Beautiful canal town 30 minutes northwest of Sapporo, famous for glasswork, sushi, and romantic winter scenery.

About Otaru

Otaru is one of Hokkaido\'s most charming day-trip destinations, a former herring fishing boom town that has preserved its early 20th-century stone warehouses along the iconic Otaru Canal. The canal, lined with gas lamps and flanked by converted warehouses now housing cafés, restaurants, and shops, is particularly atmospheric in winter when snow blankets the scene and the February Snow Light Path Festival illuminates the waterway with candles.

Otaru is renowned for its glass-blowing tradition (visit Kitaichi Glass and the Glass Factory for demonstrations and shopping) and music box museum, the largest in Japan. The city\'s Sushi Street (Sushi-ya Dori) is famous throughout Japan for the freshest seafood—uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), and crab are the specialties from nearby waters. The Otaru Beer Brewery serves German-style craft beer in a historic warehouse. LeTAO and Rokkatei confectioneries make Otaru a destination for Japan\'s famous Hokkaido sweets.

Nearby Landmarks

Otaru Canal Kitaichi Glass Music Box Museum Sushi Street Temiya Railway Heritage

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost ¥25,000-30,000 ($170-205)
Time 80-100 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost Not practical
Time 80-100 minutes

Arrivals level

Train (JR Rapid Airport (Otaru extension))

Cost ¥1,910 ($13)
Time 72 minutes
Frequency Selected services (hourly)

Step-by-Step Directions

Some JR Rapid Airport trains continue directly to Otaru. Check the timetable for direct services. Otherwise transfer at Sapporo station.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi ¥25,000-30,000 ($170-205) 80-100 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare Not practical 80-100 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train ¥1,910 ($13) 72 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The last JR train from Otaru to Sapporo departs around 11:30 PM, and the last Airport Express from Sapporo is about 10:30 PM. Plan timing carefully if returning to the airport. A taxi from Otaru directly to the airport costs approximately ¥20,000–25,000. Most visitors make Otaru a day trip from Sapporo.

Luggage Tips

JR trains between Sapporo and Otaru have overhead racks for luggage. Otaru Station has coin lockers (¥300–500) where you can store bags while exploring the canal area and Sushi Street. The walk from the station to the canal district is about 10 minutes on flat, paved roads.

Accessibility

Otaru Station has elevators and accessible facilities. The canal promenade is paved and mostly flat, suitable for wheelchairs. Some glass shops and the music box museum in older buildings have steps. The Sushi Street restaurants vary in accessibility—newer establishments are more accommodating. JR trains have wheelchair spaces.