Otaru Port | Cruises Hokkaido

Otaru Canal: Completed in 1923, the canal used to be a site for cargo handling operations. With part of a 1.3-km walking trail along its banks, the canal is currently a symbolic tourist spot of Otaru. After sunset, gas lamps and a row of illuminated canal-side warehouses create a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere.
Sakaimachi-dori: With a large number of stores selling glass products, music boxes, souvenirs, confectionery and so on, this well known shopping street attracts many tourists who enjoy shopping there. At the Marchen Intersection at the southern end of the street, a 5-meter-high steam clock made in Canada towers in front of the Otaru Music Box Museum, and produces nostalgic sounds.
Shukutsu and Akaiwa Districts: These districts are located in the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-national Park, and afford splendid views of the cliffs stretching from Cape Shukutsu to Otamoi to the west. The cliffs can be seen at close range from sightseeing boats. Cape Shukutsu features a herring mansion (the term given to buildings built by wealthy fishermen in which to process herring and house their workers and themselves) that was used as a herring fishermen�fs cottage, the Hiyoriyama lighthouse and Otaru Aquarium, which is one of the largest in Hokkaido. An observatory on a hill and Mt. Akaiwa behind command panoramic views of Cape Shukutsu and Ishikari Bay.
Mt. Tengu: A ropeway is available to take visitors to the mountaintop, which provides a panoramic view of Otaru. In winter the mountain is crowded with skiers as a well-established ski resort, where lifts were established for the first time in Hokkaido.

Otaru Canal

Sakaimachi-dori

Cape Shukutsu

Mt. Tengu

In Otaru, stone warehouses and many other historic buildings ? reminiscent of the days when the city developed as the economic center of Hokkaido ? are preserved in various parts of the city, producing a unique atmosphere, along with many steep streets that offer views of the port. In addition, the city is blessed with abundant nature, including the sea and mountains around the downtown area. Tourists can enjoy walking along the streets and also in the natural surroundings, eating sushi and other fresh seafood dishes, and shopping for glass products and music boxes. Otaru Canal and many other tourist spots are conveniently located within walking distance from the port and the JR station.

Otaru unga