Beaches Around Otaru

Otaru has 5 swimming beaches.

Otaru Dream Beach

Its proximity to Sapporo makes this Hokkaido’s busiest swimming beach.
Located at Otaru’s easternmost edge, about 20 km from the JR Otaru Station area toward Sapporo.

• Location: off 3-70 Zenibako, Otaru
• Open: June 26–August 31, 2026
• Beach type: sand
• Parking: paid parking available
• Toilets: portable
• Access
  • 10 minutes by taxi from JR Hoshioki Station
  • From Zenibako IC on the Sasson Expressway, take Route 337 toward the sea for 5 km
• A designated water-use coordination area where entry by personal watercraft and other pleasure boats is restricted

Zenibako Beach

Conveniently located within walking distance of JR Zenibako Station.
This sandy beach stretches about 480 m and is one of the area’s busy beaches.

• Location: 3-chome Zenibako, Otaru
• Open: July 4–August 24, 2026
• Beach type: sand
• Parking: paid parking available
• Toilets: flush and portable
• Access
  • 10 minutes on foot from JR Zenibako Station.
  • From Zenibako IC on the Sasson Expressway, take Route 337 toward the sea for 2 km
• A designated water-use coordination area where entry by personal watercraft and other pleasure boats is restricted

Higashi Otaru Beach

The swimming beach closest to central Otaru.
The waves are gentle, but this is Otaru’s only pebble swimming beach.
The beach has many rough, stony areas and is not recommended for families with small children.

• Location: Funahama-cho, Otaru
• Open: July 11–August 23, 2026
• Beach type: pebbles
• Parking: free parking available
• Toilets: flush and portable
• Access
  • 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by taxi from JR Otaru-Chikko Station
  • From Asari IC on the Sasson Expressway, take Prefectural Route 1 and Route 5 toward Yoichi for 3 km

Sakura Garden (Ranshima Beach)

Hokkaido’s oldest swimming beach, with over 100 years of history, and among the region’s leading beaches.

• Location: 1-chome Ranshima, Otaru
• Open: July 10–August 23, 2026
• Beach type: sand
• Parking: paid parking available
• Toilets: flush and portable
• Access
  • 10 minutes on foot from JR Ranshima Station.
  • From Yoichi IC on the Shiribeshi Expressway, take Route 5 toward Otaru for 3 km
• A designated water-use coordination area where entry by personal watercraft and other pleasure boats is restricted

Shioya Beach

A popular swimming beach for families, especially busy during summer vacation.
The waves are gentle and the water is very clear, with the Blue Cave nearby.
The sunsets are spectacular.

• Location: 1-chome Shioya, Otaru
• Open: July 11–August 16, 2026
• Beach type: sand
• Parking: paid parking available
• Toilets: portable
• Access
  • 10 minutes by taxi from JR Shioya Station
  • Take Chuo Bus route 17 (Shioya Line) to the Shioya Kaigan stop, then walk 1 minute
  • From Otaru-Shioya IC on the Shiribeshi Expressway, turn left onto Prefectural Route 956 and continue for 2 km