Otaru Canal

Otaru Canal is the only and oldest canal in Hokkaido, dating back to the time of Hokkaido's pioneering history, about 120 years ago. And it is a major landmark in Otaru, stretching 1,140 meters (3,740 feet) in length, with a row of red brick warehouses on one side converted into various specialty shops, and the other side featuring kerosene street lamps that look particularly beautiful at night.

Otaru canal in winter

In addition, the Otaru Canal is one of the venues for the important winter event in Hokkaido, “Otaru Snow Light Path,” which takes place in February. During the event, hundreds of candles are lined up along the canal walkway, and glass lanterns float on the river, creating a very romantic atmosphere.

Best Photo Spot for Otaru Canal - Asakusa Bridge

If you want to put the romance of Otaru Canal into your photo album, the Asakusa Bridge at the southern end of the canal is the best location for taking pictures. At dusk, when the street lights are turned on and the sky is dyed purple by the setting sun, it is the golden time for taking pictures.

How to Visit the Otaru Canal

1. By Otaru Canal Cruise

Highly recommended to take the Otaru Canal Cruise to explore the canal. The cruise provides headphones for English commentary. The 40-minute cruise will take you through the history of the canal and the stories behind the buildings along the canal.

Cruise information:

Cruise	Departure time	Ticket
Day-cruise	10:30 - 17:00, every half hour	Adult: JPY1,800
		Children below 6: JPY500
Night-cruise	17:30 - 19:30, every half hour	Adult: JPY2,000
		Children below 6: JPY500
Notes: • One adult can bring one child under six years old on the cruise for free; • Departure times may vary depending on the season. • There is currently no card payment available. Please pay by cash.

2. Take a rickshaw

Rickshaw tour of Otaru Canal

You will see rickshaw pullers dressed in traditional clothing near Asakusa Bridge. If you're interested, you can take a ride in a rickshaw and experience the retro atmosphere of Otaru. The ride around the canal takes about 10 minutes, and the puller will enthusiastically introduce the scenery to you.

Reference price: 2,000 yen for one person, 3,000 yen for two people together.

3. Walk by the canal

Walking along the Otaru Canal is a very pleasant experience. On one side of the river is a long pedestrian path, where vintage-style kerosene lamps are erected at regular intervals, and you may see artists painting live nearby. On the other side is a row of red brick warehouses, adding a touch of exoticism.

4. Rent a bicycle

You can also rent a bicycle near the canal and enjoy the scenery while cycling and feeling the breeze.

Reference price: About 1,000 - 2,000 yen per day

Where to Dine and Shop around Otaru Canal

1. Warehouse District

A restaurant in warehouse district

These shops, including grocery stores and restaurants, which were converted from warehouses, are the perfect places for you to buy Otaru souvenirs or enjoy local cuisine. Restaurants mainly serve beer and seafood, and Otaru Canal Terminal is a popular one, where you can find several famous ramen shops, as well as dishes such as mutton barbecue, crab, and conveyor belt sushi.

Opening hours: 9:15 - 17:45; slightly different between stores.

2. Kitaichi Glass Otaru

The largest glass workshop in Hokkaido, Kitaichi Glass Otaru displays and sells a variety of exquisite glass products, ranging from delicate glass accessories to practical glass tableware, making it a great place to buy unique souvenirs.

Opening hours: 9:00 - 18:00

3. Otaru Cafe x Hello Kitty

Otaru Cafe x Hello Kitty is a shop filled with Hello Kitty elements. The first floor features products and merchandise with Hello Kitty designs, while the second floor is a cafe. The walls are covered in Hello Kitty pictures, and there are many Hello Kitty dolls throughout the store. Of course, the coffee, ice cream, and curry rice all have Hello Kitty designs. 

Opening hours: 9:15 - 17:45
The cafe on second-floor opens at 12:00 every day, so it's best to arrive early to queue.

Reference price: 1,000 - 2,000 yen per person

4. LeTAO Main Store

As a renowned dessert shop in Hokkaido hailed as “the legend of the dessert industry,” the LeTAO main store consists of three floors. The first floor serves as the retail area, offering tasting services so that customers can select and sample desserts prior to making a purchase. The second floor is the dining area, which is typically teeming with people waiting in line. While awaiting their turn, customers can ascend to the observation area on the third floor. From this vantage point, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the fairy tale crossroads and the Otaru Canal.

Opening hours: 9:00 - 18:00
Reference price: 1,000 - 2,000 yen per person

Best Time to Visit Otaru Canal

The best time to visit Otaru Canal is in February, when the Otaru Snow Light Path is held, and in the evening, when the lights around the canal are lit up.

How to Get to Otaru Canal

Firstly, you need to take the train to the Otaru Station.
Come out of Otaru station, walk north for about 50 meters (55 yards), turn right, walk about 50 meters (55 yards), then turn right again, walk about 50 meters (55 yards), you will see Shingetsudo Book Store, then walk east along Chuodori Street for about 650 meters (710 yards), pass 3 traffic lights, and you will see Otaru Canal at the fourth traffic light.

Recommended tour time: 2 - 3 hours

Opening time: All day

Admission fee: Free admission