Otaru Travel Guide
Where will you explore first?
From the canal and Sakaimachi Street to the Blue Cave, Yoichi’s wineries, and the snow in Kiroro and Niseko. Choose your destination and season here.
JanWhat to do this month
Otaru in the snow. Check what to wear before heading out.
Night viewsNight views from Mt. Tengu
Take the ropeway to the summit for views over Otaru and its harbor.
What to wear in JanuaryOtaru Weather & What to Wear
Monthly temperatures and tips on what to wear.
Spring to autumnSeaside BBQ with equipment provided
You can bring your own food and drinks at no extra charge.
Planned to stay open in winterHot pot in a transparent dome by the sea
Sukiyaki and crab shabu-shabu. Reservations required.
FebWhat to do this month
It’s the season of snow lights. Wrap up warmly for your walk.
What to wear in FebruaryOtaru Weather & What to Wear
Monthly temperatures and tips on what to wear.
Night viewsNight views from Mt. Tengu
Take the ropeway to the summit for views over Otaru and its harbor.
Spring to autumnSeaside BBQ with equipment provided
You can bring your own food and drinks at no extra charge.
Planned to stay open in winterHot pot in a transparent dome by the sea
Sukiyaki and crab shabu-shabu. Reservations required.
MarWhat to do this month
Watch out for puddles from melting snow.
What to wear in MarchOtaru Weather & What to Wear
Monthly temperatures and tips on what to wear.
Night viewsNight views from Mt. Tengu
Take the ropeway to the summit for views over Otaru and its harbor.
Spring to autumnSeaside BBQ with equipment provided
You can bring your own food and drinks at no extra charge.
Planned to stay open in winterHot pot in a transparent dome by the sea
Sukiyaki and crab shabu-shabu. Reservations required.
AprWhat to do this month
Spring in Otaru. Mornings and evenings are still chilly.
Spring to autumnSeaside BBQ with equipment provided
You can bring your own food and drinks at no extra charge.
Planned to stay open in winterHot pot in a transparent dome by the sea
Sukiyaki and crab shabu-shabu. Reservations required.
April–OctoberBlue Cave cruises
Visit this popular scenic spot by boat. Our article also explains how to choose a cruise.
What to wear in AprilOtaru Weather & What to Wear
Monthly temperatures and tips on what to wear.
MayWhat to do this month
It’s a good time of year to bring a jacket.
Spring to autumnSeaside BBQ with equipment provided
You can bring your own food and drinks at no extra charge.
Planned to stay open in winterHot pot in a transparent dome by the sea
Sukiyaki and crab shabu-shabu. Reservations required.
April–OctoberBlue Cave cruises
Visit this popular scenic spot by boat. Our article also explains how to choose a cruise.
Yoichi & NikiFruit Picking
Strawberries, cherries, grapes, and apples. See the article’s list for harvest seasons.
JunWhat to do this month
The pleasant season is here.
Yoichi & NikiFruit Picking
Strawberries, cherries, grapes, and apples. See the article’s list for harvest seasons.
April–OctoberBlue Cave cruises
Visit this popular scenic spot by boat. Our article also explains how to choose a cruise.
Spring to autumnSeaside BBQ with equipment provided
You can bring your own food and drinks at no extra charge.
Planned to stay open in winterHot pot in a transparent dome by the sea
Sukiyaki and crab shabu-shabu. Reservations required.
JulWhat to do this month
Summer in Otaru. Head for the sea.
AugWhat to do this month
Summer in Otaru. Head for the sea.
SepWhat to do this month
The heat eases, making this a comfortable time to visit.
YoichiTour Yoichi’s wineries
This article also covers Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery.
Yoichi & NikiFruit Picking
Strawberries, cherries, grapes, and apples. See the article’s list for harvest seasons.
Spring to autumnSeaside BBQ with equipment provided
You can bring your own food and drinks at no extra charge.
Planned to stay open in winterHot pot in a transparent dome by the sea
Sukiyaki and crab shabu-shabu. Reservations required.
OctWhat to do this month
It’s the season of fall colors and harvests. Hot pot dining has begun in the transparent domes by the sea.
YoichiTour Yoichi’s wineries
This article also covers Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery.
Night viewsNight views from Mt. Tengu
Take the ropeway to the summit for views over Otaru and its harbor.
Spring to autumnSeaside BBQ with equipment provided
You can bring your own food and drinks at no extra charge.
From October 12 in 2026Hot pot in a transparent dome by the sea
Sukiyaki and crab shabu-shabu. Reservations required.
NovWhat to do this month
Early winter has arrived in Otaru. Bring a heavy coat.
What to wear in NovemberOtaru Weather & What to Wear
Monthly temperatures and tips on what to wear.
Spring to autumnSeaside BBQ with equipment provided
You can bring your own food and drinks at no extra charge.
From October 12 in 2026Hot pot in a transparent dome by the sea
Sukiyaki and crab shabu-shabu. Reservations required.
Night viewsNight views from Mt. Tengu
Take the ropeway to the summit for views over Otaru and its harbor.
DecWhat to do this month
The canal in the snow. Get ready for winter before heading out.
Night viewsNight views from Mt. Tengu
Take the ropeway to the summit for views over Otaru and its harbor.
Spring to autumnSeaside BBQ with equipment provided
You can bring your own food and drinks at no extra charge.
From October 12 in 2026Hot pot in a transparent dome by the sea
Sukiyaki and crab shabu-shabu. Reservations required.
What to wear in DecemberOtaru Weather & What to Wear
Monthly temperatures and tips on what to wear.
Otaru Weather
If you are coming from outside Hokkaido, the first thing you will notice is the difference in temperature. Before you leave, compare it with your own city.
Precipitation 8.4 mm
Precipitation 3.7 mm
Precipitation 7.9 mm
Precipitation 6.1 mm
Precipitation 6.1 mm
Precipitation 3.5 mm
Precipitation 0.8 mm
Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0). Current temperature: Japan Meteorological Agency website (AMeDAS Otaru). Retrieved: Nov 3, 5:27.
Browse by season It’s fall now
Snowy winters, short summers, and colorful falls. Each month brings a different side of Otaru.
Browse by area
Tap a map pin to see articles about that area. The farther west you go from central Otaru, the closer you get to the sea and mountains.
This is a sketch map. Distances and locations are not exact.
Canal & Sakaimachi
- Otaru Canal
- Sakaimachi Street & Kitaichi Glass
- Otaru Music Box Museum
- Otaru Sankaku Market & Otaru Sushi Street (Otaru Sushiya Dori)
Shioya & Ranshima
Shakotan, Kiroro & Niseko
Choose an activity
Make, ride, paddle, pick, or ski. Each article explains how to book.
All articles
Find every page in this guide here.
Canal & city walks
Sea & capes
Eat
Experiences
Mountains, hot springs & skiing
Seasons & events
Getting here & practical information
Where to stay & planning your trip
Getting to Otaru
Direct trains run from both New Chitose Airport and Sapporo.
From New Chitose Airport
- JR Rapid AirportAbout 1 hour 15 minutes
- Car (Do-o Expressway & Sasson Expressway, to Otaru IC)About 1 hour
From Sapporo
- JR Rapid AirportAbout 34 minutes
- Highway bus60–70 minutes
- Car (Sasson Expressway)About 50 minutes
From Hakodate
- JR Limited Express Super Hokuto (via Sapporo)4 hours 45 minutes
- JR Limited Express Super Hokuto (via Oshamambe)4 hours 48 minutes
- Car (Do-o Expressway and other roads)About 4 hours 30 minutes
From JR Otaru Station to Otaru Geihinkan
- One stop by JR, then a taxi from Shioya StationAbout 5 minutes
- Chuo Bus Shioya Line (Shioya Kaigan bus stop)About 30 minutes
- CarAbout 8 km / about 13 minutes
Travel times are estimates for summer and fall. Allow more time on winter roads.
Hospitals, government offices & public services
- Address
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2-12-1 Hanazono, Otaru
- Phone
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0134-32-4111
- Address
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1-7-1 Tomioka, Otaru
- Phone
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0134-27-0110
- Address
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1-7-16 Suminoe, Otaru
- Phone
-
0134-22-4618
- Address
-
N/A
- Phone
-
0134-22-4618
- Address
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1-1-1 Wakamatsu, Otaru
- Phone
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0134-25-1211
- Address
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3-7-7 Nagahashi, Otaru
- Phone
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0134-25-6655
- Address
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2-2-18 Irifune, Otaru
- Phone
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0134-21-2222
Otaru Geihinkan
Just 6 rooms by the sea in Otaru, all facing the ocean. Drive to the places in this guide and return to the seaside in the evening.