Perfect Guide to the Otaru Canal - Perfect for First-Timers!
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- Last updated: September 5, 2018
Table of contents
3. For those who want to enjoy it even more! A deeper way to enjoy the Otaru Canal!
Events related to the Otaru Canal
・A restaurant serving freshly brewed craft beer located in a stone warehouse!
Enjoy a wide variety of 11 different Hokkaido foods in our warehouse!
Enjoy Otaru's local specialties while gazing at the Otaru Canal!
・A unique cafe located in a warehouse on the North Canal!
3. For those who want to enjoy it even more! A deeper way to enjoy the Otaru Canal!
In the previous section, we introduced the main attractions of the Otaru Canal, but here we will introduce other sights, tourist spots, and modes of transportation that you should also see!
Please note that the atmosphere of the Otaru Canal changes throughout the day—daytime, evening, and nighttime—so if possible, we recommend strolling and sightseeing along the canal at different times of the day while also exploring other Otaru attractions.
・North Canal
(Please see the map in section "2" above.)
It's about a 10-minute walk from Chuo Bridge. Unlike the canal around Chuo Bridge, this canal retains its original form from the Taisho era (about 40 meters wide), and the sight of small boats such as workboats moored along the canal preserves the atmosphere of the past.

Otaru Canal Cruise
From spring to autumn, a sightseeing boat called the "Otaru Canal Cruise" operates along the Otaru Canal. You can enjoy the canal from the boat with commentary from the boatman!
Another attractive feature is that they offer both daytime "day cruises" and evening/night cruises, allowing you to enjoy the canals at your preferred time of day. Please be sure to check the website as operating times vary depending on the season.
小樽運河クルーズ
Time required: about 40 minutes
Fares: Day cruise: Adults 1,500 yen, Children 500 yen; Night cruise: Adults 1,800 yen, Children 500 yen
For inquiries and reservations, please call 0134-31-1733.
For details on operating hours, etc., please see below.Official websitePlease check at.
・ Rental cycle
Explore Otaru's tourist attractions easily by bicycle. Recommended for those who want to visit a wide area, including the Otaru Canal and the North Canal.
Bicycle rental (Otaru Tourism Promotion Corporation)
Rates: Up to 2 hours: 500 yen; 1 day: 2,000 yen
The period is from April to October (9:00 to 17:30).
On-site parking available for 600 yen per day (recommended for those who want to park for an extended period).
·rickshaw
Enjoy a guided tour of the Otaru Canal and surrounding areas by a handsome (?) young man! They are usually stationed at Asakusabashi or Chuobashi.
From 3,000 yen per person (prices vary depending on the course and duration)
Otaru | Ebisuya Rickshaw
2-8-7 Iroinai, Otaru City, Hokkaido 047-0031
Tel: 0134-27-7771
Opening hours: 9:30 AM to sunset
Events related to the Otaru Canal
Otaru Snow Light Path

A total of 14 simple candles illuminate the town, creating a warm and handcrafted atmosphere that is a popular winter event. Floating candle spheres dot the Otaru Canal, allowing visitors to enjoy a magical ambiance unique to winter in Hokkaido.
Since it's held during the same period as the Sapporo Snow Festival, we recommend enjoying both Sapporo and Otaru!
In 2019, it was held from February 8th (Friday) to 17th (Sunday).
http://yukiakarinomichi.org/
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こちらもご覧ください!
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4. For those who want to enjoy the Otaru Canal even more! 4 selections of dining facilities and restaurants.
Next, for those who want to enjoy the Otaru Canal even more, or those who are unsure about places to eat, we will introduce four restaurants where you can enjoy the view of the canal, including the iconic old warehouses!

・A restaurant serving freshly brewed craft beer located in a stone warehouse!
Otaru Beer / Otaru Warehouse No. 1 (Map ①)
This beer restaurant, operated by the local "Otaru Beer," is located in one of the stone warehouses along the canal.
There is a beer brewing kettle in the center of the store, and you can tour the brewery located inside the warehouse.
You can enjoy freshly brewed craft beer and sausages made using German methods, as well as dishes made with local Hokkaido ingredients.
Otaru Beer / Otaru Warehouse No. 1
5-4 Minatomachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido 047-0000
Telephone number: 0134-21-2323
11:00 AM - 22:30 PM (closing at 23:00 PM) Closed: Open every day
Enjoy a wide variety of 11 different Hokkaido foods in our warehouse!
Otaru Canal Restaurant (Map ②)

Located near Asakusabashi, this multi-restaurant complex is housed in a stone warehouse along the canal, recreating the streetscape of Otaru and featuring a total of 11 shops offering Hokkaido specialties such as buffets, ramen, seafood bowls, and soup curry.
Otaru Canal Restaurant
6-5 Minatomachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido 047-0007
Telephone number: 050-5798-9387
11: 00 to 15: 00, 17: 00 to 21: 30
Enjoy Otaru's local specialties while gazing at the Otaru Canal!
Otaru Masazushi Zen-an (Map ③)
This is one of the branches of Otaru Masazushi, a well-known local sushi restaurant with a history of over 20 years.
The appeal of this restaurant lies in being able to enjoy fresh, authentic sushi unique to Otaru while overlooking the Otaru Canal from the counter seats on the second floor.
Otaru Masazushi Zen-an
1-2-1 Iroinai, Otaru City, Hokkaido 047-0000
Phone number 0134-22-0011
11:00 AM - 22:00 PM Closed on Thursdays
・A unique cafe located in a warehouse on the North Canal!
Press Cafe (Map ④)
This cafe is located in a corner of the former Shibusawa Warehouse along the North Canal, preserving the old-fashioned atmosphere of the Otaru Canal. You can enjoy carefully crafted dishes such as North Indian-style curry, spaghetti, and sweets.
PRESS CAFE
3-3-21 Iroinai, Otaru City, Hokkaido 047-0000
Phone number 0134-24-8028
11:30 AM - 10:00 PM (until midnight on Saturdays) Closed during the New Year holidays.
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