Otaru (小樽) is a small port town located 30-45 minutes northwest of Sapporo by train. It’s a nice stopover on the way to Niseko which is how I first discovered it. If you are in Sapporo for the Snow Festival in winter, it’s a good day trip.
At the turn of the 1900s, Otaru was the biggest city in Hokkaido and the shipping industry flourished. Due to the money associated with the trade, it came to be known as the “Wall Street of the North” and many big banks were located here. It’s more known feature perhaps is its canal which was created by reclaiming the land from the sea to create more space for the industry. After it was renovated in the later 1900s, Otaru’s tourism industry boomed.
#1 There in Winter? Snow Light Path
小樽雪あかりの路, Otaru Yuki Akari no Michi, or Otaru’s Snow Light Path coincides with Sapporo Snow Festival. Well, sort of. In 2019, it ran from February 8 to 17th. So hit the last weekend at the Sapporo festival and make sure to swing over here!
The event that started in 1999 has grown to 40 venues around the city. The most stunning being the 200 or so small candles strung across the canal waters. And this is Japan, so there is a stamp rally at each of the venues! So look out to add to your collection.
If you just walk around at night time, you’ll find the different areas all lit up.
#2 Go for a rickshaw ride
Ebisuya Rickshaw Company operates all over Japan. Tours are customizable from a basic 12 minute jaunt to over an hour. It was -12C and I honestly felt bad for the guy standing out in the cold. I chose the 22 minute option when I went. They give you plenty of blankets and some heat packs but I was starting to get cold near the end!
The guides speak English and depending on where you pick them up, you’ll be able to see different areas of the city. I choose to go north and see some of the old architecture. I learned a lot from my guide and they are more than happy to take lots of pictures as you go! Another plus is they are from the area and can suggest other things for you to do as well.
#3 Get your Otaru history on
If you like historical buildings, then 小樽の歴史的建造物, おたるのれきしてきけんぞうぶつ, Otaru no rekishi teki kenzoubutsu, or Otaru’s Historic Monuments are for you. The first time I was in Otaru, I loved taking the pictures of all the buildings but didn’t realize that there are purple placards all over the place. Side note: there was mostly likely snow covering most of them, Hokkaido has tons of snow!! I learned that from my rickshaw driver actually! You can learn about the specifics of the history and the city provides a guide map and pamphlet so you can find them all. Don’t worry, the guide book is in Japanese but the placards on the buildings are in English as well!
#4 Shop along Sakaimachi Street
Sakaimachi Street (Sakaimachidori, 堺町通り) started as a merchant street and now contains many a shop in the historic buildings. I’ve seen the kanji on websites differ from this spelling but this is what the shopping districts official website spells it so can’t discount that! There are many places to eat along the 900 m stretch as well as find some famous Hokkaido Soft Cream.
#5 Kitaichi Glass (北一硝子)
If there is one thing that Otaru is known for besides being the “Wallstreet of Hokkaido” back in the day, it’s glass. Kitaichi Glass (北一硝子) is located along Sakaimachidori and can be considered “the original”. However, there are many locations for Kitaichi!
The “headquarters” can be considered at 北一硝子三号館, Kitaichi Glass Sangokan (literally, “third building”…what did I say about Japan and it’s original names!). The building was originally constructed in 1891 as a fishery and now the grand hall café with its unique oil lamps is worth it even if you aren’t interested in looking at the room-upon-room of different glassware.
The lamps are what put Kitaichi on the map in 1901 as they were used extensively before electricity.
#6 Do some glass crafts
If you have time, why not try out a glass making class?! There are many options available around town from simple glass beads, glass etching and even full on glass blowing. Go to the shop early to secure your spot and if there is a wait, spend your time enjoying the scenery around town.
#7 Music box museum
The Music Box museum is located at the end of Sakaimachidori and while it’s called a “museum”, this is much more shop than somewhere to learn. There are exhibits and many old music boxes to look at though. One unique piece on the upper floors is you can build your own music box after trying out a multitude of different tunes.
#8 Try some local beer
Otaru Beer is located right at the canal and has free tours of the facilities in English. The beers are all made to German purity laws and quite tasty. The restaurant is set like a beer hall and serves, yes, you guessed it, mostly German food. Worth the stop or if you are around town, most places seem to have Otaru beer in bottles, if not on tap.
#9 Local food scene
I’m all about trying the local food. This is a fishing port, after all, so look out for tasty sushi. Hokkaido is also known for a dish called ジンギスカン, Jingusukan. Or literally “Genghis Khan”. Yes, like the person. No idea where the name came from but if you like lamb, it’s delicious. Served on a hot iron plate, will consist of lamb and vegetables like cabbage or pumpkin and bean sprouts with a yummy sauce.
Where to stay?
Decided you love it and want to stay another day? The Smile Hotel is located conveniently to the train station and runs fairly cheap. It’s a small budget hotel room but it gets the job done!
How to get to Otaru
Your best option is the train system. A quick ride from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station has got you covered! The train ticket as of writing this cost 640 yen one-way. The airport express will get you there a little bit faster than the local liners.
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