s most globally recognizable foods, so it is no surprise that many travelers make it a priority as soon as they arrive. For visitors to Hokkaido, Otaru is one of the best places to do exactly that.

Because seafood is at the heart of sushi, this former port town delivers on freshness in a big way. Around Otaru Station and the Otaru Canal, you will find an impressive concentration of sushi restaurants, ranging from casual counters to long-established local favorites.

For an even deeper dive, head to Otaru Sushi Street, where well-known names like Fukuzushi, Waraku Kaiten-Zushi, and Masazushi line the road. No matter where you choose to sit down, the quality is consistently high, and prices are surprisingly reasonable for the level of freshness on offer.

In short, when it comes to sushi, it is very hard to go wrong in Otaru, and that alone makes it a must-stop for food-loving travelers.

This local favorite starts with a simple idea and turns it into pure comfort food. Crispy fried soba noodles are topped with a thick, savory seafood-based sauce, creating a dish known as ankake yakisoba.

The dish rose to popularity in Otaru in the late 1950s, thanks to the city’s Chinese-style restaurants. The chewy noodles pair perfectly with the rich sauce, which is often loaded with ingredients like cuttlefish, clams, or shrimp. From the first bite, the combination delivers a bold, satisfying flavor that makes it hard to stop eating.

Even better, most plates of ankake yakisoba cost less than 1,000 yen, making it an easy and affordable addition to your list of must-try regional comfort foods when visiting Otaru.

Ramen might not be the first food people associate with a seaside town like Otaru, but it absolutely deserves a spot on your must-eat list.

Hokkaido’s rich natural resources give its ramen a quiet depth that is hard to replicate elsewhere. Many soups are made using local ingredients like Rausu kombu or bonito flakes, resulting in a broth that is deeply flavorful yet never overpowering. That balance brings out the best in every style, whether you order salt, miso, shoyu, or something a little different.

Otaru is also home to long-running ramen shops, including places like Mahoro, where well-honed recipes and old-school interiors add to the experience. It is the kind of meal that feels both comforting and distinctly local. If you love ramen, skipping the Hokkaido version would be a serious mistake.

One of Otaru’s most beloved comfort foods is hanmiage chicken, and it makes a strong first impression. A whole chicken is split in half, marinated, then slowly fried at a low temperature until it turns a deep, golden brown. It may look unconventional on the plate, but one bite tells you everything you need to know.

The outside is irresistibly crispy, while the inside stays juicy and tender. It is the kind of dish that feels familiar and comforting, yet somehow better than expected, making it very hard to stop eating once you start.

Hanmiage was created by Wakadori Jidai Naruto, a long-running local restaurant founded in 1952. Loved by generations of locals, it remains a go-to dish for anyone craving something hearty and satisfying. If you are in the mood for comfort food with a distinctly Otaru twist, this is one you should not skip.

Otaru is also a dangerous place for anyone with a sweet tooth. Many of Japan’s most popular confectionery brands have set up shop here, and once you start walking around, it can feel like there is a dessert stop on nearly every corner.

One of the biggest names is LeTAO, whose world-famous cheesecakes actually originated in Otaru. Step inside any branch and you will be greeted by displays of classic cheesecakes, creamy soft-serve ice cream, chocolates, cheese danishes, and more than enough treats to derail any diet plans. Each location also offers a limited-edition item, which makes hopping between branches surprisingly tempting.

Other must-visits include Kitakaro, known for its rich cream puffs and fluffy baumkuchen, and Rokkatei, famous for rum raisin butter cream sandwich cookies, chocolate cheesecake biscuits, and exclusive soft-serve flavors you will not find elsewhere.

The only real strategy here is pacing yourself. Come hungry, walk slowly, and leave room to sample as many sweet snacks as possible. In Otaru, dessert is not an afterthought, it is half the experience.

Did you know local Otaru beer is quite a treat as well? Brewed with organic malt, hops, and local mineral-rich Otaru water, then enhanced with different types of fruits, the result is an exquisitely mellow and refreshing drink that looks and tastes premium.

If the beer-making process interests you, check out Otaru Warehouse No. 1, a renovated historic warehouse located along Otaru Canal that's currently being used as a brewery and restaurant. Brewery tours are held here and you can enjoy freshly brewed Otaru beer with Bratwurst sausages and other side dishes in the restaurant immediately after your tour. An efficient way to maximize your time here for sure!

As the main gateway to Otaru sightseeing, Otaru Station is perfectly placed. From here, you can walk to major highlights like Otaru Canal and the Bank of Japan Otaru Museum in just minutes, which also means one very important thing: you can eat extremely well without getting on a bus or train.

A natural first stop is Otaru Sankaku Market, a lively hub packed with fresh seafood, dried goods, sashimi, and local specialties. Many vendors prepare toppings like tuna, sea urchin, and fish roe on the spot, and the mixed seafood rice bowl is a must if you want to sample a bit of everything. Honestly, if you have not eaten at Sankaku Market, you have not truly eaten in Otaru yet.

Closer to the station, you will also find plenty of classic Japanese comfort food. Ramen shops are everywhere, and if you are in the mood for sushi, Isezushi, a Michelin-starred restaurant, is another option worth considering.

Looking for something more local and home-style? Keep an eye out for dishes like ankake yakisoba and deep-fried hanmiage chicken, or go straight to the source. Chinese Dining Keien is known for its ankake yakisoba, while Wakadori Jidai Naruto is the birthplace of Otaru’s famous hanmiage chicken.

If you still cannot decide, take a stroll down Denuki Koji, a nostalgic food street designed with an old-fashioned atmosphere. Here you will find Japanese-style bar food, robatayaki (charcoal-grilled dishes), tempura, and more. At night, the street lights up beautifully, giving the whole area a festive glow. Bonus: it is also a fantastic backdrop for social media photos.

Food alone can easily fill your day, but there is plenty more to explore around Otaru Station. Take a romantic walk along the nearby Otaru Canal, visit the historic rail tracks at the site of the former Japan National Railways Temiya Line on Sakaimachi Street, or snap photos of the elegant Western-style buildings at the Former Otaru Branch of NYK Line and the Bank of Japan Otaru Museum.

For nature lovers, Mt. Tengu is another must. Ride the ropeway up the mountain and enjoy sweeping views of Otaru framed by the sea and surrounding greenery. If you are lucky, you may even catch unkai, the mystical “sea of clouds” that drifts below the summit.

At night, the view transforms completely. The lights of the town sparkle like stars against the dark landscape, making it easy to see why Mt. Tengu is ranked among Hokkaido’s top three night views. It is the perfect place to wind down after a full day of eating, exploring, and wandering through Otaru.

Food to try around Otaru Station
・Sushi & Seafood

・Ramen and stir-fried noodles

Recommended food and attractions around Otaru Station

Minami-Otaru Station is just next to Otaru Station. It's also the closest station to the entrance of Sakaimachi Street, one of Otaru's most popular tourist destinations.

If you're mainly concerned about being able to hit all the famous pastries shops in town, like Rokkatei, LeTAO, and Kitakaro, as quickly as possible, then it may be more time-saving to set off from here instead of Otaru Station.

In fact, the LeTAO flagship store is just a quick 7-minute walk from Minami-Otaru Station, its iconic clock tower located just across the road from Marchen Intersection. This is also where you can find the Otaru Music Box Museum, Stained Glass Museum, and other interesting places where you can peruse and buy exquisite Otaru handicraft home as souvenirs.

The intersection is also located at the edge of Sakaimachi Street, so if you keep walking, you'll pass by LeTAO, Kitakaro, Rokkatei, and many other well-known store names before finally hitting Otaru Canal at the other end of the street.

Otaru-Chikko Station is one stop after Minami-Otaru. There are fewer tourists here compared to Minami-Otaru, but the large shopping mall directly connected to the port is a convenient place for you to rest and look around. The nearby Grand Park Otaru is a waterfront hotel that is the top choice of accommodations for many vacationing here as well.

Once you step out of Otaru-Chikko Station, you'll see the Wing Bay Otaru department store, home to several homegrown Japanese brands such as Muji (home and household goods), Nitori (furniture and decor), ASBee (shoes).

Being able to get their household and fashion needs covered in a single location may appeal to those who are big on efficiency and convenience. Better yet, there's an AEON supermarket in the building as well, and if you spend more than 5,000 yen combined, you may qualify for a tax refund!

While you're there, take a walk around the gourmet street to find something that tickles your fancy before heading up to the observation deck to let the peaceful sight of the vast sky and sea outside melt your worries and troubles away. You're on vacation, after all!

Food to try around Minami-Otaru Station and the Otaru-Chikko Area
・Sweets

2022 Foodie Update
Brand new product at Fromage Danish Dani LeTAO - Danish French toast!

Fromage Danish Dani LeTAO at Otaru is a cheese Danish specialty store that has been serving up delectable Danishes to long lines of hungry customers since 2018. In June 2022, the shop introduced a brand new product for foodies to relish - a limited edition Danish French toast made with the dough used for the shop's signature cheese Danishes, brushed with egg wash whipped up from a mixture of local Biei milk and eggs from Ishikawa's poultry farms - both premium quality ingredients. The toast is then covered in caramel and left to bake in the oven. The rich fragrance that the toast gives off adds to its flavor and enhances the eating experience by leaps and bounds. You can also add a scoop of ice cream to the toast if you like, or a subtle dash of strawberry cream.

In between Otaru Station and Otaru Port is the town's most famous sightseeing spot, the Otaru Canal.

Historic buildings and architecture line both sides of the canal, the most recognizable of which is the row of olden brick warehouses that look great in pictures at any angle.

Otaru Warehouse No. 1 and Otaru Times Garten are restaurants that operate from within these renovated warehouses. Having a drink in one of these buildings is a good way to contemplate the passage of time as you take a little break from your day's activities!

Another shop worth a mention is Sushiya Kodai, a sushi store located right by Otaru Canal with an eye-dazzlingly huge selection of sushi dishes. You're guaranteed absolute freshness in any conveyor belt sushi bars in the area as well. It's difficult to go wrong with seafood in a bustling port town!

Other interesting things to look out for here is the sightseeing boat that runs along Otaru Canal, Otaru Canal Plaza, and the Otaru Taisho Glass Palace, a glassware specialty store that features interesting glass souvenirs and trinkets.

Since they're all in close proximity, you can feel free to visit any of these places before or after a meal.

If you've ever been to Shin-Chitose Airport, you've probably passed by the popular Kamaei snack store and maybe bought a souvenir or two from there. Guess what? The shop has a factory located right here in Otaru with a direct sales outlet as well! Now you can get the freshest kamaboko (fishcake) and satsuma-age (fried fishcake) right from the source with all sorts of flavors. Taste testing is allowed so you can decide on the one that suits your palate the most before making your purchase.


Food to try around Otaru Canal & Port Marina
・Sushi

・Sweets

・Breweries

2022 Foodie Update
Ryugetsu Otaruto: The hottest Hokkaido souvenir brand and its flagship Otaru store

Have you ever heard of or perhaps received a Hokkaido Sanporoku baumkuchen as souvenir from family or friends returning from their trips? This innovative confectionery is the original product of Ryugetsu, a oldtime pastry store located in Tokachi Obihiro. Chocolate is used to decorate the surface of the cake, giving it a bark-like appearance that resembles the paper birch tree. Inside, the cake is wholly made from Tokachi wheat flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and other locally sourced ingredients. The freshness that results has gained it many fans from all over the world. In April 2022, Ryugetsu opened a direct sales outlet store in Otaru with a comically bold and eye-grabbing Sanporoku baumkuchen bench right outside the main entrance. Sanporoku baumkuchen is not the only pastry you can purchase here, of course. Keep a lookout for the muscat glass jellies and red bean o-tarts, both exclusive products of the Otaru branch! The shop also offers ice-cream with unusual flavors such as Tokachi vanilla and Tokachi red bean. I hope you've been taking notes, sweet tooth!