Otaru (小樽) is a small harbor city, about half an hour northwest of Sapporo by train. Its beautifully preserved canal area and interesting herring mansions make Otaru a pleasant day trip from Sapporo or a nice stop en route to or from Niseko or the Shakotan Peninsula.
From the early days of Hokkaido's colonization in the late 1800s, Otaru served as a major trade and fishing port. It was hence chosen as the terminal station of Hokkaido's first railway line that connected the port with nearby Sapporo. Many old warehouses and former office buildings by shipping and trade companies give Otaru's city center a special character reminiscent of past decades.
Must see in Otaru
Otaru Canal 小樽運河:
It was used to offload ships via barges.
Sakaimachi Street 境町通り: Preserved merchant street. Many trading and shipping companies constructed impressive Western style buildings in the city center to house their offices and shops. They have been converted into restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, boutiques and museums. There is the Music Box Museum and the Museum of Venetian Art.
Canal Building (運河館, Ungakan): The museum is recounting the times of Hokkaido's native Ainu people as well as the city's preservation movement during the 1970s.
Herring Mansion (鰊御殿, Nishin Goten): The mansions were built by wealthy fishermen to process the fish and as a residence for themselves and their employees. A large preserved herring mansion dating back to the end of the 19th century stands on a hill beside the water about five kilometers outside central Otaru. It was moved to its current location in 1958 and is open to the public.
Former Aoyama Villa (旧青山別邸, Kyū Aoyama Bettei): A luxurious villa built by the Aoyama family, one of the most successful families in the herring fishing industry.
Nitori Otaru Art Base 小樽芸術村: What was the former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch as seen in the picture is now home to the Nitori Museum of Art, and includes displays such as Japanese and foreign paintings, wood carvings, and more. In the basement you will find the Art Nouveau Art Déco Glass Gallery. Takahashi Warehouse, a historic building which was renovated to become what is now the Stained Glass Museum. The stained glass pieces displayed here were actually used in British churches.
Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway 小樽天狗山ロープウェイ:
Otaru Kihinkan にしん御殿小樽貴賓館
Where to stay in Otaru
Ginrinsou Onsen:
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Furukawa Otaru:
Grand Park Otaru:
Hotel Sonia:
Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal:
Otaru Geihinkan 小樽迎浜館
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A nostalgic walking plan in the port city of Otaru
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