A Guide to Otaru Canal, Loved for Its Atmospheric Retro Scenery

Otaru Port developed as a gateway for the settlement of Hokkaido.
At first, large ships anchored offshore and cargo was unloaded there, but as the volume of cargo increased, there was a growing need to improve efficiency.
That is why Otaru Canal was built, to create a longer distance where ships could berth.
Otaru Canal was completed in 1923.
Because it was constructed by reclaiming land off the coast, one of its distinctive features is its gentle curve rather than a straight line.
After World War II, once port piers and wharves were developed, the canal had fulfilled its role.
In 1986, part of Otaru Canal was reclaimed and half of it was turned into a road. A walking path, plaza, and 63 gas lamps were added, creating the appearance it has today.
The stone warehouses along Otaru Canal were renovated into restaurants and other venues while retaining their original look, and the area has since been reborn as one of Otaru's most popular sightseeing spots.

Otaru Canal is a historic sightseeing spot where warehouses line the waterway of Otaru, the port city that supported the development of Hokkaido.
A promenade has been developed along the full 1,140-meter length of Otaru Canal.
The charm of Otaru Canal is condensed here, with its cobblestone paths, retro gas lamps, and stone warehouses.
As you stroll and admire the historic buildings scattered around the area, you'll be able to soak up the nostalgic atmosphere.

A popular option here is a Approx. 40-minute cruise through this area, where rows of wooden-framed stone warehouses still remain and attract visitors as one of Otaru's most famous sightseeing spots.
On the day cruise, you can see the warehouse district and many valuable historic buildings from the water.
With a guide, you'll hear detailed explanations at each spot, and it's also great for taking photos.
The night cruise, which departs after sunset, is truly romantic, with gas lamps and building lights shimmering on the water.

The winter events that decorate Otaru Canal are not to be missed.
Otaru Snow Story is usually held from November to mid-February of the following year.
During the event period, the canal is bathed in blue light and wrapped in a magical, romantic atmosphere, making it especially recommended for couples.
At Otaru Snow Light Path, a festival of snow and candles held in February, you can see soothing scenery lit by the warm glow of snow candles.

Rokkatei is a confectionery maker known for a wide range of popular Hokkaido souvenirs such as Marusei Butter Sandwich, Yukiya Konko, and strawberry chocolate.
The Otaru Unga Store, said to use about 100,000 Tokachi bricks, has a retro exterior that matches the streetscape of Sakaimachi Hondori.
On the first floor shop, a full lineup of Rokkatei sweets is available, led by the butter sandwich. There are not only boxed items for souvenirs but also many individually sold sweets, which makes it easy to choose exactly what you want.
The second floor is a rest area where you can enjoy the sweets you purchased on the first floor.

In Otaru, Hokkaido's port town famous for seafood, the meat dish you should definitely try is Wakadori Jidai Naruto's deep-fried half chicken. Since the restaurant was founded in 1956, it has been loved here for more than 60 years as Otaru's soul food.
In addition to the deep-fried half chicken, the menu also includes sushi and sashimi, so it's also recommended for those who want to enjoy both seafood and meat.
The signature dish, deep-fried half chicken, is simply seasoned with salt and pepper and deep-fried, but its addictive flavor keeps people coming back.

This Western confectionery shop in Otaru is nationally famous for its Double Fromage cheesecake, made with fresh cream from Hokkaido milk and carefully selected mascarpone cheese.
LeTAO Main Store, located at Otaru's popular tourist spot Marchen Crossroads, opened in 1998.
On the first floor, a variety of sweets such as cakes and baked goods are sold.
The second floor is a tea lounge. In its retro atmosphere, you can enjoy freshly made Nama Double Fromage, dessert plates, and the main store's exclusive blended flavored tea.

This specialty music box store mainly operates in Otaru City, with other locations in Hakodate, Furano, Yokohama, Kamakura, and Kyoto.
Its main shop, the Main Building, was built in 1915 and is designated as a historical building by Otaru City, strongly retaining the atmosphere of a bygone era.
The building, made up of two structures, one red brick and one stone, is divided into five floors, each displaying and selling music boxes with a different concept.
The selection includes jewelry boxes, stuffed animals, wall hangings, ceramics, and more, with around 3,200 varieties and over 38,000 items, making it one of the largest music box stores in Japan.

A popular glass shop and tourist spot in Otaru, lined with a wide variety of glass products including original items.
Its merchandise is displayed across three themed floors, Japanese Style Floor, Western Style Floor, and Country Floor, featuring everything from tableware and glasses to oil lamps and accessories.

Wing Bay Otaru is located in Chikko, Otaru's bay area.
It is a large multi-purpose complex built on the former freight yard site of JR Otaru-Chikko Station.
Of course, its direct connection to the station is also a major advantage for easy access.
In addition to a supermarket spread across three floors, it offers extensive shopping areas including a large home center, furniture store, and fashion stores.

A wine specialty shop located inside Otaru Canal Terminal. Inside, you will find more than 70 kinds of wine, including Hokkaido wines sourced from wineries across the region and locally produced Otaru wines.
The mini wines, sized to be finished in one go, are popular as souvenirs.
Across from it is the Otaru Bine Main Store, a restaurant where you can enjoy pairings of wines that match your meal along with dishes made from local ingredients.

Blue Cave is a sea cave where sunlight entering the cave reaches the bottom of the sea, and because the water absorbs all colors of light except blue from the seven colors of light, the sea surface shines in a beautiful color.
It is a natural work of art created by a combination of conditions such as seawater clarity, topography, and the angle of the light. There are several such caves in Japan as well as the world-famous one on Capri Island in Italy, but the cave located in Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park is a spot you should definitely visit when sightseeing in Otaru.

This was part of the Horonai Government Railway, Hokkaido's first railway, laid to transport coal mined in Horonai, now part of Mikasa City, to the port city of Otaru. It was in operation from its opening in 1880 until the line was discontinued in 1985.
Today, the former railway site has been maintained by Otaru City and reborn as a walking path.
It stretches for Approx. 1.6 kilometers from the central area to the Otaru Museum, the birthplace of railways in Hokkaido.
The actual tracks, railroad crossing, and crossing gates used at the time still remain, preserving the atmosphere of that era.

Mount Tengu is an iconic mountain in Otaru with an elevation of 532.4 meters.
At the summit, there is an observation deck listed as a one-star spot in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, and from the top you can look out over the city and the Sea of Japan.
At night, you can take in Otaru's beautiful night view, known as one of Hokkaido's Three Great Night Views along with Mount Moiwa and Mount Hakodate.