Perfect for first-timers! Otaru Canal Perfect Guide Hokkaido Lab ~A Hokkaido Travel Guide to Enjoy Gourmet Food, Nature, and Culture~

Perfect Guide to the Otaru Canal - Perfect for First-Timers!

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: Last updated: September 5, 2018

Table of contents

1. The charm of Otaru Canal as seen in photographs!

2. If you're short on time, just focus on this! The basics of sightseeing at Otaru Canal.

　・Chuo Bridge

　Asakusabashi

　Canal Plaza

Otaru Canal as seen from Chuo Bridge Otaru, a popular tourist destination in Hokkaido, is symbolized by the Otaru Canal. However, for first-time visitors, many may have questions such as what to enjoy at the Otaru Canal and how much time they should allocate.

The Otaru Canal, completed in 12, is a must-visit highlight of Hokkaido tourism, offering a glimpse into the historical landscape that supported Hokkaido's maritime trade.

This time, to help those visiting Otaru for the first time enjoy the Otaru Canal with peace of mind, we'll give you a brief overview of the sights, restaurants, hotels, and more!

<Contents>
1. The Charm of Otaru Canal as Seen in Photographs
2. If you're short on time, just focus on this! The basics of sightseeing at Otaru Canal.
3. For those who want to enjoy it even more! A deeper way to enjoy the Otaru Canal!
4. For those who want to enjoy the Otaru Canal even more! 4 Restaurant & Cafe Selections
5. For those who want to enjoy Otaru day and night ♪ 3 accommodations near the Otaru Canal
6. A satisfying 3-hour Otaru Canal & Otaru sightseeing model course!

1. The charm of Otaru Canal as seen in photographs!

Otaru Canal is a popular tourist destination in Hokkaido. Its charm lies in the beautiful scenery of old, nostalgic buildings lining the canal.

The Otaru Canal in summer, with its beautiful blue sky and lush greenery.

The Otaru Canal, completed in 12, was a waterway that supported maritime transport in Otaru, a port city that played a vital role in the development of Hokkaido. It is a historic place with traditional warehouses lining the waterway. After its role as a canal ended, part of it was filled in 61, and it has been transformed into its current form with promenades and parks.

The gas lamps light up the Otaru Canal at dusk.

Sixty-three gas lamps line the promenade along the canal, and at dusk, the canal and stone warehouses are illuminated, creating a different atmosphere from that of the daytime.

The Otaru Canal at night, bathed in the warm glow of gas lamps.

In winter, snow accumulates on the stone warehouses and sidewalks that retain their old-fashioned appearance.It evokes the feeling of a northern region.

Brick buildings covered in snow, the Otaru Canal in winter.

The gas lamps illuminate the white snow on the Otaru Canal at night.
otaru_unga_winter_night1

2. If you're short on time, just focus on this! The basics of sightseeing at Otaru Canal.

Many people want to see the Otaru Canal, but are short on time because they have other sightseeing plans. Their main concern is probably how much time they should allocate for it.

In conclusion, a quick tour of the Otaru Canal can be done in just 30 minutes! Here are the main sights you should see first!
Map of the sights along the Otaru Canal

The Otaru Canal is located less than a 10-minute walk down a gentle slope from JR Otaru Station, making it relatively easy to enjoy sightseeing using public transportation without needing a rental car.
Of course, if you rent a car, there are paid parking lots around the canal, and the going rate is approximately 200 yen for 30 minutes.
You can also download a convenient "Otaru Parking Map" from the Otaru City website. How handy!
Otaru City Homepage Otaru Parking Map

・Chuo Bridge

Otaru Canal as seen from Chuo Bridge It's about a 10-minute walk straight down a gentle slope from JR Otaru Station.
A bridge located in the heart of the Otaru Canal. It is the departure and arrival point for the "Otaru Canal Cruise" cruise ship.

The proper way to enjoy the scenery is to stroll along the "Canal Promenade" between Chuo Bridge and the neighboring Asakusa Bridge. If you're short on time, start from Chuo Bridge and walk along the Canal Promenade!

Asakusabashi

Otaru Canal as seen from Asakusabashi (side) It's about a 4-5 minute walk along the promenade from Chuo Bridge. There's a small plaza on the bridge, and it's a popular spot to take commemorative photos with the Otaru Canal in the background! A tourist information center is also located there.
If you're short on time, you can turn back at Asakusabashi and return to Chuobashi.
(The photo shows the Otaru Canal and promenade taken from Asakusabashi.)

Canal Plaza

Otaru Canal Plaza Located at the Chuo-bashi intersection, this facility houses a tourist information center, a shop selling local products, and a cafe. We provide up-to-date information about Otaru.
Even if you're short on time, a stop here will give you a feel for the atmosphere inside the warehouses along the Otaru Canal! If you browse for souvenirs and such, it should take about 30 minutes from the start of your trip.