Otamoi Coast

Otamoi Coast is a coast of sheer cliffs in Otaru. In the early Showa era there was an “Otamoi Amusement Park” here, with facilities such as Ryugukaku. Because some areas are now closed to the public, you need to check how far you can go before you visit.

Check first: the walking path to the former Otamoi amusement park site is closed

Otaru City has closed the walking path to Otamoi Jizo. Many falling rocks have been confirmed even after the landslide of March 2006, and the city advises people to “never enter.”

You can go as far as the parking lot, but do not go on to the coastal walking path beyond it. Do not assume that “going to Otamoi Coast” means you can walk up to the former amusement park site.

On the other hand, there is a separate Otaru Coastal Nature Trail on the inland side. This route connects Otamoi, Akaiwa and Shukutsu, and it is separate from the closed coastal path.

What is Otamoi Coast?

Akaiwa and Otamoi Coast are part of a designated quasi-national park, and Otaru City presents them as a coastline of unusual rock formations and sheer cliffs. You can see Otamoi Coast and the Sea of Japan not only from the water but also from viewpoints on the Otaru Coastal Nature Trail.

In addition to its cliff scenery, the history of the former Otamoi amusement park is part of what defines this place. It helps to think of what you can see now and what is closed as two separate things.

The former Otamoi amusement park and Ryugukaku

According to the Otaru Tourism Association, in the early Showa era Akitaro Kato, who ran Janome Sushi in Hanazono-cho, built the Otamoi amusement park. It was a leisure facility with the high-class restaurant “Ryugukaku,” the casual “Benten Shokudo” eatery and a theater.

The park was later affected by war, heavy snow and landslides, and in May 1952 Ryugukaku burned down completely. The tourism association explains that the amusement park ceased operations after this fire.

Ryugukaku itself no longer exists. The site is closed to the public because of cliff collapses, so do not enter the restricted area to look for remains.

Where you can safely visit now

Otaru Photo Frame

Otaru City has installed the “Otaru Photo Frame” at Otamoi Coast. The frame recreates Ryugukaku, letting you imagine the building as it was against the coastline behind it.

According to the facility data, the location is Otamoi, Otaru, with parking for 50 vehicles and toilets. It is about a 30-minute walk from the Chuo Bus “Otamoi Koban” stop.

In winter, the city road leading to the Otaru Photo Frame is closed to traffic and the frame cannot be used.

Otamoi Karamon Gate

The Otamoi Karamon Gate was built in 1932 as the entrance to Otamoi Coast. After Ryugukaku and other buildings were lost, it was moved to its present location and preserved in 1978.

The Karamon Gate is not an entrance to the closed area on the coastal side. On site, follow the signs and fences and do not go into the restricted area.

See it from the sea

The Otaru Marine Sightseeing Boat “Aobato” has an Otamoi route. In fiscal 2026 it ran from April 18 to October 18, and as of October 25, 2026 it had finished operating for the season.

The operating period for fiscal 2027 had not been announced as of October 26, 2026. If you want to see the coast from the sea next year, check the new operating period on the official Otaru Marine Sightseeing Boat guide.

Walking the Otaru Coastal Nature Trail

The Otaru Coastal Nature Trail is an inland route connecting Otamoi, Akaiwa and Shukutsu. The trail is listed as open for walking from mid-May to November.

Walking from Shukutsu to Otamoi takes about 2 hours 30 minutes one way. That breaks down into about 1 hour from Shukutsu to the Akaiwa parking lot, and about 1 hour 30 minutes from the Akaiwa parking lot to Otamoi.

To reach the Otamoi-side entrance, take a Chuo Bus bound for “Otamoi Iriguchi” from in front of JR Otaru Station, get off at “Otamoi Danchi” and walk about 10 minutes. The city asks visitors to follow good manners, such as taking their trash with them and carrying a portable toilet.

Being able to walk the nature trail is not the same as being allowed into the former amusement park site on the coastal side.

Getting there and winter precautions

To reach the Otaru Photo Frame by public transport, it is about a 30-minute walk from the Chuo Bus “Otamoi Koban” stop. The Otamoi-side entrance of the nature trail is about a 10-minute walk from “Otamoi Danchi,” so the two destinations are different.

If you drive, where you end up depends on the destination you set in your navigation. Do not set the former amusement park site itself as your destination. Do not go into the closed section.

The city road leading to the parking lot is a rough road with steep slopes and continuous curves. Please drive with great care.

In winter, the city road to the Otaru Photo Frame is closed to traffic and the facility is also closed. According to the city, the nature trail is also walkable only from mid-May to November.

Otamoi is not a swimming beach

Under Otaru City’s guidance for fiscal 2026, Otamoi is not a swimming beach. Shores other than designated beaches have no lifeguard or rescue equipment, so the city advises using officially opened beaches.

If you are looking for a place to swim, check Beaches Around Otaru.

Pair it with Shukutsu and other Otaru coastal spots

East of Otamoi lies the Shukutsu sightseeing area. If you are following the coast, you can read about Otaru Aquarium and Shukutsu and the Former Aoyama Villa (Otaru Kihinkan) in separate articles.

For seeing the scenery from the sea, there are also the Blue Cave and sea kayaking. Check each one’s official information for operating and activity dates.

FAQ

Can I go into the former Otamoi amusement park site?

The coastal walking path to Otamoi Jizo is closed to the public. You can go as far as the parking lot, but do not go beyond it.

Is the Otaru Coastal Nature Trail also closed?

No, it is a different path. The nature trail is a separate inland route, and the city states that it is walkable from mid-May to November.

Can I go to the Otaru Photo Frame in winter?

No. In winter the city road to the facility is closed to traffic, and the frame cannot be used.

Can I swim at Otamoi Coast?

Otaru City does not operate Otamoi as a swimming beach. Please use a designated beach with lifeguard and rescue equipment.