Japan Otaru Travel Guide, Tailor-made Japan Tour Packages

Otaru

Otaru is a quaint and small harbor city in northwest of Sapporo. The name "Otaru" is recognized as being of Ainu origin, possibly meaning "River running through the sandy beach". It faces the Ishikari Bay, and has long served as the main port of the bay. The city was an Ainu habitation, and its beautifully preserved canal area and interesting herring mansions make Otaru a pleasant day trip from Sapporo or a nice stop en route to or from Niseko or the Shakotan Peninsula.

Kitakaro

Kitakaro is a beloved sweets brand from Hokkaido.

Mount Kenashi Lookout

At a height of 470 meters, this panoramic view extends not only to downtown Otaru and Otaru Bay, but even down to Ishikari Bay.

Otaru Denuki Koji

There is around 20 small shops in the historical building.Walk into the narrow pathway and explore your favorite shop!

Asahi Observation Deck

provides a beautiful view of the whole city, the curves of the coast and the harbor. The observation deck has a beautiful park with nicely planned trails for you to enjoy the surroundings but the area may close on some days during winter.

Herring Mansions (Nishin Goten)

During the heyday of herring fishing, large Herring Mansions were built by wealthy fishermen to process the fish and as a residence for themselves and their employees.

Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkougura

is a factory of Tanaka Sake Brewery, the most famous local sake brewery in Otaru. The building is designated as a historical architecture by Otaru city which was build in 1905, Meiji era.

Asarigawa Onsen Winter Resort

Asarigawa Onsen is a medium sized ski resort with 7 ski lifts that offers skiers a respectable 330 metres (1082 feet) of vertical descent. Asarigawa Onsen has 9 pistes. Asarigawa Onsen is only really suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

Hiyamizu Mountain Pass

Located at Hiyamizu Mountain Pass (340 m above sea level) on the Yoichi-Akugawa Line, Hokkaido Highway 36, from which you can see the entire crater basin centered on Mount Maruyama with Yodate (Ezo Fuji) in the background, It is so spectacular!

Shin-Nantaru Market

full of tourists looking for a good buy of Japanese Pre-packed Seafood and snacks. It is value for money and the choices excellent.