Otaru Canal

北海道

4.4

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

An exotic and charming walking path.

Along the canal, stone warehouses and factories stand side by side, now used as restaurants and shops. At night, the warm light of 63 gas lamps creates a nostalgic atmosphere perfect for strolling. From spring to autumn, you can enjoy a cruising tour with a boatman's commentary!

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic GourmetShoppingTownscape

Highlights

Point 1

Enjoy Commemorative Photos in Asakusabashi

When visiting the Otaru Canal, the first place you'll want to go is "Asakusabashi," which is always used for photography in posters and guidebooks introducing Otaru. It's a bridge over the Otaru Canal, and from the top of the bridge, you can overlook the Otaru Canal and the red brick warehouses lined up next to it. You can enjoy the scenery of Otaru and it's a recommended spot for commemorative photos during your trip to Otaru. A tourist information center where you can get the latest information on Otaru is also located nearby.

Point 2

Enjoy Otaru's Gourmet Cuisine

When you get hungry while strolling along the Otaru Canal, be sure to visit "Otaru Sakaimachi Street". This area is home to about 20 shops, offering a range of gourmet cuisine that can be enjoyed casually as takeout, as well as authentic dishes such as yakiniku and sushi. The retro atmosphere, as if you have slipped back in time, is also a charming point. There is a staircase leading to the top of the "Fire Lookout Tower" in the center, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Otaru city.

Point 3

Enjoy Delicious Seafood

Otaru has flourished as a port town since ancient times, so there are many famous restaurants around the Otaru Canal where you can enjoy delicious sushi. In particular, "shako," which is in season from October to December, is one of the famous local specialties in the Otaru area, with a larger body and excellent taste compared to those from other regions. There are various types of restaurants, from conveyor belt sushi to high-end ones, so it's a great point that you can choose a restaurant according to your needs.

Point 4

Enjoy a Factory Tour

If you visit the Otaru Canal, be sure to check out Kamaboko Kan "Kamae" Factory Direct Shop, a popular kamaboko (fish cake) shop founded in 1905. Located about a 5-minute walk from Asakusabashi, this shop offers factory tours where you can see the process of making kamaboko. They also sell freshly made kamaboko at the shop, making it a recommended souvenir. One of their most popular products is the "pan roll," which can be enjoyed as a snack.

Point 5

Enjoy a Romantic Winter Event

The Otaru Canal, which is covered in snow during the winter, is popular for its fantastic atmosphere. Every year from early to late February, an event called "Otaru Snow Light Path" is held. Handmade ice candles are lined up along the canal, and at night the entire area is wrapped in beautiful, gentle light. With many photo spots, it's also recommended as a dating spot for couples.

Access

10-Minute Walk from JR Otaru Station

The nearest station to Otaru Canal is JR Otaru Station, and it takes about 10 minutes to walk in the direction of the sea. The path to the canal is a gentle slope, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes such as sneakers. From Sapporo Station, the fastest way to get to JR Otaru Station is by using the rapid train, which takes only 32 minutes. As it is located in a place that is easily accessible, even when sightseeing based in Sapporo, you can visit for a day trip. It is also accessible from New Chitose Airport in about 1 hour and 30 minutes without any transfers.

Parking

Numerous Paid Parking Lots Available

There are numerous paid parking lots available around the Otaru Canal area. (There are no free parking lots in the area.) One of the characteristics of the parking lots in the Otaru Canal area is that they are mostly small-scale and located within the shopping district. During busy periods such as Golden Week, they often become full, so it's recommended to visit with plenty of time if you're coming by car.