Otaru Station

Railway station
★ 4.7 (9K+ reviews) • 8K+ booked
Nestled in the charming city of Otaru, Hokkaido, Otaru Station serves as a gateway to a region rich in history and culture. This bustling railway hub, operated by JR Hokkaido, is not just a transit point but a destination in itself, offering travelers a glimpse into the vibrant life of Otaru. Known for its picturesque canals and rich history, Otaru offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern attractions. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking a serene escape, Otaru Station is your starting point for an unforgettable journey. Additionally, the upcoming Shin-Otaru Station, scheduled to open in 2031, will further enhance connectivity as a key stop on the Hokkaido Shinkansen, promising a seamless travel experience in one of Japan's most scenic regions. Otaru Station and its future counterpart invite you to explore the enchanting experiences that await in this northernmost part of Japan.
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Japan, 〒047-0032 Hokkaido, Otaru, Inaho, 2-chōme−22, JP

The best of Otaru Station

Bucket-list experiences

Kimono rental experience in Otaru, Hokkaido (provided by kimono shop in Otaru otomenokimono)

Kimono rental experience in Otaru, Hokkaido (provided by kimono shop in Otaru otomenokimono)

Morning departure
Up to 3 hrs
Free cancellation
★ 5.0 (1) • 50+ booked
From RM 186.65
6 hours Day trip to Otaru (from Sapporo)

6 hours Day trip to Otaru (from Sapporo)

Private tour
English available
Private group
★ 5.0 (1) • New Activity
RM 1,915.85
Otaru Asarigawa Ski Resort Tour from Sapporo

Otaru Asarigawa Ski Resort Tour from Sapporo

Beginner-friendly
Morning departure
7+ hrs
★ 4.2 (104) • 2K+ booked
RM 641.89
Mt Tengu Ropeway Round-trip Ticket

Mt Tengu Ropeway Round-trip Ticket

Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.6 (122) • 3K+ booked
From RM 58.29
Otaru Art Base (Four combined Museum Pass)

Otaru Art Base (Four combined Museum Pass)

Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.5 (49) • 800+ booked
RM 82.95
Otaru Art Base Stained Glass Museum

Otaru Art Base Stained Glass Museum

Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.3 (15) • 300+ booked
RM 34.35
Otaru Asarigawa onsen Ski resort 1 day lift ticket & Rental set

Otaru Asarigawa onsen Ski resort 1 day lift ticket & Rental set

Morning departure
7+ hrs
English available
RM 310.35
Hokkaido Otaru Aquarium, Ropeway, Cinematic Bus Tour from Sapporo
From RM 280.35
Hokkaido Otaru Rickshaw Tour

Hokkaido Otaru Rickshaw Tour

English available
Private group
Free cancellation
★ 4.9 (30) • 700+ booked
From RM 286.05
Otaru 2 Major Spot Car Tour in Hokkaido

Otaru 2 Major Spot Car Tour in Hokkaido

Afternoon departure
Hotel pick-up
Small group
★ 5.0 (2) • 50+ booked
From RM 572.09
Otaru Art Base House of Western Art

Otaru Art Base House of Western Art

Instant confirmation
Book now for today
RM 34.35

Make it a getaway

Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal

Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal

Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (1,014) • New Activity
From RM 281.67
RM 344.07
Grids Premium Hotel Otaru

Grids Premium Hotel Otaru

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (220) • New Activity
From RM 284.56
RM 292.32
Dormy Inn Premium Otaru Natural Hot Spring

Dormy Inn Premium Otaru Natural Hot Spring

Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (1,026) • New Activity
From RM 323.32
Hotel Nord Otaru

Hotel Nord Otaru

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (1,002) • New Activity
From RM 270.39
Tabist THE GREEN OTARU

Tabist THE GREEN OTARU

Instant confirmation
★ 3.6 (1,000) • New Activity
From RM 181.63
Hotel Sonia Otaru

Hotel Sonia Otaru

Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (1,005) • New Activity
From RM 295.88
OMO5 Otaru by Hoshino Resorts

OMO5 Otaru by Hoshino Resorts

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (98) • New Activity
From RM 365.62
Otaru Kourakuen

Otaru Kourakuen

Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (2) • New Activity
From RM 1,576.04
Grand Park Otaru

Grand Park Otaru

Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (1,002) • New Activity
From RM 293.44
Otaru Furukawa Hotel

Otaru Furukawa Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (49) • New Activity
From RM 870.31
Hotel Neu Schloss Otaru

Hotel Neu Schloss Otaru

Instant confirmation
From RM 743.51
Kuramure

Kuramure

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (114) • New Activity
From RM 3,255.96

Why people love Otaru Station

4.7 /5
9K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Chen ********
2 days ago
great! It doesn’t hurt if you fall in the powder snow, the scenery is beautiful, the price is affordable and you have a lot of fun🤩🤩
孟賢 *
6 days ago
It has very new functions and convenient transportation. The night view of the Otaru Canal is very beautiful, and the snow conditions are very good. It is really beautiful! !
2+
PEI ********
31 Dec 2024
We took bus 9 at bus stop near Otaru canal to the foot of Mount Tengu. Waited about half an hour in the cold with 2 buses full with passengers who boarded from Otaru station bus terminal and driver could not let us board. Almost gave up when an unscheduled empty bus suddenly appeared. Need to join the same long queue with people buying tickets just to exchange for physical tickets which is quite pointless. Will be good if we can just use online voucher instead. After the long queue for tickets, we still need to queue again for the ropeway. Overall, still quite worth it as Mount Tengu is really beautiful with snow and the view of otaru is awesome.
Klook 用戶
28 Dec 2024
At the group bus gathering place at Sapporo Station, there will be someone holding a sign for one-day tours around 8 o'clock to ask questions. There will be many different groups at the same time, so you need to confirm carefully. After getting on the bus, you will drive for an hour to the equipment storage area to pick up equipment and change clothes, and then take about an hour's drive to Asarigawa Ski Resort. There will be a simple lesson in the morning, and you will continue in the afternoon after eating at a restaurant at your own expense. Once you are proficient, you can use the magic carpet to go uphill. Skiing further down is a good experience. The overall skiing time is about 3-4 hours. It may be close to 7 o'clock when we return to Sapporo. If you have an itinerary later, it will be safer to go later.
dai ******
27 Dec 2024
The coach provides 1-on-8 instruction and carefully informs each student of the areas that can be optimized. Go to the place where you change your snow clothes early in the morning (the drive takes about 1 hour). After changing your equipment, drive 40 minutes to the ski resort. I skated for 1 hour in the morning, ate for 1 hour at lunch, and skated for 2 and a half hours in the afternoon. The overall experience was good😄
Andy ***
26 Dec 2024
The cable car up is small and swing with the wind but we safely arrived. The top was filled with snow and view is fantastic. You can observe the town beneath from the hill top or from the restaurant.
Sheng *******
24 Dec 2024
Really was blown away by the artwork explored in these museums. Definitely reco to go!
2+
Tsai **********
24 Dec 2024
I have been to other skiing tours, and I can only say that this one is particularly excellent. I forgot the list of instructors. The instructor in blue and green is super serious in teaching and treats every student with care. I highly recommend it. We are participating on 12/21 Regarding the itinerary, I must give this coach big points. He couldn’t be more excellent. I hope I can arrange more time for skiing next time. I had a good experience in this skiing trip. I like it.

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FAQs about Otaru Station

What is the best time to visit Otaru Station in Otaru?

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What to know before visiting Otaru Station

Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Otaru Canal

Step into a world of romance and history at the Otaru Canal, where Victorian-style street lamps illuminate the path along charming old warehouses. Whether you're visiting during the enchanting Otaru Canal Lights festival or simply taking a leisurely stroll, this picturesque waterway offers a glimpse into the city's past and a perfect setting for unforgettable memories.

Sakaimachi Street

Dive into the vibrant heart of Otaru at Sakaimachi Street, a bustling avenue brimming with local crafts, sweets, and souvenirs. This lively street is your gateway to experiencing the rich culture of the region, offering a delightful mix of shopping and cultural exploration. Don't miss the chance to take home a unique piece of Otaru's charm!

Hokkaido Shinkansen

Get ready for a thrilling journey on the Hokkaido Shinkansen, the high-speed rail line that promises to revolutionize travel across the island. Connecting Shin-Otaru Station to major destinations like Kutchan and Sapporo, this marvel of modern engineering offers a seamless and exhilarating way to explore Hokkaido's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Otaru Station, with its origins dating back to 1903, is a testament to the city's evolution as a pivotal commercial and cultural hub in Hokkaido. The station's history is deeply intertwined with Otaru's development, offering travelers a window into the past. Beyond the station, Otaru itself is a treasure trove of history, with charming canals, historic buildings, and a vibrant arts scene that narrate the story of this once-bustling port city. It's a captivating destination for those eager to explore the rich tapestry of its storied past and dynamic present.

Local Cuisine

Otaru is a paradise for food enthusiasts, renowned for its fresh seafood and distinctive local dishes. The area surrounding the station is a culinary haven where visitors can savor delicacies like sushi, kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl), and the famous Otaru beer. For a truly authentic experience, dining at local spots such as Sawakisuisan Kaisenshokudo offers a taste of the region's unique flavors, including specialties like uni (sea urchin) and donburi bowls. These culinary delights capture the essence of Hokkaido's rich gastronomic heritage, making Otaru a must-visit for any food lover.