Otaru Canal

Why was the famous Otaru Canal built?

It was built in 1923 to make loading and unloading cargo more efficient.
The canal had served its purpose by the postwar years, and in 1986 part of it was filled in. The northern section, known as the North Canal, retains its original width of 40m.

Otaru Canal is 1140m long and follows a gentle curve.
Along the canal, 63 gas lamps create a dreamlike, nostalgic scene that draws many visitors.
The stone warehouses and old buildings along the canal have been converted into shops, restaurants, and other businesses. Together with Otaru’s historic buildings and old streets, they have become a signature attraction of a city recognized among Japan’s 100 outstanding urban landscapes and 100 beautiful historic landscapes, among other honors.

Where are the best places to photograph Otaru Canal?

There are two recommended spots for photographing Otaru Canal.

The first is next to Chuo Bridge on Otaru Canal.
The second is Asakusa Bridge, south of Chuo Bridge.

Night views and illuminations

Otaru Canal is beautiful during the day, but when the gas lamps along the water are lit at night, the scene takes on a nostalgic, romantic atmosphere. Otaru Canal has also been designated a Night View Heritage of Japan site.

Gas lamp lighting hours

• Otaru Canal promenade: sunset–24:00 (June–August: 18:00–24:00)
• North Canal promenade: lights switch on and off automatically using light sensors (June–August: 18:00–4:00 the following morning)
• Gas lamps in front of Canal Plaza: sunset–24:00
• Canal warehouse illuminations: sunset–22:30

Otaru Canal Cruise

You can also enjoy a roughly 40-minute Otaru Canal cruise departing from Chuo Bridge on the canal.
Enjoy impressive views from the water as you pass beneath bridges and, on fine days, head out into Otaru Port.
The atmospheric night cruise offers beautiful views of the illuminated city from the water and is a lovely choice for a special evening.

Getting to Otaru Canal

• 8 minutes on foot from JR Otaru Station
  Walk straight ahead from JR Otaru Station to reach Chuo Bridge, where the Otaru Canal Cruise departs.

Parking at Otaru Canal

There is no free parking at Otaru Canal.

There are many paid parking lots nearby, but they are often full during the tourist season and on weekends.
Note that many parking lots in Otaru are expensive, such as 500 yen per 30 minutes with no maximum charge.

Around Otaru Canal, Otaru Sightseeing Parking Lot has many spaces.
We also recommend reserving parking in advance.

• Bookable Parking near Otaru

Around Otaru Canal

The area around Otaru Canal has plenty of places to experience the city’s appeal, including historic buildings, art museums, Otaru Sakaimachi Shopping Street, and Otaru Music Box Museum.

• From Chuo Bridge on Otaru Canal to the Former JNR Temiya Line Site: about 350m (about 6 minutes)
• From Chuo Bridge on Otaru Canal to the Wall Street of the North: about 500m (about 7 minutes)
• From Chuo Bridge on Otaru Canal to the Bank of Japan Otaru Museum: about 600m (about 9 minutes)
• From Chuo Bridge on Otaru Canal to Otaru Sankaku Market: about 750m (about 12 minutes)
• From Chuo Bridge on Otaru Canal to Otaru Sushi Street (Otaru Sushiya Dori): about 900m (about 14 minutes)
• From Chuo Bridge on Otaru Canal to Otaru Sakaimachi Shopping Street: about 1.2km (about 16 minutes)