Otaru Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in Hokkaido, Japan
About Otaru
Approximately 30km to the west ofSapporo, Otaru is a port city by the Sea of Japan with a canal and well-preserved architectures of early modern Japan in the Meiji era. Most of the attractions are found in the city center surrounding the Otaru port. Otaru's original name in the local Ainu language was "Otarunai" or "Ota-or-nai", meaning "river flowing through sand". The area's recorded history goes back to the 16th century, when an explorer from the Honshu island reported settlement. Otaru's early modern history as a port city started in 1871, when Japan's Meiji government opened a colonization office in Sapporo. Rapid development followed, especially after the first railway in Hokkaido was built in 1880 between Otaru and Sapporo. Still a busy port town, today's Otaru has a thriving touris
Top Attractions in Otaru
Explore the best things to see and do in Otaru:
- ★Mount Tengu
- ★Otaru Canal
- ★Otaru Music Box Museum
- ★Otaru Snow Light Festival
- ★Steam Clock
Where to Eat in Otaru
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Andiamo
- 🍴Kitaichi Hall
- 🍴LeTAO
- 🍴Toppii Sushi
- 🍴Waraku Kaiten Sushi
Where to Stay in Otaru
- 🏨Grand Park Otaru
- 🏨Hotel Dormy Inn Premium Otaru
- 🏨Otaru Emina Backpackers
- 🏨Otarunai Backpackers' Hostel MorinoKi
Otaru Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: