| Admission | ¥300 |
| Opening Hours | 9:30 - 17:00 Information center closes at 18:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 013-4221-258 |
| Notes | Museum, wheelchair access, lockers available, sled activities (winter), paid parking close by |
| Location / Getting There | The museum is located right by Otaru Canal. It is a 10 minute walk south from Otaru train station. From the exit, walk down the main road to the canal. The museum is on the left, along route 454 2 Chome-1-20 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031 |
Otaru City General Museum Canal Museum has an extensive collection that introduces the history of Otaru City including information on the natural environment. The exhibition includes 20,000 objects and materials in its collection. The museum is located by Otaru Canal and can be found in the ‘former Otaru warehouse’. This beautiful building was constructed in 1887. The museum itself is a historical icon. In 2007, the museum was opened as well as the Otaru Information Center which has direct access to the museum.
The first exhibition room looks at the history of Otaru from its origins connected with the Ainu. There are materials related to the Ainu as well as the herring fishing industry. The latter part of the exhibition looks at a cityscape of Otaru during the Taisho era (1912 – 1926). There are some hands on exhibits here. The second exhibition room looks at the extensive flora and fauna of the Otaru area. These fascinating exhibits include a skeleton of a giant sea lion. Apart from the museum, there is a nice small coffee shop located in the information center. The information center is recognizable by its champagne glass pyramid. This room as tonnes of information about Otaru. Very useful for tourists.
| Opening Hours | 9:30 - 18:00 |
| Closed | – |
| Contact | 0134-31-6566 http://www.tanzawa-net.co.jp/shop/02.html |
| Notes | Glass goods, sightseeing spot, souvenir store, coffee store, historical site, wheelchair access |
| Location / Getting There | Located in Otaru on Sakaimachi street. The street is down near the harbor. It is a 18 minute walk down from Otaru station. From Sapporo station, take the JR line to Otaru. 1-25 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027 |
Otaru Romankan is a fantastic place to visit. It is a souvenir and glass store and is a popular building for tourists and locals alike. The building itself is a point of interest and has its own history. Originally, the building was a bank that was constructed far back in the Meiji period in 1908. Walking around the store, the floorboards creak and there is a great atmosphere created with ambient lighting. The store is full of crafted accessories and glass trinkets. A good spot to pick up a gift for friends or for yourself.
The store also sells Christmas themed accessories all year round. Otaru Romankan is located along the famous Sakaimachi Street which is near Otaru Canal. This store serves not only as a shopping spot but also as a historical site. Once inside, you can not only enjoy the antique furniture and wares, but you can also find a small coffee shop, Cafe Deco. What a great spot to enjoy a coffee, in beautiful warm surroundings. And it’s even better, especially during the winter months! So, while in Otaru, drop in for some shopping and a lot of history at Otaru Romankan.
| Opening Hours | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Closed | – |
| Contact | 0134-27-3371 http://rop-japan.com/ |
| Notes | Gem stone store, no parking |
| Location / Getting There | The store is located near Otaru Canal and is part of the shopping and tourist area. It's a 9 minute walk from the canal. 4-17 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027 |
Throughout Otaru, there are plenty of unique boutiques selling arts and crafts, among other things. At Powerstone, they sell thousands of gem stones that are ideal to decorate the home, or for those who are interested in, or believe in the energy from these stones. This unique store can be found near the harbor along the main tourist area of Sakaimachi street. The idea behind these stones is that everything has a natural vibration, such as the earth, trees, water and stones, and these have power spots that give out a specific energy.
Throughout history these sacred stones have long believed to be amulets. The stones are said to purify and balance our mind, which can influence people and the environment. The stones come in a variety of choices such as birth stones, or constellation stones, or simply choose the color that you like. At the store there is a color guide of what each stone represents which can help make your choice, whether for yourself or as a gift. Whether or not you believe in power stones, they make for a great piece of jewelry or for an ornament to decorate the home.
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0134-32-4111 |
| Notes | Park by Otaru harbor, 32 parking spaces, lunch spot |
| Location / Getting There | Located in Otaru by the water. It's a 14 minute walk from Otaru canal. The park is by the Shin Nihonkai Ferry Otaru Ferry Terminal. 8-1 Chikko, Otaru City 047-0008, Hokkaido |
This is a small park in Otaru. It can be found right by Otaru Harbor and it overlooks Otaru Port. Being next the Shin Nihonkai Ferry terminal, you can get some great views of the ships coming in and all the vessels anchored in the harbor. The park itself has a few odd seafaring items located on the grounds. At the centre of the park, there is a covered landing that has a distinctive boating veneer. It has a crows nest built on top, plus it is flanked by two large anchors, and a small stage for performances.
To one side of the park there is a huge sea buoy to take a look at. It served as a sea anchor for boats and was installed back in 1933. The buoy was capable of anchoring 12,000 tonne class vessels. It has a diameter of four metres and was anchored to the sea bed via a 6 tonne weight attached to an 80 meter chain. It’s a pretty impressive buoy which has some history. Besides this feature, the park benches to sit and have lunch and enjoy the peaceful harbor views. The park is also a popular spot to do some fishing!
| Admission | - |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0134-27-1133 |
| Notes | Shopping street, sightseeing spot, historical landmarks, photography spot |
| Location / Getting There | Located in Otaru. The street is down near the harbor. It is a 18 minute walk down from Otaru station. From Sapporo station, take the JR line to Otaru. Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027 |
Otaru is a beautiful harbor town. It is one of those places that has managed to preserve a lot of its history. You can find many old buildings where you can take a stroll back in time here. Sakaimachi street is a hugely popular tourist spot for those who are visiting Otaru. It is here you can find souvenir shops, museums, restaurants, historical buildings, and landmarks. Many of these restaurants and stores are in these historical buildings, many being converted from old warehouses. So, not only can you do some shopping and dining, but you can also get some great photos while on your travels.
Many of the shops along this road sell goods that are connected with Otaru and its history. Being a seaside town, there are plenty of sushi restaurants and crab stores. Glass blowing can also be found in Otaru, so there are many glass and ornamental boutiques. To get to Sakaimachi street from Otaru train station, it is a short walk. After exiting the station it is a ten minute walk straight down heading towards the harbor. One block before reaching Otaru canal, turn right and you will reach the street. For those driving, there are a few paid parking areas around the area.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥400 - ¥500 for coffee |
| Contact | 0134-21-3885 |
| Notes | Antique store, coffee shop, seating 10, no smoking |
| Location / Getting There | Located in the main tourist shopping area, on a side road from the famous Sakaimachihondori Street. It's a 6 minute walk east from Otaru Canal. 3-19 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027 |
This fascinating store is a treasure trove of antiques. It can be found just off the Sakaimachi shopping road. The store is packed with interesting and unique items, and is a great place to walk around and check out the wares. They have pictures, furniture, serving ware, ornaments, and thousands of trinkets. The store is run by a friendly couple and are happy to have you peruse their store. This store not only serves as an antique boutique, but it also serves as a a cosy little tea and coffee shop!
The coffee store here makes for a quaint spot to sit and sip on something warm and enjoy the interesting surroundings. The menu, although small, is very affordable. You can order a coffee, a tea, or a yuzu tea for only ¥4oo. For an ice coffee it costs slightly more at ¥500. There are two tables to sit at, so its not really suitable for large groups. During the busy season with crowded coffee shops full of other tourists, this is a little hidden gem where you can enjoy a nice quiet break from the shopping and sightseeing of Otaru.
