What to do and see in Otaru, Hokkaido: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

May 22, 2021 Joeann Galban

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. Otaru Snow Light Path

Around Otaru City, Otaru Hokkaido http://yukiakarinomichi.org/
Excellent
67%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 55 reviews

Otaru Snow Light Path

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.

2. Otaru Aquarium

3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru 047-0047 Hokkaido +81 134-33-1400 http://otaru-aq.jp/
Excellent
37%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 412 reviews

Otaru  Aquarium

Reviewed By ambamb8 - Hong Kong, China

Given Otaru is a very small city in Hokkaido, it's unrealistic to expect a very cool aquarium. Frankly, having its own aquarium is already amazing. The closest encounter one can get:- - winter in snow, penguins walking next to you. - dolphin show with dolphin only 3m away. - touching the octopus and "sucks" by it. Great fun day for kids and parents.

3. Otaru Canal

Minatomachi, Otaru 047-0007 Hokkaido https://www.city.otaru.lg.jp/kankou/miru_asobu_tomaru/kankosisetu/otaruunga.html/
Excellent
27%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 3,097 reviews

Otaru Canal

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 Orgel Museum Main Building

4-1 Sumiyoshicho, Otaru 047-0015 Hokkaido +81 134-22-1108 http://www.otaru-orgel.co.jp/j_main.html
Excellent
32%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 706 reviews

Otaru Orgel Museum Main Building

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.

5. Mt.Tengu

2 Tenguyama, Otaru 047-0012 Hokkaido
Excellent
36%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 397 reviews

Mt.Tengu

Reviewed By Beetrootears - Balmoral Ridge, Australia

ski resort had hardly anybody on the slopes. Basic cafe at top. Interesting history of skiing museum and display of mountain goblin masks

6. Unga Plaza

2-1-20, Ironai, Otaru 047-0031 Hokkaido +81 134-33-1661 http://www.city.otaru.lg.jp/simin/sisetu/kankobussan_plaza/
Excellent
16%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
34%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 148 reviews

Unga Plaza

7. Otaru Sakaimachi Street

Sakaimachi, Otaru 047-0027 Hokkaido +81 134-27-1133 [email protected] http://otaru-sakaimachi.com/
Excellent
31%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 226 reviews

Otaru Sakaimachi Street

Reviewed By chae84 - Sungai Buloh, Malaysia

A lot of unique shops selling a lot of unique stuff. Worth to spend 2-3 hours walking around if u not buying anything. There are plenty of shop selling snacks and food. It close pretty early during winter and not sure on other season it close early or not.

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