Otaru in Summer

In summer, in addition to strolling the Otaru Canal and Sakaimachi, there are more seasonal things to plan, such as swimming, sea activities and the Otaru Ushio Festival. The Otaru Tourism Association defines summer as June to August. For beaches and sea activities, however, you need to check each place’s opening period and safety information before making plans.

How Summer in Otaru Changes from June to August

Month	Sightseeing tips	What to check
June	Summer events and sea activities start one by one, alongside sightseeing on foot	Outdoor facilities, cruises, beach opening dates
July	Beaches open and major events such as the Otaru Ushio Festival take place	Sea safety information, festival dates, transportation
August	Some beaches stay open for swimming while others close	Closing date of each beach, weather

In fiscal 2026, five swimming beaches were opened in Otaru. Opening periods differ by beach, and swimming freely is not allowed on every shore.

For the fiscal 2027 dates, check that year’s official information after it is announced.

Walk the Otaru Canal and Sakaimachi

In summer, too, the Otaru Canal and Sakaimachi are easy places to base a walk around. If you walk in the evening or at night as well as during the day, check return transportation and each facility’s hours first.

Around Sakaimachi, there are also places you can go indoors, such as Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum and Chiikawa Mogumogu Honpo Otaru Store.

On hot days, rather than planning only outdoor activities, including indoor facilities along the way makes it easier to adjust your plans.

Swim at Open Beaches

Otaru City advises enjoying the sea within designated swimming areas, where buoys mark the swimming zone and lifeguards are stationed. It clearly states that swimming outside these areas is dangerous.

The five beaches opened in fiscal 2026 were Otaru Dream Beach, Zenibako Beach, Higashi Otaru Beach, Shioya Beach and Ranshima Beach.

For example, Shioya Beach in 2026 was open from July 11 to August 16. Ranshima Beach was open from July 10 to August 23. These are the fiscal 2026 results. From 2027 onward, check that year’s dates on Otaru City’s beach information.

Swimming may not be possible depending on sea conditions. Otaru City advises contacting each beach about the conditions at the shore and whether swimming is possible.

Check Safety Information for the Blue Cave and Sea Activities

A rockfall occurred near the entrance of the “Otaru Blue Cave” on July 17, 2025. Otaru City issued a caution notice dated July 30, 2025. It advises people using boats, kayaks, canoes, personal watercraft and the like not to approach the area.

As of October 26, 2026, this notice is still posted by Otaru City as tourism caution information.

If you plan to go near the Blue Cave, first check Otaru City’s rockfall caution notice. Our article on Blue Cave cruises also has details on the cruises.

Sea conditions, operations and entry conditions can change on the day. Even if you have already booked, check the latest information from the operator and the authorities.

Otaru Ushio Festival

The 60th Otaru Ushio Festival in 2026 was held for three days, from July 24 to 26. The first day featured the Ushio Furekomi, the second day the Ushio Nerikomi, and the final day a portable shrine parade and a fireworks display.

Do not simply apply the 2026 dates to 2027. After the announcement, check the Otaru Tourism Association’s summer event information and the festival’s official information.

During the festival, the flow of people and traffic conditions in the city center differ from usual. If you visit Otaru on festival days, checking how you will get around as well as the venue first makes planning easier.

Summer Clothing and Heat

Otaru City says that summers have few rainy days and low humidity. However, some days exceed 30°C, and in recent years there have also been days above 35°C.

On clothing, the city advises wearing layers you can put on and take off in June, and bringing one long-sleeved layer in July and August for cold night winds.

Do not assume that summer in Hokkaido is always cool; check the weather forecast for your travel dates. Average and observed temperatures can be checked on the website of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Indoor Options for Rainy or Hot Days

On days when it is hard to stay outside for long, you can mix in indoor attractions.

Otaru Aquarium, Otaru Art Base, Kitaichi Glass and Otaru Music Box Museum are among the facilities you can choose from, each suited to different interests.

If you are planning around meals, you can also look at Lunch in Otaru and Cafes and Sweets in Otaru.

FAQ

Is Otaru hot in summer?

Otaru City says that on some days it exceeds 30°C and that in recent years there have been days above 35°C. Check the forecast for your travel dates and take measures against the heat.

When can you swim in Otaru?

It differs by beach. In fiscal 2026, five beaches opened; Shioya was open from July 11 to August 16 and Ranshima from July 10 to August 23. Check that year’s opening periods on Otaru City’s official page.

When is the Otaru Ushio Festival?

In 2026 it was held from July 24 to 26. The dates may change in following years, so check the official information from the Otaru Tourism Association and the executive committee.