2024.6.20
Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is a historic canal located in Otaru, Hokkaido, which was completed in 1923. The canal once flourished as the logistics center of Hokkaido, and many stone warehouses were built in the surrounding area.
However, the role of the Otaru Canal changed over time, and in the 1980s the canal began to be developed into a tourist destination.
Today, many of the warehouses along the Otaru Canal are used as restaurants and shops, and are popular tourist spots.
■Photo Spot
・Asakusa Bashi and Chuo Bashi
There are several bridges across the Otaru Canal. Asakusa Bridge and Chuo Bridge are especially popular with tourists. You can take photos of the romantic city of Otaru.
・Stone warehouses
The canal is lined with historic stone warehouses, creating a very nostalgic atmosphere.
・North Canal Area
The area north of Chuo Bridge on the Otaru Canal is called the “North Canal.” The North Canal has fewer tourists than the South Canal, so you can take your time taking photos in a quiet environment.
■Activity
・Canal Cruise
The Otaru Canal cruise tour is a particularly popular activity for tourists, where you can enjoy learning about the history of the canal and the surrounding scenery while listening to a guide’s explanations.
Website
・Rickshaw
Riding a rickshaw allows you to enjoy the nostalgic scenery of Otaru. The rickshaw driver, who is also a tour guide, will give you a detailed explanation of Otaru’s history and highlights. This will make your trip to Otaru even more fulfilling.
Website
https://www.ebisuya.com/branch/otaru/
・Shopping and Dining
Around the famous tourist spot, Otaru Canal, there are many souvenir shops selling local specialties and restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes. You can enjoy choosing souvenirs and dining.
■Event
・Otaru Snow Light Path
This is a winter event held every February. The canal is decorated with countless candles, creating a truly fantastical sight. The highlights are the snow sculptures and ice candles made by locals and tourists together.
Website
・Otaru Ushio Festival
This is a summer event held every July. You can enjoy the portable shrine parade along the canal and the fireworks display.
Website
http://otaru.ushiomatsuri.net/
■Nearby tourist information centers
・Otaru International Information Center
This is a new tourist information center that opened in March 2024. It has a counter where you can talk directly to staff, digital signage, and a foreign currency exchange machine. There are also many tourist pamphlets introducing Otaru and Shiribeshi, as well as tourist maps in foreign languages. As a base for sightseeing in Otaru, you can get a variety of information.
Address
5-3 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido (Google Map)
■Information
Address
Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido
Website