Home Japan Hokkaido Otaru Otaru Canal

Otaru Canal

★ 4.9 (15K+ reviews) • 157K+ booked
Overview
Things to do
Hotels

Otaru Canal Reviews

4.9 /5
15K+ reviews
Read all reviews
GIAN *************
10 Mar
The Otaru Asarigawa Onsen ski trip was a fantastic experience, especially for beginners. The English-speaking coach was very patient and explained the basics clearly, which made learning snowboarding enjoyable and safe. The round-trip transfer was convenient and well organized. The ski resort had beautiful snowy scenery and well-maintained slopes. Overall, it was a fun and memorable winter activity in Hokkaido.
Eliejah *********
10 Mar
Easy meet up place, the itinerary was followed on time. Our instructor, Noah was able to teach us a short span of time making us enjoyed our ski time and take great photos, too! Must book when you visit Sapporo
1+
Pearlyn ***
9 Mar
Tour Guide Andy was very friendly and cheerful . He was attentive to all the participants and managed the timing well. Snowland was fun even for us middle aged adults . we had a great time, thank you for the great hospitality ! Would like to conpliment that Andy could speak 3 languages fluently and made sure everyone could understand and not feel left out. Thank you!(:
Ho *******
8 Mar
The service was excellent. Everything was included except for the helmet and glove rental fees. The instructor also taught at each person's pace. Since fewer people learn snowboarding, I was happy to receive one-on-one instruction.
2+
PAN ***
8 Mar
The coaches are incredibly patient; they can even teach members who are completely uncoordinated. I truly admire them. They try various methods to help you understand and find the best way for you to learn faster.
Supansa ********
7 Mar
It was a lot of fun! There are activities for adventure lovers, especially snowmobiling. A stroll along Otaru Canal is romantic, as is the chocolate factory.
1+
Klook User
6 Mar
coaches were great. gears are good too. first time doing snowboard and they guided me and i was able to do multiple runs down the mountain. equipment: good instructor: snowboard instructor: KEN was great. very informative and was kind enough to video and come along down the slope with me. they take video and pictures just ask them. experience: 10/10
TSAI ******
4 Mar
The room is nice! It has two rooms and can accommodate up to five people. The toilet and bathroom are separate. When someone outside uses hot water while showering, the water seems to get cold. It's not far from Minami-Otaru Station, and there's a Seicomart and a supermarket nearby. It's also close to the steam clock. However, booking through Klook makes it difficult to communicate directly with the landlord, which is a bit of a hassle. Those who want to book should think twice.

Popular places near Otaru Canal

Otaru Orgel Museum
35K+ visitors
Sakaimachi
34K+ visitors
Wing Bay Otaru
31K+ visitors
Musicbox Laboratory Kaimeiro
31K+ visitors
Tenguyama
31K+ visitors
Kitaichi Glass
31K+ visitors
Kitaichi Glass Outlet
31K+ visitors
Otaru Station
31K+ visitors
Sankaku Market
31K+ visitors

FAQs about Otaru Canal

Why is Otaru Canal famous?

Is Otaru, Japan, worth visiting?

When is the best time to visit Otaru?

How to go to Otaru?

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.

Explore more on Klook

Help
© 2014-2026 Klook. All rights reserved.