Perfect for first-timers! Otaru Canal Perfect Guide - Part 3 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

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5. For those who want to enjoy Otaru day and night ♪ Three accommodations along the Otaru Canal

　Hotel Nord Otaru

　Hotel Sonia in front of Otaru Canal

　Canal Inn Otaru Furukawa

6. A satisfying 3-hour Otaru Canal & Otaru sightseeing model course!

　Part 1: Sakaimachi Street (approximately 90 minutes)

　Part 2: Otaru Canal (approximately 30 minutes)

　Option 3: Sushi or shopping at the market (approximately 45 minutes)

5. For those who want to enjoy Otaru day and night ♪ Three accommodations along the Otaru Canal

One of the biggest attractions of the Otaru Canal is its different scenery during the day and at night. If you want to enjoy both of these views, staying near the Otaru Canal is the most convenient option! Here, we will introduce hotels located in the Otaru Canal area.

Please note that all hotels offer rooms facing the Otaru Canal and rooms that do not, and rooms facing the canal will be slightly more expensive.
Many people would probably prefer to stay on the Otaru Canal side, but all of the hotels along the Otaru Canal listed below have a wide, three-lane road running between them and the canal, so you won't necessarily have a direct view of the canal below. Personally, I think you don't need to insist on staying on the canal side.

Hotel Nord Otaru

Hotel Nord Otaru This European-style hotel is located at the intersection of Chuo Bridge, right in the heart of the Otaru Canal area. The exterior is made of marble, and inside there is a stylish patio (courtyard) and fountain, creating a romantic atmosphere. There is a bar lounge on the top floor where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Otaru Canal at night and the coastline of Otaru Port.
Additionally, some guest rooms face the Otaru Canal, allowing guests to enjoy the nighttime illuminations from their rooms.

Hotel Nord Otaru(Map ⑤)
1-4-16 Iroinai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
Phone number 0134-24-0500

Hotel Sonia in front of Otaru Canal

Hotel Sonia in front of Otaru Canal Located along the road beside the Otaru Canal, this charming, boutique-style hotel is divided into two buildings: the main building and the new building. The cozy interior features British antique-style sofas and furnishings, and the rooms are furnished with antique furniture, giving it a touch of refined taste. Furthermore, rooms facing the Otaru Canal (all rooms in the main building and some in the new building) offer views of the canal illuminated by gas lamps.

Hotel Sonia in front of Otaru Canal(Map ⑥)
1-4-20 Iroinai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
Phone number 0134-23-2600

Canal Inn Otaru Furukawa

Otaru Furukawa Hot Spring Image This hotel, located directly across the street from the Otaru Canal, recreates the atmosphere of a Meiji-era merchant's house. It features a large public hot spring bath and private panoramic baths, making it perfect for relaxing in the hot springs after a stroll along the Otaru Canal in winter.
In addition, thoughtful services such as foot baths and rental of yukata (traditional Japanese summer kimono) for strolling around (500 yen for adults) are said to be popular.

Canal Inn Otaru Furukawa(Map 7)
1-2-15 Iroinai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
Phone number 0134-29-2345

6. A satisfying 3-hour Otaru Canal & Otaru sightseeing model course!

Finally, for those who are short on time but want to enjoy sightseeing in Otaru efficiently, we would like to introduce a "3-Hour Otaru Stay Course" that includes the highlights of Otaru sightseeing.
If you enjoy sightseeing in this way, you can at least brag about having "been to Otaru!"

Part 1: Sakaimachi Street (approximately 90 minutes)

Along the streets lined with historic buildings and warehouses, you'll find glass art shops such as the famous "Kitaichi Glass," as well as general merchandise stores and Western-style confectionery shops including "LeTAO Main Store," making it a popular area alongside the Otaru Canal.
If you love unique goods or want to stock up on souvenirs, be warned that time will fly by in no time!

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Part 2: Otaru Canal (approximately 30 minutes)

Enjoy strolling and taking photos along the Otaru Canal, starting from the central bridges "Chuo Bridge" and "Asakusa Bridge." Please note that neither bridge has a roof, so if it looks like it might rain, be sure to bring an umbrella!

Incidentally, the Canal Plaza Tourist Information Center near Chuo Bridge offers a free umbrella rental service. You can feel the unique hospitality of Otaru, which is also very welcoming to tourists!

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Option 3: Sushi or shopping at the market (approximately 45 minutes)

Strolling through the Triangle Market When in Otaru, you absolutely must not forget the seafood!

You can enjoy fresh sushi on "Sushi Street," lined with sushi restaurants, or you can buy seafood such as crab, scallops, and sea urchin at the markets scattered throughout the city, or in the summer, vegetables and fruits such as asparagus, cherries, and melons! (The photo shows "Sankaku Market," located very close to Otaru Station. It is open every day.)

So, I've introduced a course that can be completed in three hours, but if there are other places you'd like to visit (for example, "Wall Street in the North"), you can adjust the time by cutting out "Part 3," shortening your stroll along Sakaimachi Street, or adding an hour, and you should be able to enjoy it.

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We hope you enjoyed our introduction to the charm and information of the Otaru Canal! There are also many other tourist attractions around the Otaru Canal, including historical buildings and shops selling cute goods! Be sure to visit the Otaru Canal and find your own favorite spots!