Location: Otaru
Top Things to do in Otaru
Countries
What to do and see in Otaru, Hokkaido: The Best Free Things to do
Top right: The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum
Middle right 1: - Glass Works in Otaru
Middle right 2: - Temiya old railway line
Restaurants in Otaru
1. The Glass Studio in Otaru
2. Otaru Snow Light Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
This festival of snow and candles is held every February in Otaru, known as the City of Canals. The historic buildings and townscape are lit here and there by warm candelight, conjuring a magical vision of Japan in the good old days. Since it began in 1999, it has become one of Hokkaido's leading festivals, boasting around 500,000 visitors in recent years. The name of the event is derived from the poetry collection "Yuki Akari no Michi" (meaning "snow light path") written by Sei Ito, a literary figure of the early Showa era closely associated with Otaru.
Reviewed By Krubee - Singapore, Singapore
Just right after Sapporo Snow Festival kicks then comes this romantic, magical and whimsical displays of Lighted Street Lamps, Snow Statues and Lanterns in the city of Otaru named Otaru Snow Light Path which runs in the middle of February every year. For tourists and locals alike they can enjoy both festivals and for those arriving later in February can enjoy this romantic light and snow festival. Getting to Otaru Station via JR Hakodate line from Sapporo. The travel time is around 30 mins for the rapid service. Otaru like Sapporo is very snowy especially during winter. The festival is free and just 10 mins walk from Otaru station. It has 2 area the one nearer Otaru is the Temiyasen Kaijo which is a 0.5 KM pathway from an old rail station with many Snow Statues and Lanterns. The more famous area Unga Kaijo is where the Otaru Canal located as well as the romantic Gas Lamps combined with Snow Lit Statues and Lanterns. This is the more romantic area as you stroll along the canal. There are also lighted buoys floating in the canal. We mainly stayed in Temiyasen Kaijo since we arrived later and there was heavy snowfall nevertheless it was a memorable, magical and whimsical experience. Different kinds of Snow Statues some are very cute manga characters, symbolic, dramatic, cultural and even religious. Some locals also provide heated charcoals and provide free treats along the path. You could also buy drinks and food along the way. We took a lot of beautiful and magical photos here for us to cherish and remember for life but we will surely be back here it's too easy to forget.
3. Otaru Canal
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,097 reviews
Reviewed By macariosakay - Manila, Philippines
it is best to take the train from Sapporo. as soon as you go out of the facade of the train station cross the street and go straight until you see otaru canal. best to see it during winter. drop by otaru beer garden.
4. Otaru Museum, Bank of Japan
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By PeterCosby_Leicester - Leicester, United Kingdom
Totally weird to expect that a visit to an old bank would be interesting.... but is was. The museum is situated in the old bank of Japan bank . Much of the display is in Japanese but there was an English video that lasted about 15 mins on the history of banking in Japan, the move from feudal money to the gold standard and a useful information on what banks do to regulate inflation/ deflation etc all of which are topical issues. Large solid building and you can go into the old vaults and view a variety of historic notes etc. Takes about 45 minutes but it is free and more memorable than the rest of Otaru which is somewhat brash and touristy. But I’m a 58 year Dad and less impressed by glittering glass, trinkets and ice cream!
5. Otaru Orgel Museum Main Building
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 706 reviews
Reviewed By 936carmd - Toronto, Canada
There are so many music boxes for you to choose. Different price range. Its amazing to see so many music boxes.
6. Sankaku Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 522 reviews
Reviewed By AngelinaST
Japanese fish market is a must visit point ! the Sankaku market sits right next to the main train station, and offers excellent choice of fresh seafood. I love it !!! The size of the restaurants and the market is very narrow. it is not recommend to bring your carry on / luggage to go in.
7. Shinnantaru Market
8. Kitaichi Glass 3gokan
9. Suitengu
10. Taishougarasu Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By dynamic14 - Singapore, Singapore
Located in The Former Takasabuto Natori Store, the building is one of the designated historic landmarks of Otaru City. Now occupied by the Otaru Taisho Glass Palace, this place is filled with lovely pieces of glass works. Very creative and beautiful. Great for memories and souvenirs.
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