● Experience a Japanese Heritage Site: The Nostalgic Ambiance of the Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is beloved as a symbol of the city. Walk along the canal lined with stone warehouses, and you’ll feel as if you’ve slipped back to the early 1900s. These warehouses once served as a hub for good entering Hokkaido, symbolizing Otaru’s prosperity as the region’s economic lifeblood. They are part of the Japanese heritage site: Otaru – The Town Once Called the “”Heart”" of Hokkaido. The historic buildings and the calm waters of the canal create a soothing scene that warms the hearts of visitors. Be sure to snap a commemorative photo.
● Breathtaking Panoramic Views: The Mt. Tengu Ropeway
Mt. Tengu offers a sweeping view of the Otaru cityscape. Ride the ropeway to the summit and take in the spectacular panorama of Otaru’s streets and the vast Ishikari Bay beyond. On clear days, you can even see the Mashike mountain range in the distance—truly a view to behold. The view is even featured in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, a sight you don’t want to miss. Take in the full scope of Otaru’s development as a hub of port and rail transport from this stunning vantage point. Enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by the natural beauty of Otaru, which changes with each season.
● Meet Captivating Sea Creatures at the Otaru Aquarium A unique Otaru destination blessed by the sea, the Otaru Aquarium is home to marine life native to Hokkaido’s coastal waters. From thrilling dolphin shows to adorable seal and penguin performances, visitors of all ages are sure to be delighted! Don’t miss the Marine Mammal Park, where animals live in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. The prosperity of Otaru as a port town was built on the riches of the surrounding area. Get up close with the exhibits presented from fresh perspectives and discover the mysteries and wonder of the ocean.
● Enjoy Grilled Seafood at Otaru Bine, a Designated Historic Building of Otaru (Lunch-included days only)
For lunch, dine at Otaru Bine, housed in the renovated former Hokkaido Bank Head Office—a building steeped in history. The interior features high ceilings and stately decor, where you’ll enjoy a seafood grill lunch made with fresh, local catches from Otaru and Hokkaido. The building itself is a symbol of Otaru’s financial power, which supported Japan’s economy from the Meiji period onward.
Tag Archives: Exploring Otaru
【Operated in 2025 / Winter】Otaru, the Japan Heritage City & Shiroi Koibito Park Course (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
● Experience a Japanese Heritage Site: The Nostalgic Ambiance of the Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is beloved as a symbol of the city. Walk along the canal lined with stone warehouses, and you’ll feel as if you’ve slipped back to the early 1900s. These warehouses once served as a hub for good entering Hokkaido, symbolizing Otaru’s prosperity as the region’s economic lifeblood. They are part of the Japanese heritage site: Otaru – The Town Once Called the “”Heart”" of Hokkaido. The historic buildings and the calm waters of the canal create a soothing scene that warms the hearts of visitors. You can also explore attractions such as Kitaichi Glass, the Otaru Music Box Museum, and the Nitori Museum of Art.
● Enjoy Grilled Seafood at Otaru Bine, a Designated Historic Building of Otaru
For lunch, dine at Otaru Bine, housed in the renovated former Hokkaido Bank Head Office—a building steeped in history. The interior features high ceilings and stately decor, where you’ll enjoy a seafood grill lunch made with fresh, local catches from Otaru and Hokkaido. The building itself is a symbol of Otaru’s financial power, which supported Japan’s economy from the Meiji period onward.
● Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch (Closed Tuesdays and Dec. 29 to Jan. 3)
Completed in 1906, this was the second Otaru branch building of Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line).
Built during the port’s boom years, it stands as a symbol of Otaru’s prosperity as a thriving commercial and port city. It is also a Japan Heritage Site. Its refined interior include a marble side entrance, intricately carved wooden stair railings, and a finely crafted central ornament. Many imported materials were used, such as American steel shutters and German linoleum.
* Please note: If heavy snowfall or similar conditions make bus travel or boarding and alighting difficult, the visit to the Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch will be canceled and replaced with a stroll along the Otaru Canal. Thank you for your understanding.
● Otaru Aquarium (Visited only on operating days from Dec. 13 to Feb. 23)
Home to around 250 species and 5,000 animals, the aquarium’s winter highlight is the “”Penguin Snow Walk,”" where you can watch penguins strolling across the snow up close. Up to 15 gentoo penguins, including chicks born in 2025, take part in this charming event. At the Dolphin Stadium, watch bottlenose dolphins perform spectacular jumps and playful tricks. Inside, take a look at northern species such as harbor porpoises, lumpfish, and sea angels—species that are kept only at Otaru Aquarium in Japan.
● Shiroi Koibito Park
This theme park offers factory tours of the production line for Hokkaido’s beloved “”Shiroi Koibiti”" cookies, exhibits on the history of chocolate, and hands-on sweets-making experiences. Its British-style buildings and gardens make for many picturesque photo spots. Visitors can enjoy exclusive sweets at the on-site shops and cafés, making it a favorite destination for families and tourists alike. (Note: From January 3 to July 31, 2026, parts of the 3rd-floor “”Chocotopia”" viewing area, including the production line, may be closed for renovations. Paid admission areas will remain open during construction.)
