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Otaru Canal

★ 4.9 (12K+ reviews) • 119K+ booked
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Otaru Canal Reviews

4.9 /5
12K+ reviews
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Klook 用戶
3 Nov 2025
Even though the weather was gloomy and the wind was strong, our tour guide, Xiao Zhou, was as friendly as a friend. He was considerate of us and took photos for everyone. Traveling in a small group was a different kind of experience. Chatting and sharing with travelers from different countries created a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. And we were lucky enough to see snow in Otaru, which made us very satisfied.
KU *********
2 Nov 2025
Buy in advance, it's also convenient to redeem physical tickets with a QR code. The night view on the mountain is beautiful and worth a visit.
2+
Klook 用戶
31 Oct 2025
Thank you to our tour guide, Miss Sisi, for her thoughtful reminders about getting on and off the bus, and for helping us take pictures at the attractions, and for her careful explanation of the local features. It was really great! I hope to find Miss Sisi to help us again next time. 👍
2+
Christine ***
28 Oct 2025
This review is for our trip to Hakodate instead of Otaru and Noboribetsu. Pls refer to my other review and photos for the 2 cities. anyway, so our driver here was also Leo, who was fluent and excellent in english and also a professional driver. This was a 2-day trip with overnight stay at hakodate from sapporo. The first day was rainy and we had to adjust our plans and itinerary. Thank goodness Leo was very flexible and he brought us to Goryokaku park. after that we went to the kanemori red brick warehouses. At first we thought we couldnt go to see the Hakodate mountsin observatory but we decided to do that the next day when the weather improved. we also got to have our breakfast at Hakodate morning market. The hakodate scallop and the hairy crab were delicious!!! after hakodate mountain, we went to the motomachi historical district and hachimanzaka slope, and before we left hakodate, we went back to the red brick warehouses and ate at Lucky Pierrot at the pier. Had a safe trip back.
2+
Hsu *******
27 Oct 2025
The overall environment and rooms are very comfortable. There's an adjacent parking lot with validation available. It's very close to the Otaru Canal cruise departure point. It's also close to the former bank and art museum. The breakfast is very worthwhile and delicious.
Klook User
19 Oct 2025
We had an amazing time with this tour package, the pacing/duration of itinerary is just perfect for each location - we didnt feel rushed. Cape Kamui and Cape Shakotan are both breath-taking. Lily is also great, she’s very friendly and energetic, and always willing to take the extra mile to make her guests happy, everyone loves her. Thanks Lily, you’re such a charming guide.
2+
Jamille ******
18 Oct 2025
Hotel is near Otaru Canal and the Otaru train station. There are also nearby restaurants and convenience stores. Hotel staff are very courteous and helpful. Room was clean and comfortable. Use of irons, shoe dryers and microwave are available. Overall, I'ts a nice and convenient place to stay if you plan on visiting Otaru.
Shu ************
19 Oct 2025
We had an enjoyable day trip with our guide, Lily. She is helpful and friendly. We had the luxury of having a big and comfortable bus catered to us. Although we don’t know one another in the tour our punctuality is excellent. Thank you Lily once again. We will join the tour again when we have come to Hokkaido.
2+

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FAQs about Otaru Canal

Why is Otaru Canal famous?

Is Otaru, Japan, worth visiting?

When is the best time to visit Otaru?

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Are there any day trips from Otaru?

What to know about Otaru Canal

Otaru Canal is a peaceful waterway that captures the charm of Japan’s early days with its historical buildings, stone warehouses, and softly glowing gas lamps from the Taisho period. Once a key part of Otaru Port’s trade route, the canal is now a peaceful spot for a walk or boat ride, with beautiful views of the city’s hills. Within walking distance of Otaru Station, you can explore the Otaru Music Box Museum, Otaru Steam Clock, and Otaru Art Base, as well as the former Otaru Branch of the Bank of Japan and the Otaru Museum, which highlight the city’s history and railway line heritage. Drop by Sakaimachi Street, where you can see local artists showcase crafts and music boxes, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. Whether you travel from Sapporo Station on the JR Hakodate Line or take a day trip from Sapporo, you can reach Otaru in less than an hour—a day trip known for fresh seafood, local delicacies, and the magical Snow Light Path festival in winter. Book your Otaru Canal tours now on Klook!
5 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007, Japan

Things to Do in Otaru Canal

Take an Otaru Canal Cruise

Hop on a relaxing Otaru Canal Cruise that lasts about 40 minutes. As you glide through the calm waters, you'll see old stone warehouses, gas lamps, and historical buildings that make Otaru Canal so special. The boat's guide also shares fun stories about the city's past, giving you a new way to enjoy Otaru City.

Walk Along the Canal Path

Take a peaceful 20 to 30-minute walk along the Otaru Canal path, where local artists display their work. During the day, enjoy the sea breeze and street performers, and at night, the canal glows under softly lit gas lamps.

It's one of the most romantic spots in Otaru, especially in winter when the Snow Light Path festival lights up the area with hundreds of lanterns.

Visit the Otaru Music Box Museum

Just about a 10-minute walk from Otaru Canal, the Otaru Music Box Museum is one of the city's top attractions. See thousands of beautiful music boxes, learn how they're made, and even create your own as a souvenir. It's a magical stop that adds to the charm of Otaru City.

Try Fresh Seafood and Local Delicacies

Around Otaru Canal, you'll find many restaurants serving fresh seafood and local delicacies. Spend about 30 minutes to an hour tasting sea urchin rice, sushi, or seafood bowls made with the day's catch. The area's close to Otaru Port, so you can enjoy the freshest meals right by the water.

Explore Sakaimachi Street and Historical Buildings

Just a 5-minute walk from Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street is lined with shops, cafes, and historical buildings from the Taisho period. Spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring glass workshops, sake breweries, and old warehouses turned into cute stores. This charming area shows what makes Otaru a perfect blend of history, culture, and creativity.

Popular Attractions Near Otaru Canal

Musicbox Laboratory Kaimeiro

Music Box Laboratory Kaimeiro is a cozy spot near the Otaru Canal, just about a 5-minute walk away. Here, you can watch skilled craftsmen make beautiful music boxes by hand and even create your own to take home as a special souvenir.

Sankaku Market

Sankaku Market is a lively seafood market located just a 10-minute walk from Otaru Canal. Here, you can explore small stalls filled with fresh seafood, like crab, sea urchin, and salmon roe. You can also stop by one of the cozy restaurants inside the market to enjoy a freshly made seafood bowl or grilled fish for lunch.

Tenguyama

Mount Tenguyama is a scenic mountain in Otaru City, just about a 15-minute drive from Otaru Canal. You can take the Tenguyama Ropeway to the summit for amazing views of Otaru Port, the Ishikari Bay, and the city below. At the top, you can visit the Tengu Shrine, try the small ski area in winter, or relax at the café with a stunning night view of Otaru.

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