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4-Day Otaru Itinerary
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Otaru in 4 days
If you only have 4 days to spend in Otaru, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
With favorites like Otaru Canal, Otaru City General Museum, and Rin'yū Morning Market, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Kaitenzushi Sakanaisshin Otaruten and McDonald's Aeon Otaru so you can get the best taste of Otaru while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Otaru?
Visiting Otaru? See our Otaru Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
Table of contents
Day 1
Most popular attractions
For day 1, we strategically grouped the most popular attraction, Otaru Canal, with surrounding point of interests to start your trip off with a bang. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 8 hours of your day.
1
•Indira J — Google reviewEric — Google reviewSteven H — Google reviewLiz L — Google reviewEmily K — Google reviewLittle E — Google reviewMin M — Google review
Shiroi Koibito Park
4.2
(22664)
4.0
(1572)
Theme park
Amusement park
Chocolate factory
Chocolate shop
Shiroi Koibito Park in Sapporo is a family-friendly destination that offers a variety of activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy chocolate and cookie samples, explore exhibits showcasing the making of the famous Shiroi Koibito sweets, and even take a train ride through the park's garden area. The park also features a chocolate factory tour, cooking workshops, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
We didn't want to go here, but we're so glad that we did.
Neither my wife nor I are great fans of sweets, but her family love them so we thought we should go here to buy some gifts. This was an excellent decision.
We only visited the extensive free areas so cannot speak for the paid ones, but we had a wonderful time (aided in no small part by fantastic weather) and would definitely recommend that others also visit, whether they like sweets or not.
The park is beautiful in a kitsch mock-european fashion with pleasant gardens full of roses. The animatronic displays were entertaining, and the park was spotlessly clean. When we visited, it was nearly October so the Halloween decorations were already out and appropriate music was being piped throughout the park.
The shops were well played out and the produce was of a good quality. We enjoyed an ice cream and we're especially pleased by the customised biscuit tins that we were able to buy and which were ready in just 30 minutes. It was great to be able to buy so many gifts in one place saving us from having to constantly carry presents everywhere else we went during our trip.
Richard S — Google review
It’s such a beautiful place! I visited in mid-October, right in the middle of autumn. The gardens were decorated with colorful flowers in full bloom, and the weather was just perfect. If you don’t plan to visit any of the special exhibition rooms, there’s no entrance fee — just strolling around, taking photos of the rose garden, fountains, and stunning architecture already makes the trip worth it. You only need to pay a small parking fee, which isn’t expensive at all. When you get tired from walking, there are also tasty food and drinks available to enjoy.
Wow, what a fun place! And it only gets better if you love chocolate.
The open area is already so lovely, well kept, and enjoyable even without having to pay for admission into the park proper.
But it's well worth it to pay the small admission price to see the chocolate museum and factory inside!
I enjoyed the "time travel" presentation, and the Halloween theme during our visit. It's such an enjoyable visit that should last at least a few hours
Pro tip: watch the clock tower at the top of every hour!
For a chocolate factory there are 2 products both are covered in so much biscuit you'd be surprised this isn't a biscuit factory.
The story is cute and the garden is lovely, the garden is accessible for free and so is the shop and some lovely areas.
Having been to bournville in the UK when it was UK owned and again when US Kraft owned it it's going a bit rubbish but is still about 100x more entertaining than this place.
Recommended for if you like some superficial nonsense for your overpriced products. But if like me you were hoping to get some chocolate from a chocolate factory give it a swerve.
Or just enjoy the English sort of aesthetic of the place and the garden but know the smell of chocolate will leave you deeply disappointed and needing to visit a shop for a proper chocolate experience
A wonderland that is both interesting and romantic. The ticket is 800 yen for adults, tourists can get access to the main building by the ticket. The main building, mostly telling stories about the history of making chocolates and the founder of this factory, is magic. And tourists can also learn how to make chocolates and cakes here.
And the most impressive part I’ve learned today is that ‘white lover’ is named because the snow in Hokkaido is beautiful so that the founder’s father called it ‘white lover’.
The dessert on the top of the factory was just splendid! with good view by the window, a perfect experience! Highly recommended!!
And if you don’t buy tickets, the free area is also amazing, like a magic garden in a fairy tale. It’s a pity that we didn’t get enough time today, maybe next time when I come with my child, I’ll spend a whole day here!
Highly recommend to visit in October. The park is decorated for Halloween. We paid ¥800 to tour inside which was interactive for children as well. The factory view from above was very interesting. There are also plenty of photo spots and even a ¥300 camera from above photo spot in the courtyard.
We purchased customised 36-biscuit tin and magnet from the Piccadilly shop downstairs in the main building and it was ready after a 30 wait. There are some shop exclusive items, however, the biscuits are standardised price across all gift shops in Hokkaido so no need to stock up here.
Awesome fun fairytale like place. For non-paid area, you can take a lot of Instagramable pictures. And there’s a song and show at every hour e.g 1pm, 2pm …
For the paid area (8k yen), it was worth paying as I learnt a lot more on chocolate and the brand. On the top, there’s a cafe, drinks and food is ok but the view from the counter chairs is really pretty. It overlook the park and you can see the show at eye level.
Shiroi Koibito Park is well known as the home of Hokkaido’s famous cookies, and the inside factory tour and shop are quite fun. However, the outside area feels a little underwhelming—there isn’t too much to see or do, and it can feel a bit boring if you’re just walking around the gardens without joining the indoor activities. The design is pretty with some European-style touches, but overall the outdoor space is quite limited.
It’s still worth visiting for the sweets and souvenirs, but if you’re expecting a large park with many attractions outside, it might feel a bit disappointing.
2 Chome-11-36 Miyanosawa 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0052, Japan•
20 min · 16.1 mi
2•Edtayjb — Google reviewYumi G — Google reviewAlexandra M — Google reviewAriel F — Google reviewChalermchon S — Google reviewJ S — Google reviewIsaac S — Google review
Otaru Music Box Museum
4.2
(12801)
4.1
(159)
Music box store
Museums
Specialty Museums
The Otaru Music Box Museum is a specialty retailer that showcases artisanal tabletop music boxes in various styles, adorned with intricate decorations. The museum is spread across several buildings in Otaru's Ironai-dori district and houses a remarkable collection of antique music boxes, including French ones from the 19th century, a grand English organ, and vintage pianos. Visitors can enjoy renditions of famous songs played by many of the music boxes on display.
The Otaru Music Box Museum is a magical place that feels like stepping into a fairytale. The building itself has a nostalgic, historic charm, and inside you’ll find thousands of beautifully crafted music boxes in every size and style imaginable—from tiny delicate keepsakes to large, ornate pieces that look like works of art. Each one plays its own unique melody, filling the air with gentle music that creates such a warm and enchanting atmosphere.
One of the highlights is being able to design your own custom music box, choosing the tune and decoration, which makes for a very special souvenir. The staff are kind and attentive, happy to guide visitors through the displays and the DIY experience. Even if you don’t buy anything, simply wandering through the museum, listening to the melodies, and admiring the craftsmanship is an experience in itself. Located right in Otaru’s charming historic district, it’s the perfect stop to enjoy both culture and history.
A must-visit spot in Otaru for anyone who loves music, art, or simply beautiful things. 🎶✨
Min M — Google review
This music box store or building along the Otaru Sakaimachi Shopping Street is highly popular with locals and tourists alike. It also houses, among other things, a mini museum on its upper floor where there are historical dioramas about the development of music boxes. So IMO its a worthwhile visit if you are ever in Otaru.
The Otaru Music Box Museum is a nice spot with a wide variety of music boxes, from traditional to modern designs. The atmosphere is quaint, though it can get a bit crowded with tourists. I bought the Otaru clock music box, which feels like the perfect souvenir from Otaru. It plays the theme from Beauty and the Beast, my all-time favorite movie, so it was a meaningful find. The building itself also has a charming old-town character that fits perfectly with the surrounding area.
No entrance fee, so you can just come inside. It’s kind of not accurate to refer it as just museum, because they do sell so many things inside not just music box. Please be careful when walking through all the music box as to not drop it by accident and extraaaa careful when you’re touching the music box as to not drop it.
The music box museum has a wide variety of music such as pirates of Caribbean soundtrack, disney music, ghibli, and classical music, and it’s free to hear.
It is a three-storey building. The first floor display a wide variety of music box starting from the small ones, medium ones, big ones, and even the tiniest ones such as a wall-hanging type music box.
The second floor display just a little bit of music box. But they also display toys, dolls, and many other things. On the other side of that very second floor, you can wonder into the collection of music box that are not for sale. You can look, take a photo, hear the sounds and melody coming out from the music box, but no recording please.
The third floor is more cramp than the other two and only display a few things. They also have Ghibli things there so you might encounter totoro, ponyo, gudetama and many other.
Please just be extra careful when walking inside and watch your step when you go up and down the stairs.
We discovered this place by mere chance before our trip and we decided to visit it, this way we also discovered Otaru!
The main building is beautiful outside, the inside too. Half store and half museum.
The first floor is mainly a shop with hundreds of musical boxes, ranging from simple and funny to complex and delicate. There're many people here and it can be a little overwhelming, but once you go to the second floor it gets less crowded.
The second floor have the museum section and it was so beautiful to see so many old and modern musical boxes and machines.
If you like music, you'll like this place and surely find a tune you like in one of the musical boxes!
The Otaru Music Box Museum is a charming spot in Otaru’s historic district. The old brick building feels magical, filled with thousands of music boxes of all shapes and sounds. You can see everything from small hand-crank boxes to large antique ones, and even try making your own in the workshop. Outside, the steam clock plays a tune every 15 minutes, adding to the atmosphere. It can get crowded, but it’s a fun and unique place for anyone who loves music, souvenirs, or just a little fairytale vibe.
If you're a music box enthusiast, the Otaru Music Box Museum is an absolute must-visit. You'll find an impressive collection of intricate antique music boxes, each with its own charm and history. The museum also offers a wide variety of beautifully crafted music boxes for sale - perfect as unique souvenirs to take home.
The Otaru Music Box Museum is a charming and nostalgic gem nestled in the heart of Otaru’s historic district. Housed in a beautifully preserved early 20th-century building, the museum offers a delightful collection of intricate music boxes, antique timepieces, and handcrafted ornaments. The soft melodies playing throughout create a magical atmosphere, transporting visitors to a bygone era.
The craftsmanship on display is exquisite, with both traditional and modern designs available for purchase in the adjoining shop. Staff are courteous and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience. A highlight is the opportunity to create a personalised music box—a wonderful keepsake.
Though compact, the museum is well-curated and visually captivating. The surrounding area, with its quaint streets and nearby canal, makes for a perfect day out. Highly recommended for those seeking a touch of elegance and whimsy.
4-1 Sumiyoshicho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0015, Japan•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
2 min · 500 ft
3•Hellen P — Google reviewJohnny K — Google reviewJ. L — Google reviewEdtayjb — Google reviewKen T — Google reviewSam S — Google reviewWilbur88 — Google review
Kitakaro Otaru Main Shop
4.3
(1691)
4.5
(410)
Confectionery store
Bakery
Dessert shop
Japanese confectionery shop
Kitakaro Otaru Main Shop is located in a renovated section of the historic warehouse along the Otaru Canal. The store offers a wide range of products, including electrical appliances, watches, cosmetics, and Hokkaido food items that are perfect as souvenirs for overseas visitors. The top dessert shop in the area is Kitakaro Otaru Honkan, known for its delectable cream puffs and homemade rice crackers with various tempting flavors.
An iconic shop in the middle of Otaru’s famous Sakaimachi street. This is worth the visit! A large selection of cakes and other goodies.
Highly recommended. Thumbs up!
They also have tax free service.
Ron Y — Google review
I decided to try all three types of cream puffs:
A: The shell is like steamed buns, very heavy and overwhelming to eat.
B: Slightly less heavy, but there’s still too much cream.
C: The thinnest shell, similar to the usual cream puffs (this one is the best choice).
The common feature of these three types is the excessive amount of cream, making them overly rich. They lack the balance of flavors found in regular cream puffs.
I ordered their signature cream puff, which was about the size of my fist. The pastry shell was flavorful — probably thanks to proper dough fermentation — and the cream inside was rich, sweet, and delicious. Overall, the quality of the desserts here seemed quite good, so I ended up buying several as souvenirs to share with friends back home.
Kitakaro Patisserie is a delightful gem in Otaru, known for its exquisite selection of sweets and pastries. Famous for their Baumkuchen (German-style layered cake) and cream puffs, the shop consistently delivers desserts that are both beautiful and delicious.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a mix of European and Japanese charm. Their fresh cream products, like the custard-filled puff pastries, are a must-try. Many visitors also enjoy their gift-worthy treats, such as cookies and cakes, which are perfect souvenirs.
Although it can be crowded, especially during weekends, the quality of the desserts and the friendly service make it a worthwhile stop for anyone with a sweet tooth.
This dessert place along Otaru Sakaimachi Shopping Street is highly popular for its cream puffs.
Pass by bought a cream puff - the only item left for its takeaway. Cream in puff very light and slightly sweet taste delicious
ooh the cream puff was delicious. No queue and in your hands in just a moment. Melt in your mouth with a delicious contrast of soft cream, custard and cookie-like crust.
Cream puff was heavenly 😍 I bought the B version which had a huge ball of thick fresh cream with a thin custard cream base.
The colossal amount of fresh cream reminds me so fondly of the Maritozzi I had in Turin, Italy, which was equally heavenly!!!
7-22 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan•
3 min · 1.1 mi
4•Mikkel H — Google reviewNeil A — Google reviewJack ( — Google reviewChen O — Google reviewE L — Google reviewAO H — Google reviewErlo N — Google review
イオン小樽店
3.7
(2116)
3.3
(4)
Shopping mall
Supermarket
The shopping mall known as イオン小樽店 is located in Otaru on the island of Hokkaido. It is a convenient and extensive range of items store which selects safe and secure products that are popular with locals to sell at reasonable prices. The store has a restaurant called Kaka which was great experience. I would definitely recommend you visit the mall if you are in the area.
Great supermarket with lots of products. There is also a Can Do 100yen shop on the 2nd floor.
YS K — Google review
It has vegan drinks but little to no vegan food
AEON Otaru is a convenient and spacious shopping center located near the waterfront. It offers a good variety of shops, including a supermarket, clothing stores, a 100-yen shop, and a food court with both local and international options. The place is clean and well-maintained, with a nice view of the harbor from some areas. It’s a great spot to do some grocery shopping, enjoy a quick meal, or take a break while exploring Otaru. There is plenty of parking and easy access to public transportation.
We visited to check out the 2nd Street inside the mall and also eat Naruto Chicken in the food court.
Spacious shopping centre. The supermarket has varieties of products. Have 100 yen shop. Parking is easy too.
super big shopping mall with supermarket, cinema, diy center, and tons of restaurants, even a grand hotel.
It could take several hours just walking around.
It's connected with rail station otaru chikko.
Experienced rude service from staff because I speak mandarin and look Chinese. Management should not place racist staff at branch next to hotel where tourist traffic is high. It has dented my impression of Japanese culture of friendliness and courteousness, making it appear hypocritical.
I shop there and its big
...
It was great experience. And can definitely recommend you stop by at the restaurant called Kaka. Had such an wonderful lunch by them, the ramen was so good!
11-6 Chikko, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0008, Japan•
9 min · 0.45 mi
5•Dick L — Google reviewSbug ( — Google reviewJ T — Google reviewMartin T — Google reviewAndy L — Google reviewClara T — Google reviewJuan080876 — Google review
Wing Bay Otaru
3.7
(4825)
3.6
(78)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Factory Outlets
Wing Bay Otaru is a sizable waterfront mall connected to a hotel, offering diverse retailers, an arcade, and a movie theater. It's conveniently located near Asarigawa Onsen, the closest natural hot spring resort to Otaru and Sapporo stations. This area is popular for its nature, historical culture, lifestyle experiences, and gourmet offerings. The shopping mall itself is one of Japan's largest and provides various amenities for visitors.
Huge mall with a wide variety of shops and the most well-stocked home center on the first floor. One can easily spend 8 hours and burn a few hundred calories exploring the entirety of the mall. Great view of the ocean from the carpark as well.
Ryan S — Google review
Feels like a ghost town - large open spaces but eerily quiet. Most of the restaurants weren’t open and Namco seemed like the biggest tenant.
It was July and there were… Easter Eggs and a Christmas tree. * goosebumps *
Very large but a bit old. However, it has lot of of kids play facilities, easily spend 1/2 days for kids.
A very large shopping mall with 3 levels of shopping. There's Aeon, arcades, hardware shop, a small foodcourt, bookshop, muji, and many mini shops selling a variety of stuff. Parking is not free but you can get first 4 hours free if you spend 1000yen in the shops, just remember to bring along the stub to get it validated in stores during payment. Do not that they have 2 carparks one belonging to Aeon and the other belonging to Wing Bay so you have to make purchase at the correct place. The mall is also connected to the nearby JR station.
Beautiful seaview with many seaguls flying around even in very windy, cold & heavy snowfall. Commercial building there looks like a factory from the outside but is actually a shopping centre.
You can spend a whole day here.
There a huge carpark.
Big supermarket
Several game arcades and children play centres.
Bookstore
Factory outlets
Tons of restaurants
Cinema
And lots more that we didn't have time to explore...but it gets kinda lonely when you're in a big mall with very few traffic
Large arcades for kids and huge kids shop for clothes and toys. Big home goods stores like nitori and viva home. Food options are lacking a little but sufficient
Wing Bay Otaru is the one stop location that anyone who either locally resides, or is traveling through, can find anything they need. From several general grocery stores, to clothing outlets, pharmaceuticals, dining establishments that specialize in both local and foreign cuisines. Wing Bay even offers a home improvement store. It simply has it all in closed in an environmentally stable mall. I would be remiss if I didn't talk about the video arcade. A wonderful play area for both children and adults.
11 Chikko, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0008, Japan•
I'll never travel to Otaru without this trip planner again
Where to eat
Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to Wing Bay Otaru, these restaurants are about a 9-minute walk away.
Kaitenzushi Sakanaisshin Otaruten
3.7
(785)
4.0
(54)
affordable
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant
Kaitenzushi Uoisshin Otaruten is a popular sushi restaurant known for its torched salmon with mayo and accommodating staff. It's a great place to enjoy affordable and delicious sushi, with many customers visiting multiple times a week. The restaurant offers high-quality dishes, including conveyor belt sushi that receives rave reviews. Visitors also appreciate the opportunity to eat local fresh fish, particularly enjoying the very good clams served at the restaurant.
Fabulous place! Good service, tasty, and easy.
Michael Y — Google review
The food was ok, however the uni and a few other things were overpriced and not fresh tasting. The people that work there (primarily the female servers) are shockingly rude and incredibly racist against foreigners. I went twice, and was gravely disappointed by the service and the way I was treated both times. Additionally, they stop serving drinks at 7:15 and food at 7:30 PM, when the restaurant is the most busy with dinner guests. They don’t just stop taking orders, but they promptly cut off service and kick you out of the restaurant quite rudely. Awful experience for a sushi establishment in Otaru, where there are many other fantastic options with better food and better service, who are happy to have customers.
Their torched samon with mayo is super good and staff are really accommodating. I eat here twice a week 😋 I recommend it if you're looking for affordable and delicious sushi.
eat local fresh fish !
very good clams!
The worst sushi I've eaten in my life.
Sushi rice supposed to be warm but rice was totally cold.
Chawan-mushi was almost sweet as custard pudding.
Anyway I do not recommend this restaurant. There is a Hama zushi (100 ¥ sushi) outside of wingbay.
This restaurant is 100% better than 魚一心.
This is the cheapest conveyor belt sushi shop we’ve dine in our 10 days in Hokkaido. The sushi is all very cheap so just order and eat as much as we can, but of course with the price they we are paying, do not expect very extremely fresh and top quality sushi, but it is still above average on the freshness and quality.
The first time i ate uni sushi was here, and i will never forget my first bite of uni sushi.. so yummy and the uni melted in my mouth, love!!! 😍😍
Great restaurant. My children want to go there everyday for lunch and dinner. Extremely high quality dishes.
Japan, 〒047-0008 Hokkaido, Otaru, Chikko, 11−5 ウイングベイ小樽, 五番街２Ｆ•
McDonald's Aeon Otaru
3.7
(442)
3.5
(22)
cheap
Fast food restaurant
McDonald's Aeon Otaru is a classic fast-food chain offering its signature burgers and fries. The store features friendly staff, despite potential language barriers, and may experience long queues at times. Visitors have praised the super-friendly and accommodating staff who deliver fresh hot chips upon request. Overall, it's known for being a good, clean McDonald's with helpful employees.
Oishisooo 💛💛💛
Friendly, helpful staff. Tasty, Fresh & Delicious! Finally found a restaurant that serves soft, fresh Buns for it's burgers!
Noticed this McDonalds is very clean. The Staff is always cleaning the tables. Very good hygiene.
This is the only McDonald's in Otaru!
Marri — Google review
Think this might be the only McDonald's in Otaru. They have a really cheap burger menu from 180 to 240 yen.
McChicken was much better than Australia and even a little spicy. The eggs burger was on some mouthfuls but not others. Mostly you just taste the egg. The spicy McChicken relied more on the sauce which was the creamy mayo like. It was ok but not superb.
For full price burgers some 400+ yen:
Not a fan of the ebi burger but love the teriyaki burger. Sweet and savoury at the same time.
Helpful staff. Lovely view and peaceful environment.
Staff are friendly but they don’t offer breakfast menu, you can only order value sets even in the morning.
Fist time in a Japanese Maccas. Food was fine, a little different to Australian Maccas. The fries were really nice and crispy and hot.
The staff at this MacDonald's were super friendly when I visited and catered to my every need.
Your normal and usual McDonald's store. The cashier is friendly even though she doesn't speak our language. The queue may get long at times.
McDonald's delivered fresh hot chips as requested. Can't beat fresh hot chips. 5/5 stars
11-6 Chikko, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0008, Japan•
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Otaru Poseidon Main Shop
3.7
(1127)
3.0
(36)
cheap
Seafood donburi restaurant
The Otaru Poseidon Main Shop, located near Otaru Canal, is a popular spot known for its seafood bowls and robatayaki. The simple space offers tables and counter seats where you can enjoy dishes like kaisen-don and grilled seafood. While it's a great place to dine, be prepared for potential queues due to its popularity.
Exelent food, of great blend of all kinds of marine versions, eaten raw... the experience was great, but be ready and keep your mind open to new flavors and textures... soft raw sea options.. urchins, crab, shrimp, tuna, salmon, scallops, fish eggs...
Alex Y — Google review
Went here as it was recommended by ‘Life in Japan’ article for its “great prices”, but found it to be a disappointment. My partner and I ordered 2 Kaisen Dons, 3000 yen and 2000 yen. For that price I was expecting the freshest seafood in good size portions but was disappointed to find the sashimi thinly sliced and tiny prawns (more like shrimp), and a few slithers of Uni. It didn’t look or taste as fresh as what we had in Nijo market in Sapporo. After eating the seafood my partner felt sick. Better off find a better place to eat.
I ordered the Poseidon bowl and it was delicious. I ordered the largest serving (850 yen before tax, 935 yen after) of Cana bowl. It comes with slices of fresh salmon, 2 pcs of scallop (I think), pickle, fish egg, and a soup. It was all great and worth the price.
Fantastic place for kaisendon and grilled seafood. Order the cheaper mixed kaisendon, you get all the types of seafood for a cheaper price. The grilled squid is very nicely done and the king prawns were good too. One of the cheaper dining options along this tourist trap street.
Great Donburi dishes (over rice), there is raw tuna (Maguro), raw salmon, and many other items. Service is quick and the food very good. There isn't a lot of space so you may need to wait to be seated.
Ordered the main recommendation multi sashimi rice bowl, the food is 3/5. Good price but you can get it at most places.
The Ebi is not as sweet and the rice of the sashimi is a bit tough texture. If you are craving for food, go for the fried chicken instead.
We were on a day tour to Otaru under HIS travel via KKday. The tour guide mentioned to us that one of the must-eats include sea urchin (uni).
We didn’t really have time and went in to this shop, in which you will notice the tourist population are slightly higher.
Honestly, the uni bowl they served here are more expensive than the usual market rate else where around Hokkaido and the uni served not super fresh and slimy. Kinda disappointed. The bowl of rice super huge but you will notice some empty spots in the bowl, the rice were visible to your eye and the toppings were only surface.
Customers usually don’t mind paying a more premium price if the seafood is fresh.
Bad quality menu photos as I seldom take but I’m trying to stress that the price point not worth it at all.
It was my first time in the area so I can’t compare this restaurant to other restaurants. However, the food was reasonably well priced and quite tasty. They also accept multiple forms of payment such as alipay, catering to the Chinese market.
4-9 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan•
Kukizen
4.4
(438)
4.5
(46)
expensive
Sushi restaurant
Kukizen is a renowned restaurant in Otaru, Hokkaido, holding the prestigious two-star rating in the Michelin guide. Despite its accolades, Kukizen offers reasonably priced fresh sushi and sashimi that will elevate your sushi dining experience. Situated in a port town abundant with seafood, Kukizen prides itself on serving the finest seasonal catches from the sea of Hokkaido.
We booked a 12 sushi set lunch course via JPNEAZY. The restaurant had been recently relocated to a new building as of October 2024.
We felt like the sushi making and atmosphere was quite rushed, but the sushi was excellent in flavor and delightful to eat. I enjoyed eating the tuna and the uni.
Definitely worth checking out if you are in Otaru for the price, would book ahead.
Leon L — Google review
I could only reserve the omakase lunch online and it costed me around 3800 yen for 2 people to reserve the seats online. Honestly, the sushi was not surprising but I guess the dinner omakase would be better. The price of the lunch was 7000 yen per person. It was cheap but I expect more. Hope they would provide different but more expensive menu for better experience.
The experience was outstanding, featuring incredibly fresh and traditional sushi that thrilled our taste buds. 🌊 Oishiiii! We highly recommend it for any sushi enthusiast!🍣
Simply the best nigiri we had in Hokkaido.
I came for the Michelin 2 Star recognition. We were the first batch of customers to walk in by 11:00, without reservation we were seated in the private room instead of the sushi bar that I would much preferred. A set menu with 12 sushi at chef’s selection were served. Fish and seafood were deliciously prepared, however I found sushi rice to be a bit tough for my liking. Miso soup was nice and in the lighter side of the miso taste. Overall nice and good value for a 2 star.
Very friendly staff and excellent nigiri omakase experience for 5000 yen (12 pieces) for lunch. Walked in at 1130 when the restaurant opened without a reservation on a Wed. Missed one photo of the Chu Toro but caught the rest in the photos attached. Uni were firm to touch and creamy in the mouth. Saba did not taste fishy at all. All indicators that the fish is very very fresh.
Fresh seafood from otaru and hokkaido isalnd tastes really good . Especially uni kunkanmaki was extraordinary good. The chef and waiter were kind and if a guest can speak japanese, there would be a specific explain of each sushi and its orgin.
I ordered the lunch set at 5000 yen + otoro nigiri and it was magnificent. The service was superb and the taste is so good the otoro literally melt in my mouth. Definitely worth the price.
1 Chome-10-7 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan•
I'll never travel to Otaru without this trip planner again
Day 2
Northeast side of town
For day 2, we recommend exploring the northeast side side of town. Start the day off with Otaru Aquarium, then wind down and take it easy by the time you get to Otaru Canal. All together, your day would be filled with about 7 hours of non-stop fun.
1•Sawit K — Google reviewFarrel K — Google reviewZoey Z — Google reviewMaor A — Google reviewEE - — Google reviewYuki — Google reviewLucas C — Google review
Otaru Aquarium
4.3
(7044)
4.1
(424)
Aquarium
Zoos & Aquariums
Otaru Aquarium is a must-visit attraction for families and tourists, showcasing a wide variety of marine life exhibits and hosting entertaining shows featuring penguins, dolphins, and seals. Situated near Otaru's Shukutsu Port, the aquarium offers breathtaking views of the ocean from its outdoor area. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of marine species while enjoying an educational experience.
the exhibition is not very big but educational with a good collection of rare species. The shows are entertaining especially the penguins going to picnic. It is a perfect sized aquarium ; you get enough but not exhausted. There are not computer simulations nor games to attract children, only real natural things. So don’t need to worry about screens. 👏
Lixia D — Google review
This is an old aquarium with a marine mammal area that features shows. While the aquarium itself isn't very big, I was amazed by the size of the animals; they're huge! The marine mammal area has shows with walruses, seals, penguins, and sea lions. Some of the animals seemed too lazy to perform, but the trainers didn't force them, which I thought was a nice touch. They also have a separate area for caring for old or disabled animals, and I hope they're all receiving excellent care.
Loved this aquarium. This aquarium is very different from the Osaka aquarium as there were different shows of the dolphins, seals , penguins and sea lion. It was a unique and fun experience with an amazing view of the sea and the especially loved the lighthouse and performances!
We regret we just found out this amazing aquarium this summer! I agree with the previous reviews about not too much but everything is excellent!
1. Check their website for activities timetable.
2. The shows are amazing!
3. We get to feed the seals outside of the aquarium. 1000yen vs 500yen
4. Touching areas have a wide variety selections in marine life.
5. If you didn’t get to see all the things show on the timetable, you definitely need to come back again!
6. We love the sea turtles and the seals. A little concerned about the seals. A couple of them have their one of their eyes closed and we were worried if they are sick. Just want someone to follow up.
This aquarium is 60 years old, and it shows. The state of the painting of the walls, design, and general cleanliness condition of the rooms is very low. In almost all the animal tanks there is rust. Honestly, it was sad to see the condition those animals are been kept. We observe the dolphins, penguins and lion seals shows.
Although it was a little crowded, it was still such a fun experience! You even get to buy fish to feed the sea lion – definitely a highlight.
Not to forget the penguin walk, which was super cute to watch! Just a heads-up: people start gathering really early, so it’s hard to get a good spot unless you’re there ahead of time haha.
Overall, a fun and memorable visit – great for families and animal lovers!
An interesting aquarium with lots of sea creatures to look at. Penguins and seals were a delight. I kind of feel that the dolphins' pool was too small for these magnificent mammals. Like whales, sharks and sea turtles, they belong in the ocean.
There's a good restaurant, but it was loud and crowded. I think it was a holiday or there were simply too many tourists about.
Otaru Aquarium: A Charming Coastal Escape with Unforgettable Animal Shows!
If you're heading to Otaru, the Otaru Aquarium is a must-visit, especially for families and animal lovers! It might not be the biggest or most modern aquarium you've ever seen, but its charm truly shines through, especially with its unique seaside location.
The real stars here are the animal shows. Seriously, don't miss them!
* Penguin Walk: This is legendary, especially in winter when they waddle through the snow! The penguins often go off-script, which makes for hilarious and unforgettable moments.
* Dolphin Show: Energetic and always a crowd-pleaser.
* Sea Lion & Seal Performances: These guys are incredibly clever and entertaining.
* Walrus Feeding Show: Prepare to laugh! The walruses are huge and their antics during feeding time are pure comedy.
They've also got a fantastic Marine Mammal Park that uses a natural inlet, letting seals and sea lions live in a more natural environment. It's fascinating to see them by the actual sea, and sometimes even wild visitors drop by!
You'll also get to see some unique local species, like the rare harbor porpoises, and various fish from Hokkaido's cold waters. Plus, there's a "Sawatte Ezone" petting area where you can touch sea urchins and starfish. You can even buy food to feed the adorable spotted seals – a definite highlight!
The aquarium is perched on a hill, offering beautiful views of the sea, which adds to the whole experience. It's super family-friendly, with plenty to keep kids entertained, including a small, old-school amusement park right next door.
A couple of tips: The animal shows can get super crowded, so try to arrive early for a good spot. Getting there involves a short bus ride from JR Otaru Station, but it's well worth the trip.
Overall, Otaru Aquarium offers a genuinely fun and memorable day out. If you love engaging animal performances and a bit of quirky charm, add it to your Otaru itinerary!
3 Chome-303 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan•
5 min · 2.5 mi
2•Neil A — Google reviewOk R — Google reviewLea S — Google reviewANSEL C — Google reviewEric L — Google reviewSira S — Google reviewRain S — Google review
Otaru City Museum
4.2
(1723)
4.2
(146)
Technology museum
Museums
Local history museum
Rail museum
Specialty Museums
The Otaru Museum, consisting of the Main Building and the Canal Building, offers historical information and rail exhibits, featuring a model and several full-sized trains. Situated near Asarigawa Onsen, it is conveniently accessible from Otaru and Sapporo stations. The museum provides easy-to-understand exhibits suitable for both children and adults.
If you are looking for something to do in the afternoon in Otaru that doesn’t have too many tourists, I recommend here.
It isn’t so busy, but the train trip is packed. It is only a short ride though.
There are so many interesting things to see here and learn about trains and their history in Hokkaido. The kids loved it. We have been here three times already X-D
Paul F — Google review
The Otaru City Museum is a must-visit for train lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The Main Building at Temiya is packed with full-size locomotives, including the famous steam engine “Iron Horse,” as well as interactive train exhibits that are fun for both kids and adults. The Canal Building, near Otaru Canal, showcases the city’s history and natural environment, providing a nice complement to the train-focused exhibits.
Admission is very affordable, and English pamphlets are available. Plan to spend at least 1–2 hours exploring both buildings.
You love trains? You love history? Please come here! We were in there for 3 hours and it felt we needed 2 hours more. 800y per person is incredible!
It's a great museum on the history and the development of the railway in Hokkaido.
Sheldon Cooper will approve of this place. Everything about train, the types of engines, history of japan railway system and real life train models. If you are going to the museum, do plan ahead to take the coal-powered engine train ride (limited timings), you can't find such an experience around anymore. There are rows of trains outside the museum which showcases many old trains and you can actually walk inside the cabins. Nothing particularly interesting but kind of cool seeing the trains of the past.
It's not the biggest railway museum I've been to in Japan, and not the best in general. But the focus on the railway history of Otaru and old snowplough trains was fascinating. This in addition to the fact that you got to ride an old steam train. A gem for railway enthusiasts.
The Railway Museum (本館, Honkan) stands a little beyond the primary tourist hub, situated on the historic grounds of Hokkaido's inaugural railway line terminal, linking Otaru Port to Sapporo. Inside the museum building, you'll find captivating exhibits and dioramas that narrate the significant role of Otaru's railroads in the city's development. Additionally, a rail yard proudly showcases multiple full-size trains from different eras, adding to the museum's charm and appeal.
Check schedule of museum first so you can enjoy real locomotive train ride
Regular museum... more dedicated to the local locomotive history... Its a pity that I came during a season when some trains n carriages are under storage. Its really good place for bringing the children.. to let out their boundless energy. There is a small planetarium which offers 30 min shows. Second floor, a science corner. But please make sure, u came here by car or at least a rental. There is NO nearest bus stop and u may need to call a taxi for tripback home. At this time of writing.. an adult ticket for the whole premises cost 500 yen.
1 Chome-3-6 Temiya, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0041, Japan•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
3 min · 0.87 mi
3•Sarah N — Google reviewSawit K — Google reviewLee I — Google reviewKwangjae C — Google reviewMax H — Google reviewJess L — Google reviewMonica R — Google review
Otaru Beer
4.1
(3439)
4.0
(139)
affordable
Brewpub
Beer hall
Otaru Beer Otaru Warehouse No.1 is a German-style brew hall located along the picturesque Otaru Canal. This microbrewery offers educational tours and tastings of their unique Bavarian-style beer brewed using traditional methods. The brewery's heavy-stone exterior may not be appealing, but inside, visitors are transported into a craft beer paradise.
Nicely decorated restaurant, converted from an old warehouse. The food is good, though the menu is a mixed but its ambient is nice for chilling with friends and family in the evening after a stroll in Otaru city
Goh W — Google review
Visited on 24th July 2025
Highly recommend this place. I chose this for lunch but all 4 of us still felt full when we arrived, almost skip it. When my family looking at the menu at the outdoor entrance, we were thirsty because of the hot weather. Finally decided to have a light bite in the air-con. 😝
Once we stepped in, immediately love the vibe of this place!! The waitress told us we can choose any table to sit as long as not crush with the reservation timing stated on the table. Interesting. The ordering paper & menu are on the table, just put down item number. Go to the cashier to place order with table number, the robot waiter will serve to your table. Bill at the cashier when you decide to leave. Drinking water is self-service near the bar. Bathrooms are located near the stairs, both G/F & 2/F. They were clean.
Food quality is excellent, so do those beers & drink. We order a non-alcohol beer & a normal black beer to try & compare, to our surprise, non-alcohol beer tastes great too. I bought beers from their shop as souvenir!
There is a stamp next to the cashier if you are collecting around Japan like me, don’t forget that.
Otaru Beer is a local brewery that makes excellent German-style beers; they're incredibly smooth. I highly recommend trying the seasonal beer—it's my personal favorite. This is the perfect kind of place to stop by for a break, enjoy some beers and snacks, and just rest for a little while. M size is a pint, if you want to try many, go for S
In my opinion you go here for the German ambiance. The beer and food were ok. It's cool to sit there with a beer and enjoy the German hall feel with robots going around serving people. We had french fries and a corn pizza. Both were somewhat undercooked to our standards and tasted ok. I would go back in the future to grab a beer upstairs but that would be about it.
It might be reasonable to judge a brewery solely on the quality of its beer, but the seafood paella was a dish that shouldn't have been sold. All the food in Hokkaido was excellent during our five-night, six-day stay, so this is... Well, I guess that's part of the trip.
Nice place and decoration is good. The food is decent and the beers have sizes and the largest mug is really impressive.
Great German style beer garden. It presents itself as a brewery, I had three types of beer, Pilsner, fest and flavored, tasted ok, not brewery fresh. Price is wonderful, 750yen/$5 half liter, 1350yen/$10 a liter.
The menú has a variety of items but nothing out of the ordinary. Seasoning was missed. Beer was excellent. We ordered pasta Bolognese( bland, Beef was generous )schnitzel ( ok), Roast pork ( little sauce, so so!)
小樽運河倉庫群, 5-4 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007, Japan•
3 min · 0.18 mi
4Culture T — Google reviewSharyn C — Google reviewIndira J — Google reviewSuperuser L — Google reviewChalermchon S — Google reviewSandra C — Google reviewTrang O — Google review
Otaru Canal
4.3
(5270)
The Otaru Canal is a must-see landmark in Otaru, Hokkaido, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and unique blend of Japanese and Western architecture. Built during Otaru's prominence as a major port city, the canal is lined with charming masonry warehouses that have been converted into specialty shops. Visitors can take leisurely strolls along the canal, imagining its bustling past when it was used for unloading merchandise from larger vessels to smaller ones.
A very short (1.6 KM) canal that was built by landfill over the beach to be easier to move goods from inland to the cargo ships. Nowadays becomes the tourist attraction.
Highly recommend to purchase tickets before hand. The canal river tour will less about 40 minutes. Headset are provided with mamy languages by selecting the right channel.
It was a relaxing event and you can walk along the canal after work.
Steven C — Google review
One of the main attractions of Otaru however I expected a bit more from this place. There is just simple walk with busy streets on side with loud cars. Didn’t find it very relaxing. You have to cross the street or pass the canal to stop in some climatic cafe or just chill out. I thought the canal will be more calm and relaxing place.
Lovely, leisurely scenic walk along the Otaru Canal — absolutely beautiful both day and night. The weather was perfect and the atmosphere calm, with mountains in the backdrop adding to the charm. The old warehouses and potted flowers lining the canal make it even more picturesque. We were lucky to visit during the salmon migration and even spotted a few jumping in the nearby river (and one or two in the canal!). A refreshing and memorable stop — a must-visit when in Otaru.
Walking around the Otaru Canal and the nearby shopping street was such a wonderful experience! I visited in October, during the autumn season, when the weather was cool and perfectly comfortable for strolling. I started my walk in the late morning, just taking my time to explore the area and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
By afternoon, I stopped for lunch at a local restaurant nearby. The food was incredibly delicious — a bit pricier than usual, but totally worth it for the flavor and generous portions.
As evening approached, the canal area became even more magical. The lights reflecting on the water created such a romantic and cozy atmosphere. Don’t miss the nearby walking street either — it’s beautiful both in the afternoon and at night, with lovely decorations and warm lights.
If you ever visit Otaru, this is definitely a place you must see at least once! 🌸✨
The temperature was heck hot like in the desert but there is a small fountain to cool U down
The place is on a bridge and there is boat ride on the canal. There is a temperature stand and it is a great and historical feeling as tit was made by stone bricks.
Otaru Canal is one of the most beautiful spots to visit in summer. The clear blue water reflects the old stone warehouses and gentle sunlight, creating a calm, romantic atmosphere. Walking along the canal feels peaceful, with flowers and street performers adding to the charm. You can also take a relaxing sightseeing boat ride that glides slowly through the canal, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze and scenery. In the evening, the warm lights make the view even more magical. A must-see spot for a summer trip to Otaru.
A lovely serene area in the city, lined with historic warehouses. This is quite the tourist attraction in that it’s very photogenic, you can go on a boat cruise along the canal, and there are many eateries and shops to explore nearby.
A must-do visit if you're in Otaru. The canal walk is pleasant with beautiful scenery and the canal cruise is a special experience that affords you a chance to learn more about Otaru's history and how the canal came about.
Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007, Japan•
I'll never travel to Otaru without this trip planner again
Where to eat
When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 2-minute walk away from Otaru Canal.
Otaru Masazushi Zenan
3.9
(874)
4.0
(114)
expensive
Sushi restaurant
Masazushi Zenan is a sushi restaurant in Otaru that offers high-quality sushi at a fraction of the price of other restaurants. The restaurant is brightly lit and has a large glass window, making it easy to watch the chefs as they prepare your sushi. Aside from table seats, there is also a counter where you can dine in true Japanese style.
I had the pleasure of visiting Otaru for the third time, and finally, I experienced the incredible sushi at Otaru Masazushi Zenan. The online booking process was seamless, they arranged us a window seat with a stunning view of the iconic Otaru Canal. The sushi was not only delicious but also accompanied by a special treat – we were fortunate enough to witness a beautiful rainbow. It was truly an exceptional dining experience.
Derek T — Google review
Nice and cozy place to stop for a real sushi!
The restaurant is just the opposite of the Otaru canal and its tourist information center.
The tuna/tora sashimi was not fresh enough and it made me diarrhea for two days after this dinner!
Location is nice but really not worth to pay such quality of food!!!
A sushi a-la-carte will help you call a night in Otaru. This time I have ordered “Tuna”, “Middle Fatty Tuna”, and “Fatty Tuna” for a full spectrum taste of Tuna, and they were equally in good taste but I will pick the Fatty one and the original tuna for a distinctive taste comparison; the “Big botan shrimp” was so fresh and you would be lured to call for another round.
Free WiFi upon request. Food quality was good and fresh. Sets were value for money. Friendly and attentive service. Very good dining experience.
I was fortunate to secure a seat offering a delightful view of Otaru's canal. Throughout my dining, I could hear the staff handling continuous reservations. The seafood and sushi served were exceptionally fresh, and the standout dish was definitely the flavorful squid.
I would like to give a better rating, but given my different sushi experiences while staying in Otaru, I cannot give more than 2 stars. Let's start with the good points. The shop atmosphere is nice and I was lucky enough to seat by the window with a view on the Otaru canal. Fish was fresh. Now let's move to the bad points... The food itself. This place felt a bit expensive. For this price, one could expect a better ratio between fish and rice. I mean by that more fish and less rice.
For the price and quality of sushi we got, we will definitely go back if we ever visit Otaru again. We ordered a bunch of sushi and steak. The service was relatively good and the place is nice. It was a bit hard at first to find the restaurant because the sign is all in Japanese. There is no actual sign that says “ Masazushi Zenan”.
1 Chome-2-1 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan•
Otaru Kita Tougarashi
3.8
(232)
4.0
(24)
affordable
Yakiniku restaurant
Otaru Kita Tougarashi is a cozy restaurant in Hokkaido that offers a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere. Despite some initial concerns about the service, many visitors have found the lady owner to be friendly and attentive. The standout feature of this place is the delicious mutton, which is tender and juicy without any gamey smell. Guests have raved about the unique griller that allows for more concentrated lamb oil, making the meat even more flavorful.
I would absolutely agree with comment before about service, the owner-lady did fantastic job, she managed all on her own. Very polite and attentive. Price is surprisingly cheap when the quality of food is so delicious. Mutton is really tender and has no games-smelled. Love this place for everything, yum!!!
Yuu — Google review
Cozy lamb grill barbeque shop opposite the Otaru canals run by a chatty charming lady.
The lamb steak and Genghis Khan (which is the entire menu) were juicy and sizzled beautifully. You can roast and cut your own meat and vegetables.
The shop is tiny and seats max 8, but 6 is comfortable, with the seats opening directly out to the doors. Service is quick and pricing reasonable at 1100-1800 JPY for meaty goodness.
Good food, friendly owner.
Recommend jingisukan (rice, and grilled mung bean srpouts and onion are included), grilled green onion, beer and shochu on the rock.
You can only order full one portion if you order extra.
I have tried several drinks including the ones mentioned above but I would not recommend the other alcoholic drinks on the menu.
This place is cash only.
The lady handles all customer services by herself. We came for an early dinner and later it's full of people and waiting outside. It's not a big place but it's very comfortable. The food is just as nice.
Some say service is not good which I agreed until we visited again! The lady become much friendly! Lamb quality is not out of the world to be honest but 3 things made the restaurant awesome!
1. The griller, it’s deeper then what we usually see. When you put onion and bean spout in it, there is more space for them to cook and lamb oil is more concentrate! Thus more delicious!
2. The sauce! It’s not as salty and able to bring out the flavor of the meat! The taste is just right! Oh yes, it said it has veggie in it!
3. The charcoal.
Finally, the not so friendly owner. Once you start talking to her, she is very nice indeed!!! Our daughter forgot where her hat was and the owner tried her best to help!
Dealing with a lot of tourist sometime is pretty stressful, if you put yourself in her shoes, you will understand!
This place has so much character and really good price. Space is limited, but we were there at around 8 and we were seated immediately. Fresh lamb was the only option and you have to cook it yourself. The drink menu is great.
Best meal at Hokkaido during our Honeymoon! The place is quite rundown but gave a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere. The mutton is so tasty and juicy. Beansprout were so good and fresh. The lady owner is friendly and even cooked for us. Best fulfilling meal ever during winter. We miss this taste so much and will definitely return!
Cooking the lamb was so good and the sprouts were very fresh. The lady was very nice too! Must try in hokkaido!
1 Chome-1-17 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan•
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Minshuku Aotsuka Shokudou
4.3
(2577)
4.5
(144)
Seafood restaurant
Bed & breakfast
This seafood restaurant is popular for its set meals and premium items. While the food is fresh, it can be a bit expensive. The service is friendly but pushy at times.
After a tiring half day at the aquarium, this place just hits the spot. Maybe a bit too much actually! We came there just before the noon time rush and were seated at the low seating area. I ordered the herring meal for myself and we had some for sharing. Boy was I surprised. The whole herring was a good 20-25cm long! I managed to defeat it but was really really stuffed. The seafood was very fresh and the restaurant was packed. They billed us for a dish we didn't order but after a while took it off our bill. Around 12000 for our fam of 5.
Jeff M — Google review
We really enjoyed our lunch here. The seafood was super fresh, well-seasoned, and perfectly cooked. Ordering a set per person along with some grilled seafood was more than enough to leave us full and satisfied. The sight and the smell of the grilled fish while waiting in line was a nice touch and kept us excited for the meal ahead. Sashimi is great. Parking is conveniently located just across from the restaurant, making it easy to access. Despite the popularity, we didn’t have to wait long for the food, and everything came out quickly. The atmosphere is casual yet lively, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. A wonderful place to enjoy delicious seafood in Japan—highly recommended for both travelers and locals.
Their food is superb! So fresh and very well cooked. Their grilled fish and scallop are really really on point.
It’s worth going to though the restaurant is a bit far from Otaru canal and the center. Parking lot is available in front of the restaurant.
The restaurant owner and staff are so nice and welcoming.
A local Japanese seafood restaurant. Hilighted in the grilled seafood and good qaulity ingredients. The food was delicious but quite slow service. Available both normal table and floor table. Parking lot in front of the restaurant. The price was cheap but unreasonable in some menus. Cash only.
It wasn't until I got home that I realized how awkward the situation was.However, my elder sister resolved it with her wisdom. The grilled fish and sea urchin rice definitely deserve high praise, as they are a perfect match for the beautiful scenery.
the seafood was super fresh! sashimi had great variety and had lots of unique cuts i wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else!
The food was great. Every dishes tasted really good. Ingredients were fresh and perfectly cooked. Plenty of parking spaces.
Great restaurant in term of quality, value and price. Far from Otaru main attraction but worth to visit. Reservation is required on the peak time.
3 Chome-210 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan•
Rin'yū Morning Market
4.0
(1180)
3.9
(48)
Seafood market
Shopping
Flea & Street Markets
Rin'yū Morning Market, also known as Rin'yū Asaichi, is a popular spot in Otaru where friendly vendors offer their favorite seafood toppings to create the delicious 'Meddlers' Donburi' with the freshest ingredients. The market opens at 4 am and is located just across from Otaru station. If the kaisendon stores are crowded, visitors can find slightly cheaper and less crowded options right outside the market.
Today 4th Nov 2024, we ate at the Rin'yū Morning Market. Its an interesting experience. The sellers and the restaurant owner are very polite and helpful.
The Rin’yū Morning Market, located in Otaru, Hokkaido, is a vibrant and bustling market known for its early opening hours and fresh seafood. It opens as early as 3 a.m., catering to both individual customers and local businesses. The market features around 12 specialty stalls offering a wide array of fresh produce, including raw fish and dried vegetables.
For locals, the Rin’yū Morning Market is more than just a place to buy fresh ingredients; it’s a community hub where people can connect and support local vendors. The market’s early hours are particularly convenient for those who want to purchase the freshest seafood available, which is a staple in many Japanese diets. Additionally, the market’s restaurants, like the one you visited, offer a unique experience where customers can enjoy meals prepared with ingredients bought directly from the stalls.
The polite and helpful sellers and restaurant owner are the kind of hospitality and hallmark of Japanese culture, especially in local markets where personal interactions are valued.
Vincent T — Google review
Great market with super fresh seafood! They sell live king crab and even cook it for you on the spot. The seller is really friendly and honest – no cutting corners on the weight. Feels like a cozy neighborhood market, and definitely a must-visit for the checklist!
Cool market. Had the freshest sashimi ever. Levelled up my expectation for sashimi. The sea orchin was soooo good! Had great time buying dried sea food at the market also. Will definitely go back given the chance will be in Otaru again.
A small market that typically only the locals will go, We had a live king crab this morning at a very discounted price, much cheaper than downtown market. The lady shop owner can cook/ boil the crab and provide cutlery to eat on the spot, though no proper dining area is available. The lady owner is very friendly and caring, reminded us of slippery road as it was snowing outside.
Ate our lunch here and the seafood is fresh! Scallop is sweet. Love it
Had breakfast, very good value.
Small local fish market offering fresh seafood and fruits. In there, there are two restaurants you can eat. Less touristy and more local-like place. There are also some parking spaces nearby. The market opens 4am in the morning and closes around early afternoon. Must visit for Kaisendon!
Sellers are nice and friendly(able to speak simple English) . There are 2 stalls that sell food inside, small & cosy!
3 Chome-10-15 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan•
I'll never travel to Otaru without this trip planner again
Day 3
Proximity is everything
For day 3, we bundled attractions like Sankaku Market and The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum and other places within a close range, so that the time it takes to travel between all of them is less than one hour. Combined with the average time people spend there, your day should take about 8 hours.
1•JomRock M — Google reviewBen S — Google reviewArlene L — Google reviewCyril B — Google reviewEsben E — Google reviewFrederic P — Google reviewMei S — Google review
Sankaku Market
3.9
(6720)
3.8
(543)
affordable
Market
Shopping
Flea & Street Markets
Sankaku Market is a charming marketplace in Otaru, Hokkaido, offering a down-to-earth experience with vendors selling an array of fresh produce, seafood, and prepared dishes. It's a popular stop for visitors looking to savor delicious seafood for lunch. The market is part of an itinerary that includes other attractions such as the Nikka Distillery factory tour and tasting, Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street with its music box and glass shops, and more.
Very narrow alley selling lots of seafood. Targeted at tourists. They sell huge crabs and other seafood, including dried seafood products.
The alley is on a slope. There are also a few eating places, selling kaisendon.
There is paid parking nearby at the top of the alley.
Recommended if you are in the area, for the atmosphere and vibes!
Ron Y — Google review
Sankaku Market is amazing for seafood lovers! Everything is super fresh, and the seafood bowls are loaded with flavor. Most important price is reasonable. The live scallop was unforgettable — sweetness and freshness on another level. Definitely a must-try if you’re here. Fuiyoh
I loved walking around this small market before taking my train back to Sapporo. Very touristy and crowded but cool seeing all the goods being sold in the different stalls, especially the giant crabs. Even if you’re not planning to buy any seafood or other items, I’d say it’s well worth the quick 5 minute stroll just to check it out. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!
The place is not as big as Tsukiji market in Tokyo or Nishiki market in Kyoto, but I am satisfied with their fresh seafood. Their salmon and uni were sweet 😋
I ordered the hairy crab 🦀 and it was so meaty and delicious. Pricey though but was worth the experience.
Oh just a reminder!! Be ready with your cash as they only accept cash and Pay Pay. Bring your mini fan also, although they provided us with mini fan while waiting. Weather was like 34 degrees when we visited.
Tons of
Local fresh products the king crabs are impressive, the melons are a good catch as well as their ice cream. The place is quite crowdy so be patient especially during rush hours
A small colorful fish market with plenty of fresh local king crab and more, though we spotted boxes with salmon from Norway 🤔
The place is colorful and worth a visit. Most places also have a place to sit down and eat. The busiest place has a 1+ hour wait.
The biggest live crabs I have ever seen 😀. Very fresh food can be tasted by any of the small restaurants inside. Delicious, and good atmosphere around.
So fresh and delicious! This is one of the highlights of my trip to Hokkaido; EAT FRESH SEAFOOD! We found one of the stall and ordered to our hearts desired.
3 Chome-10-16 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032, Japan•
10 min · 0.53 mi
2•Osama B — Google reviewX W — Google reviewJason L — Google reviewHL T — Google reviewQonita Z — Google reviewM J — Google reviewButchy S — Google review
The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum
4.2
(1482)
4.0
(330)
Local history museum
Museums
Historical landmark
Specialty Museums
The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum, housed in a 1912 building, offers a captivating insight into the history of the yen and Otaru's economic development. The museum showcases exhibits on banking and national currency. Interestingly, the building's architecture deviates from traditional Japanese style, resembling Western European design. This former bank provides an atmospheric backdrop for its historical displays.
When i first saw this, I told my friend that I won't be seeing a museum of a bank since I worked in a bank for my whole career. But somehow, I ended up getting a museum pass, and this museum is included, so I visited this place as well. The most interesting component here is the periodic light show on the ceiling that happens every hr. Either grab a seat on the ground floor or enjoy it closer on the 2nd floor.
The rooms and area show how fancy the bank meetings used to be back in the days. Nowadays, you rarely get to have a large room for bank advisor meetings...
Luke L — Google review
Otaru has a rich history of being the former financial centre for the Hokkaido region, this bank is a testament to that history. I was able to explore this bank which preserves a beautiful architectural design features from decades ago.
It also has many Japanese bank notes from history, as well as a large safe which you can step inside to see the magnitude of the money that was held here at one point in time. Walking through this bank was a phenomenal lesson in history of the progress and development that has taken place in the Japanese financial area.
It also has various graphics in place to help members of the public understand the scale of monetary money flow. Since this is a free museum and located a close walk away from the Otaru Canal I do recommend walking over here as it is absolutely worth checking out.
Just ensure that you leave any drinks or food at the front before you walk in or the security guards may confront you later on about this. There is a small souvenir store from which you can purchase things if your feeling it as well
Admission is free - it’s a pretty fun museum where you get to learn about fiscal policy and the benefits of the new Japanese yen notes. Pretty informative. Also kudos to them having good English translations.
Free admission. The experiential parts were interesting - lifting 100 million yen, magnified view of the note, UV view of the note. Ok for a visit.
An interesting museum about banking in otaru. There was an extensive collection of exhibits and explanations of the history.
There was limited English explanation though.
Overall it's a well kept museum.
The museum itself is not that big in size, but it has many interactive things, that make it an enjoyable visit. You can also experience "bringing" a million yen using your hands! Will revisit again after the new "face" of Japanese money is issued!
Must visit this historical site if in Otaru . Beautiful quaint town and lovely people . Great food and do take the tour on the man pulled rickshaw . It’s worth the money and time
Well done displays of history if Otaru development in banking and finance. Was worth visiting fir us.
1 Chome-11-16 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
7 min · 0.37 mi
3Dave H — Google reviewEsben E — Google reviewAnne L — Google reviewJeanne S — Google reviewAlly — Google reviewThanh H — Google reviewPeng C — Google review
Otaru Canal Boat LLC
4.2
(2826)
Cruise agency
Otaru Canal Boat LLC offers day and dusk cruises along a restored canal lined with former warehouses, now housing museums and shops. The Otaru Taisho Glass Museum, part of the Otaru Glass Museum, showcases a wide variety of glassware from the Taisho period. The canal cruise provides unique views of Otaru's historic buildings while the captain shares commentary on the surrounding scenery.
We had an absolute blast during our visit! The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating, making the experience even more enjoyable. We used headsets for English translation during the tour, which worked perfectly. Although the tour was short, it was definitely worth it!
I do think it would have been even more enjoyable if we had gone in the late afternoon or just after sunset, as we faced some bright sun rays at certain angles. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and informative outing!
Katrina A — Google review
Visited during the low season in winter, hoping for a peaceful, scenic experience. The historical canal had its charm, and the gondola riders seemed to be enjoying themselves—but personally, I found it a bit underwhelming. Maybe I was missing the romance, or maybe I just needed a steaming cup of hot cocoa to liven things up.
A cute canal trip with guides in English, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. We were taken around the canals for 40 min hearing about the history of the harbour, it was nice. The old warehouses give a great atmosphere, but it is not really a "must see", and in the summer it gets very hot in the direct sun (like today, July).
The Otaru Canal Tour is a nice and relaxing way to see the city from the water. You hop into a boat and get sailed around the canal with a guide – they speak in Japanese, but you’re given headphones with an English (and probably Chinese) audio guide as well. The tour isn’t super long, but they make a few turns and stops so it feels like a decent ride.
Just a heads-up if you go in summer: it gets very hot. There’s barely any wind and the boat doesn’t move fast, so we were basically cooking in the midday sun. They do give you little fans, but I’d definitely recommend bringing something to cover your head and shoulders to avoid sunstroke. Other than that, it’s a really nice experience.
A very insightful and memorable canal ride. They have audio guides in different languages available (English, Chinese). They explain the history and information of the canal very well. It started to rain while we were on the cruise, so they provided us with additional raincoats. They were prepared for the weather! Worth the try when you’re in Otaru!
-Nice tour
-No toilet on board, toilets located at ticket area
-Reservations can be made and tickets can be purchased on the day
-Friendly staff
-Captain does live audio in Japanese while headphones are provided for audio guides in other languages like English, Chinese and Korean
Absolutely amazing and educational! The cruise lasted about 30 minutes, and no reservations were required. When you arrive, a chart shows the available departure times, and you simply pick the next open slot. We only waited about 20 minutes for our turn.
The cruise offers an English audio guide through an earpiece, while the main narration is in Japanese. We sailed around the Otaru port, ventured briefly out to sea, and then returned to the harbor. Along the way, we learned fascinating history about how Otaru became one of the busiest ports and a vital hub for transporting goods during the mid-20th century.
The ride is scenic and comfy. Remember to apply sunscreen for a day cruise as it can be very hot at times.
5-4 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007, Japan•
4 min · 0.22 mi
4•Luke L — Google reviewAnne L — Google reviewKuro N — Google reviewRaknita — Google reviewJeff M — Google reviewJaja L — Google reviewMaria W — Google review
Former Japanese National Railways, Temiya line
4.1
(1376)
3.8
(545)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Former Japanese National Railways, Temiya line was part of Hokkaido's first railway, the Horonai Line, built in 1880 for transporting coal and marine products. It operated for over a century before closing in 1985. The narrow gauge track reduced construction costs. After passenger service ended in 1962, it continued as a freight line until its complete closure. Now developed into a walking trail, it attracts tourists with snow sculptures and lighting installations.
Although lots of people prefer to just look around the canal-part of Otaru, if you are planning to atay here for a night, it is highly recommended for you to take a stroll around railroad-part of Otaru where you get to enjoy different atmosphere of the city.
Kyujin K — Google review
The lovely path that was covered by snow as i passed by seeing all the beautiful snowy creations with light.
Spectacular =]
A funny photo spot. I especially like the more quiet street with all the small houses and the pretty flowers. A fun place to visit of you're already in Otaru
How to say, I do appreciate when landmarks are kept well but this is just an out of work railway. I dun understand the fuss about it. The surrounding area is more interesting than this itself.
Otaru Glass Market opened at the railway during Ushio festival
If you're a tourist, it's only good for a quick snap opportunity. Not much around.
This historical site is supposed to be the oldest railway in Japan. It is very easy to access and its free of charge. However, there are only a few features in this place.
A place to take photo and chill as there is a sitting area
1 Chome-7-14 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan•
8 min · 3.9 mi
5•Gwen G — Google reviewNeil A — Google reviewPeter K — Google reviewKyujin K — Google reviewMaximiliano R — Google reviewIvan T — Google reviewFlying Q — Google review
Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck
4.3
(1316)
4.2
(63)
Observation deck
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck is a popular spot known for its stunning panoramic views of the sea, sunsets, and passing fishing boats. Perched atop a hill about 70 meters above sea level in northeastern Otaru City, this observatory offers breathtaking vistas of Cape Takashima and Ishikari Bay to the east. On clear days, visitors can also admire Mt. Shokanbetsu and the Mt.
Wonderful ocean view. Perfect place to sit and watch the ocean.
Dishary K — Google review
Lighthouse is way further than expected. Cannot enter. View was not spectacular. If you are near aquarium perhaps to consider visiting.
The Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck is one of the best spots to enjoy sweeping views of Otaru and the Sea of Japan. From here, you can see the beautiful coastline, the bustling Otaru port, and on clear days, even the distant Shakotan Peninsula. It’s a peaceful location, perfect for photography or simply taking in the refreshing sea breeze.
The deck is easily accessible by car and offers free parking, making it convenient for a quick stop or a longer break. There are benches where you can sit and relax while admiring the scenery. It’s especially stunning at sunset when the sky turns vibrant shades of orange and pink, reflecting on the water.
If you’re exploring Otaru, don’t miss this spot—it’s a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of Hokkaido away from the crowds.
A great drive while in Otaru, worth it!
After our on foot excursion we drove along the coastal kind of route towards the Otaru observation deck, which turned out to be really nice giving a wonderful view of the sea and the Lighthouse complex!
Only a fifteen minute walk from the Aquarium and it was worth it. If you have a stamina, there is a mountain trail connected from here to enjoy more astonishing sceneries.
You can get there by bus to the Aquarium and walking up the street to the observation deck, the view it's lovely during a sunny day and you can hear the animals from the aquarium. Calm and relaxing place.
One of the most scenic place in Otaru. Beautiful like a painting in winter. Definitely worth the trip to take a photo. Exceeded my expectation.
A beautiful place to stay for a while. Wonderful ocean view. However it is only accessible if you drive (or take a taxi).
3 Chome Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan•
I'll never travel to Otaru without this trip planner again
Where to eat
Under a 1-minute walk from Sankaku Market, here are a few close by recommendations for when you get hungry exploring around.
Sankaku-tei
4.2
(349)
4.0
(29)
Seafood restaurant
Seafood donburi restaurant
Sankakutei is a popular dining spot in Takinami known for its fresh and delicious seafood bowls. Despite being less crowded than other restaurants, it offers high-quality ingredients that shine through in its dishes. The colorful bowl, featuring a variety of items including Uni, prawn, ikura, salmon, and maguro, is highly recommended. The ikura and uni rice bowl is particularly delightful despite being slightly expensive.
Nice and Cozy restaurant in market. We waited around 20 mins to have a seat. Food is fresh and lovely. Smallest portion is suitable for less-eater like me. You should try Grilled Atka Mackerel, Donburi with crab and Uni. Super delicious with affordable price than Nijo Market or other markets in Sapporo.
Tram L — Google review
The alaskan king crab we got for 16000yen for a big one. not bad price at all. the service was nice too. they let us take a picture with the crab first before they cut it up.
We had the best king crab, uni, and shrimp of our lives at this spot.
Do yourself a favor and start with their No.1 best-seller: the Sansaku-don—a perfect combo of all three in one bowl. It’s a great way to figure out which flavor hits you hardest… then go all in.
For the crab, the staff will even walk you out to choose your own live crab. You get free samples and they’ll gladly snap a photo of you with your pick.
They typically cook it half boiled, half grilled—both are amazing, but the boiled version won us over with its sweetness and tenderness.
As for the uni and shrimp—whether as a side or a full bowl, just order them. Trust me. You won’t regret it.
Friendly staff, clean for a wet market setting, and the whole experience has that lively, authentic market vibe. Highly recommend.
1.5h was worth the wait. Shortest queue of all 3 popular shops but it’s really delicious.
I got the 10 toppings one and it’s really amazing. Uni & Crab is really sweet! Salmon was soft and delicious.
Best donburi I ever had.
The cod fish is a must order!!
The most delicious seafood. Donburi and grilled salmon were amazing. The staff were so friendly and welcoming and entertained our babies - they had a great time there.
Gor the popular 2400JPY 3 items set with shrimps, salmon roe and scallops with extra rice for 100JPY.
Very good lunch and value for the money. The scallops were incredible.
Recommended for a lunch in the fish market.
The wait is the shortest amongst the rest of the popular restaurants but the food is great. Seafood is fresh and rice is tasty. You write your name on the paper outside the shop and wait for your name to be called. We ordered the popular (かうつルどん)Kaosuru Don 2500 Yen and salmon Don 1600 Yen as well as the 1600 Yen set.
We went to takinami, ajidokoro and sankakutei just to determine which was the nicest and my goodness, SANKAKUTEI (with the least to no queue) WAS THE BEST (for us on that day)! Freshness, comfort of the restaurant, and the sashimi is still nice and chilled when served! We all enjoyed our bowls here the most! If you don’t know what to get, just go for the colourful bowl (1 of each item, total 10). I love the Uni and prawn and ikura and salmon and maguro.. ok almost everything was amazing! The portions are smaller than the other restaurants but the quality of the seafood is generally better.
Bonus - there’s English menu!
Japan, 〒047-0032 Hokkaido, Otaru, Inaho, 3 Chome−10−16, 三角市場内•
Otaru Bine
4.0
(681)
4.0
(112)
affordable
Italian restaurant
Otaru Bine is a charming restaurant located in a restored 19th-century bank building, offering a blend of German and Italian cuisine. Despite some references to a German vibe, the atmosphere feels more like a typical Japanese western bistro. The food portions are on the smaller side but are praised for their great taste. In addition to delicious food, the restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of wines and deli items.
the steak and potatoes especially were great. the crab pasta is also first class!
Bryan S — Google review
Love the building: 100 year old bank - rustic charm provided an antiquated, stout reassurance of security that our dining money was in good hands. The tables are spaced a pleasant three metres apart. The wine was a fruity delight. The fondue, I dare say, easily the smoothly cheesiest in all the vast wilderness of Hokkaido. I stake my life on recommending the avocado salad, afore mentioned fondue, and fifteen glasses of the red wine ginger ale cocktail. The night was a veritable feast for the senses.
Food is great and excellent ambience. Surprised that other comments were referring this as German vibe while I think it is kind of typical Japanese western bistro. Food portion is a bit small but taste are all great
Nice quiet ambience. The set dinner was value for money.
Excellent service!
Let us in even we arrived near the time of last order.
Great food and nice price
Didn’t dine there but the chubby lady was rude when I wanted to ask her about parking. I asked if she can speak a little English. She looked at me rudely and yelled No. so unlike Japanese. Shame on her.
We went to this restaurant and we were denied services because we are black American. I have never been treated as evil and cruel as I was by the young male who denied us services at this restaurant because of our race. We enjoyed our days touring Otaru until this moment.
August 10 Reply to Owner:
Dear Owner,
I would be remiss not to respond by saying the restaurant was empty besides one table. We were there that day and we know what we experienced and witnessed. You are using the reservation response to cover up the racism used to deny us equal services. The employee did NOT ask us ONCE if we had a reservation. We were clearly denied services because of our race and you know it. You should be ashamed of your practices. I believe in God. God knows all. He sees all. God will take care of this egregious situation for me.
Pizza hokkaido taste great!!
Love the cheese n jambon
1 Chome-8-6 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan•
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Uomasa
4.1
(1566)
4.0
(121)
affordable
Sushi restaurant
Seafood restaurant
Uomasa is a must-visit place for eel lovers, known for their specially made live eel called Tokuchukatsuman. The restaurant offers a complete menu in both Japanese and English, making it accessible to non-Japanese speakers. Visitors praise the fresh ingredients and delicious sushi sets, with particular emphasis on the quality of sashimi. While some recommend making reservations to avoid time limits on dining, others note that the prices are reasonable for the great food quality.
Had lunch at this place twice. The first time was recommended by local friends from Otaru. 2nd time was with my other Japanese friend and Korean friend.
We got there before they open at noon, but there were already a waiting line. It moved fairly quickly.
Sushi is delicious, and the price is reasonable compared to other sushi restaurants in Otaru.
I see that some reviews say they put extensive amounts of wasabi to Korean customers on purpose, but that is definitely not true. They asked if putting wasabi to sushi is okay when we ordered, and we said yes. It seems they put more wasabi for certain sushi generally. It was the same for everyone's dish (my Japanese friend ordered in Japanese).
Rachel N — Google review
We stumbled on this sushi place by chance. Initially we planned to go for another sushi place by searching on Google. Unfortunately the first sushi place was closed (but didn’t show on Google). As Uomasa was close by and was open, we went for it.
Ordered two sets of sushi, a sushi bowl and a small grilled cheese potato (that had sea urchin, cheese and corn beef). Sushi and sushi bowl were good. Seafood was fresh and tasty. The grilled potato was unexpected delicious. Service was efficient.
Note that last order was at 8pm.
Wanted to try sashimi with cooked menu so tried this restaurant after checking Google. Faced a bit of struggle with the menu as they were mostly in Japanese except for one page of English version. The Otaru Nigiri plate of 12 assorted sashimi were generally tasty but some items may not be ideal as you can specify the choice of seafood. Assorted tempura was good the batter tasted light and overall crispy not too heavy. Grilled salmon & salmon roe don is salty with most of the salmon probably due to the uneven salt seasoning. Service might not be easy if you are seated on the 2nd level as most activities are downstairs.
I had it for dinner and the sushi set was very delicious. I didn't like crowded places, so he kindly welcomed me even though I went to eat at 4 p.m. early in the evening. The ingredients were very fresh and as soon as I ordered, they made sushi in front of me.
I recommend it to those who are vulnerable to fishy taste. The staff are so kind. For your information, there is also a menu in English, so it's okay if you can't speak Japanese.
The food is above average, but the service sucks here. Not tourist-friendly at all. The menu is in Japanese only, staffs cannot understand basic English. Do not recommend to tourists.
Local sushi place for local. No English menu so Google translate is your best fried. Overall super fresh seafood and friendly staff. We spent 10k yen for 2 adults and 2 kids.
Overall decent place, although only their crab and prawns are fresh and good.
Crab bowl - crab meat is good and the paste is not fishy at all
Tempura - their batter is crispy and prawn is fresh
Sushi - tried their sushi set. salmon and tuna are decent. shellfish are not the best. prawn related sushi are good. Squid is bad
It was great quality of foods especially sashimi. The price is reasonable too. Though, It is seems customers need booking otherwise they seemed limits your eating for 1hr. (I think it must depends on the situation, so if you are lucky you will be able to eat nice foods much longer than me)
Anyway, I will visit again if I visit Otaru again.
2 Chome-5-11 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032, Japan•
Otaru Masazushi Main (Hokkaido)
4.2
(2664)
4.0
(263)
expensive
Sushi restaurant
Otaru Masazushi Main is a renowned sushi restaurant that has been serving customers for over 80 years, contributing to Otaru's reputation as a sushi town. The restaurant features a long counter on the first floor where up to 30 people can watch the skilled chefs prepare sushi while engaging in friendly conversations. Additionally, private rooms and halls are available on the upper floors.
Signature dish Squid noodle has extraordinary taste and the ingredients are perfectly balanced. Had premium omakase course here but the portion is a little bit smaller than expected. Food are fresh and of high quality overall
LO C — Google review
My friend recommended this Japanese restaurant after a positive previous visit, but it seems the quality has declined slightly since then. Compared to other Japanese restaurants I’ve tried in various cities, the food here is just average. The service was somewhat slow, though the staff remained friendly and attentive.
One thing to note - their reservation system requires your entire party to be present before you can be added to the queue, which can be inconvenient if you’re hungry. If you’re really hungry and need a place to eat, it’s acceptable, but don’t expect exceptional Japanese cuisine. The good service somewhat makes up for the average food quality, but overall it’s not as impressive as it apparently once was.
We went to the store at 10.45 a.m. on Friday and there was no queue, yet, so we got a chance to dine in a private room on the second floor. The atmosphere there was awesome. Their sushi tasted AMAZING from fresh ingredients and great taste of the rice. Definitely worth coming.
Reservation online is available, but you have to order and pay beforehand. So I recommend visit the restaurant a bit early and wait patiently in queue.
The seafood is very fresh and sweet. Their good quality speaks all. They are delicately prepared and the sushi are amazing. The sea urchins are rich and full of taste of the ocean, they are very good. The steamed egg and the tempura are also made to perfection. The staff are nice and welcoming.
However, given the extremmmeeely long waiting, the high prices and unparalleled small portions, I doubt if it is worthwhile.
It was my first time trying omakase, and it was an amazing experience! The sushi was fresh and beautifully prepared. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, and they tried their best to explain each dish in English, which really helped me enjoy it even more. I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Otaru. I’ll definitely come back again!
Came to have lunch and it was quite the experience. We were greeted and seated very quickly. The staff confirmed our reservation and walked us through the meal course. They were very attentive and helped refill our drinks consistently. Food was very well presented and tasted very delicious.
We traveled a long way to visit this renowned restaurant, only to experience differential treatment. I’m not being overly critical—we were among the first group seated, with five people in total (three of us and two Japanese guests). We all ordered the omakase course for 15,180 yen. Since we were seated close to the young, bespectacled chef preparing the fish, we could clearly observe from the sashimi course onward that he intentionally reserved the two best and largest portions, while the rest of us received inferior cuts of fish with smaller servings. At first, I thought the chef was distributing randomly, but with each dish, those two larger portions consistently went to the Japanese guests—too coincidental to be unintentional. For example, when it came to shellfish, the three of us shared one piece cut into three portions, while the neighboring guests each received a half-piece of the same ingredient. This happened with every dish, including tuna and sea urchin. It was truly baffling. I won’t be returning.
We were told that there is a waiting time of 15 to 30min for a table when we walked in, however we got it less than 15 min. We enjoyed the experience and the quality of food. The sashimi is awesome and fresh.
1 Chome-1-1 Hanazono, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0024, Japan•
I'll never travel to Otaru without this trip planner again
Day 4
Keep it simple
For day 4, these 6 places should be enough to fill your day with something exciting to do in Otaru. Start the day with Kitaichi Glass Otaru and make your way through the city to get to Tanaka Sake Brewery, Kikkogura / Tanaka Sake Brewing Co., Ltd.. This should take about 8 hours of your day.
1Culture T — Google reviewKai T — Google reviewCheeky M — Google reviewJeanne I — Google reviewH G — Google reviewShirin M — Google reviewRichard F — Google review
Kitaichi Glass Otaru
4.2
(3625)
Glass crafts shop
Kitaichi Glass Otaru is a renowned destination with a century-long legacy, offering an array of exquisite glass products such as decorative snow globes and kerosene lamps. The brand has 17 stores in Otaru, including the impressive Kitaichi Glass Sangokan (Emporium No.3), showcasing their finest glassware. This historic city is celebrated for its craft production, particularly glass, which was historically used by herring fishermen.
Love the glass art made in Japan. The special colors and shapes, just so unique. Bought quite a few wine glass back home and they have packed them all safe and firm for us, as always.
C K — Google review
Amazing glass store in Otaru. They have huge variety of handmade glass items. Be careful and read where is it made as some are made in Japan but I saw also selection of glass made in different European countries. So check if you search for items from particular country. There is many floors and the store is really huge. The products have different price ranges so for many budgets. Overall great stop to get beautiful glass souvenir.
Didn't visit the shop as its super long queue, however just enjoy the ice cream at the other end of the shop. If you have enough time should visit this to see their kerosene lamps and glass floats used for fishing nets. A well-known oil lamps shops in Otaru since 1901.
Glass wares are quite expensive, but exquisite and pretty. Had a good time admiring the pieces and buying some.
We just stopped by for a morning coffee and found it very charming. The interior feels warm and cozy with the oil lamps—something you won’t really see in Europe. (They do give off a particular scent, but that’s perfectly normal.) We had to wait a little before getting in, and keep in mind there’s no table service. Still, it’s definitely worth a stop to have a look around.
High ceilings and plenty of oil lamps decorate the space, and in that atmosphere we enjoyed delicious morning coffee and ice cream made with fresh Hokkaido milk. It was a lovely place.
Such a cute place to visit. Everything in this store is really unique. It is definitely worth the visit, even if you are just window shopping like us.
Kitaichi glass is over of the best if not the best glass blower / crafter in Otaru. They have bowls, plates, glasses and cups that all seem delicate but are designed to hold hot or cold drinks. They also make old fashioned lamps such as kerosene lamps here which make for excellent decorative lamps. Prices aren't that expensive either
7-26 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan•
< 1 min · 0 ft
2•Francis C — Google reviewCheryl C — Google reviewAnne L — Google reviewKarlo — Google reviewEllie H — Google reviewHua L — Google reviewEsben E — Google review
Kitaichi Hall
4.3
(1723)
4.0
(199)
affordable
Coffee shop
Nestled within the historic Kitaichi Glass No.3 building, Kitaichi Hall offers a unique dining experience that beautifully marries tradition with ambiance. This charming venue is illuminated by an impressive 167 oil lamps, casting a warm glow reminiscent of its origins in glassmaking dating back to 1901. As you sip on delightful coffee or tea and indulge in exquisite cakes and sweets, you'll find yourself enveloped in a romantic atmosphere enhanced by live piano music.
Waited about 20mins weekday 330pm. There is a piano performance inside. order at entrance of cafe and cash payment/Self service. Full marks for the ambience. Kerosene lamp have a smell which may affect some. Tried the Royal milk tea, coffee chiffon cake and royal milk tea soft serve ice cream. All tasted quite delicious and not too expensive.
Ken T — Google review
A charming historical coffee shop with a unique self-service setup. The dessert set is reasonably priced at 1,000 yen. Live piano performances every hour add to the ambiance. The gas lamps create a distinctive and special atmosphere, though they make the place a bit too warm. Highly recommend for a memorable experience!
Difficult to find, a hidden gem and an absolute delight to experience the unique atmosphere. It is self-service, which we found unusual but very pleasant.
The cafe is illuminated only by oil laps and it is certainly a unique experience.
We had coffee and cake, took in our surroundings and left after 45 minutes. The waft of the oil was just starting to take over our senses. Look for the outside of the building, very easy to walk past.
Kita-Ichi Hall in Otaru is a really beautiful spot with a unique atmosphere. The setting with all the old petroleum lamps gives it a slightly mysterious vibe – and even the distinct smell adds to the experience in its own way. We had a couple of desserts and some coffee while we were there. The coffee was unfortunately very burnt and not great, and the desserts were just okay.
The service felt a bit rushed. Not rude or anything, just very focused on efficiency – it definitely had that “tourist conveyor belt” vibe, getting people in and out quickly.
All in all: amazing atmosphere (5), decent food (3), average service (3). Overall, I’d give it a 4 out of 5 – worth visiting for the vibe, but maybe not for the café experience alone.
Atmosphere is the BEST! Probably one of the most magical coffee shops I’ve visited in my entire life! I was told it had 167 lamps inside lighting the whole place.
Coffee is fine!
The royal milk tea is a must to order. The special chiffon cake is dry, probably its not fresh and the pistachio dessert is not too bad, a lil too sweet. great place to chill and take pictures. They do not serve lunch menu during weekdays. Only drinks and desserts
The signature chiffon cake is dry, zenzai cream is ok. As for the atmosphere… it’s dark alright and there are many oil lamps and there’s a piano…
Very beautiful hall full of oil lamps.
The service is a bit rushed to handle the high through put: 1) Find out what to order in the line, 2) Order and pay immediately, 3) Pick up right after and go to your table. It is efficient, but also felt a bit too rushed taking away from the exclusive feeling.
The coffee was overheated, and the cake was just decent, but the atmosphere made up for it! So beautiful.
7-26 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan•
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2
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3 min · 0.15 mi
3•Yumma P — Google reviewAmy — Google reviewJonathan — Google reviewJason Y — Google reviewMi C — Google reviewPZ — Google reviewGaga B — Google review
Rokkatei Otaru Canal Store
4.3
(1581)
4.0
(175)
affordable
Pastry shop
Dessert restaurant
The Rokkatei Otaru Canal Store is a renowned Japanese-style confectionery shop known for its high-quality ingredients sourced from Hokkaido. Located just an 8-minute walk from Minami-Otaru Station, this store offers a wide range of Rokkatei products, including the much-loved 'Marseille Butter Sand' and the famous 'Marseille butter cake.'
The ground floor is their store. Including the candy, chips, chocolate, some are limited edition here (can't get it in the airport!)
First floor is their coffee shop with few seats to rest, they also sell Puff.
Daphne S — Google review
Papa Says: 👍👍👍+ I'll come to Otaru again to try this cookie fresh. Highly recommended if you're in Sapporo!
Chanced upon this pastry shop and was enticed by the "best consumed within 2 hours" sandwich cookie recommendation. I just HAD to try it, and I've got to say that this is hands down the best sandwich cookie I've had in Japan, even possibly my whole life. The cookie was thin, crunchy and the cocoa taste just cut through. As you bite into the cookie, the cheesecake is just the right amount of coldness, and melts as you sink your teeth into it.
Devoured the cookie in a minute and it's one of the best delicacies I've had on my Japan trip thus far.
Popular confectionary shop offering cream puffs, and cheesecake sandwiches. The first floor has treats to bring home, and the second floor has a cafe with excellent cost performance coffee at 120 yen.
These little cheesecake sandwiches are delicious. Sold only at this store at lvl 2, must be eaten fresh 🤤
nice atmosphere and modern deco, quite spacious, few seats. the cream puff is overrated, its just a really really simple cream puff. the second floor area is a nice place to take a break.
Nice place to hang around,the cheese cake is delicious full of cream cheese but no seats at the cafe
The cream puff is nice! For every cream puff purchased (¥90), you will get one cup of free coffee (cannot refill). There is a place on the 2nd floor for you to eat and drink. We tried the biscuit sandwich of cream with raisins - I would say this is an acquired taste. I like it but my hubby says that it tasted weird.
Arguably one of the most famous cake/snack brand in Hokkaido; its signature flowery patterns are eye catching and unforgettable
7-22 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan•
1 min · 200 ft
4•D和美 — Google reviewChalermchon S — Google reviewHussain W — Google reviewJess L — Google reviewJohnny K — Google reviewEdtayjb — Google reviewRic M — Google review
LeTAO Main Store
4.3
(3258)
4.0
(830)
affordable
Pastry shop
Cafe
Coffee shop
Located in Otaru, Hokkaido, the LeTAO Main Store is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. The store is part of a chain that includes six outlets in Otaru, with five along Sakaimachi street. The main store features a cafe on the second floor where you can savor their signature Double Fromage Cheesecake and other delectable treats.
The 1st floor is a store.
On the 2nd floor, at a cafe,
I ordered the Special Chocolate Cake set which came with tea. It was delicious with the feel of the main store advantage.
After the cakes, I checked out the 3rd floor observation deck. It's only 3rd story high(it's a tower so actually higher than 3rd floor but the store says its on the 3rd so) but since other buildings are not tall, the place has a good vantage point. Don't forget to ring the bell. You will know what I mean.
Jin L — Google review
This company had many locations in Otaru. I have to say their cheese cake (Camembert) and custard were amazing but can work on their coffee.
Over all Otaru coffee place was not as good as Sapporo.
In any case, people should try their cheese cake and custard in the little glass cup.
LeTAO’s main store is one of Otaru’s most famous sweet spots. The ground floor is filled with cakes and souvenirs, while the second floor café serves their world-famous Double Fromage cheesecake with tea in a cozy space. There’s even an observation deck with views of the town. The café is very popular, so expect a long queue, especially on weekends. Good news for travelers, the store is foreign-friendly, and some staff speak English, Chinese and Thai making it easy to order and enjoy. A must-visit for dessert lovers.
The main store is really big and you can try different desserts. Unfortunately the cafe upstairs was mostly sold out. We bought a full cheesecake from the shop but it was frozen so we couldn’t enjoy it in the moment. They had some good samples and they also sell ice cream.
A place filled with warmth, sweet and cream aroma! Cafe in the 2nd floor is always full, offers cake and drink set. We ordered a 3 cake set, Strawberry, chestnut and grape cream cakes, silky and flavorful. Regretted ordering Americano, which was too watery. Should have ordered its aromatic tea. The portions are quite small, if you are expecting a Americano Starbucks size, order triple!
The taste was pretty average considering its reputation. It wasn’t bad, but I honestly don’t understand why this place is so popular. It’s definitely not worth waiting in a long line for — both the desserts and the coffee were just okay.
My family and I as first time foreign tourists in Otaru were excited to visit the LeTAO here as it originated from Otaru. So, we decided to have some of its desserts at its cafe that's located on the upper level of the store here. While we had to wait for our turn to be seated, it was well worth the wait as the desserts were not only pretty but also pretty yummy. Service here was friendly and attentive. The dining ambience was okay and could have been better if the air-conditioning here was cooler to cope with the dining crowd and warmish weather.
Very nice cakes! It is the most famous cake shop in Otaru or Hokkaido, best known for the signature cheese cake. The ice cream was tasty too!
7-16 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan•
4 min · 0.2 mi
5•Grace — Google reviewJamie.B — Google reviewMargaret L — Google reviewBryan H — Google reviewA C — Google reviewKito L — Google reviewFuriate — Google review
Kitaichi Venezia Museum
3.9
(1410)
3.7
(137)
Art museum
Museums
Kitaichi Venezia Museum, established in 1988, offers a captivating glimpse into Venetian lifestyle through its extensive collection of over 3,000 pieces of Murano glass and Venetian furnishings. Housed in a historic building that was once a warehouse for seafood products during the Meiji era, the museum showcases the artistry of various glass artists. Visitors can also enjoy a small costume-photo-studio on the second floor and a charming café on the fifth floor.
The museum has a good exhibit, but apart from that they also have a costume photoshoot service, which is reasonably priced and very fun. You can check their website for details.
Sadaf S — Google review
Pretty!!
First floor is the souvenir shop, prices are a little on the high side
From 2nd floor onwards there’s a small fee to enter the museum. There is also a place to try on Venetian clothes.
Photography are not allowed inside.
just walk in and out. banned to take a photo due to design safety. it's lovely and very antique glass art. I loved glass ink pen.
Excellent hideaway from heavy snow. Venetian style glass items. Coffee shop has good delicious cakes and coffee while we can enjoy some of the replicates artwork of Van Goh.
Glass art product. there are many amazing glass cups, masks, glass made ink pen. But no camera here。
Really enjoyed my time there- beautiful chandeliers. I’ve been to places all over Europe, including Italy. There is no comparison, this place is beautiful. Of course it is small but they have some well curated exhibits and the space is well utilised. Highly recommend :)
Top Notch!! The Best Gallery in the World. I wasn't expecting this level, it was above & beyond any national gallery collection. I would check bag next time and great to go as a couple, better yet a history buffs. Not Recommended for Lose Cannon or Sticky Finger. Keep Up the Good Work!! (sorry guys no photo anywhere in the building)
Nice small museum, but they now have signs that ask not to take any photos anywhere in side. A little pricey for the size, but not a bad experience. If you want to do the the dress up, then it is probably a very good place to go. Also, they have many fancy mask for sale on the ground floor.
5-27 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan•
13 min · 0.67 mi
6•Freckle S — Google reviewPX Y — Google reviewL L — Google reviewStephanie C — Google reviewTomas K — Google reviewDizijoyjoy — Google reviewBoon L — Google review
Tanaka Sake Brewery, Kikkogura / Tanaka Sake Brewing Co., Ltd.
4.1
(1152)
4.0
(113)
Sake brewery
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Tanaka Sake Brewery, Kikkogura / Tanaka Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. is a historic sake brewery located in Otaru, known for its long-standing tradition of sake production. The brewery offers tours that provide insight into the intricate sake-making process and culminate in a tasting experience featuring locally brewed and seasonal sakes.
Walking around snow-covered Otaru on a fresh but clear January day, we decided to leave the main tourist street near the canal and walk about 15 minutes to this 125 year old sake brewery. As non-Japanese speakers/readers, it took a few moments to find the entrance, but once inside, that classic fermentation brewery smell is unmistakable. 👍
The friendly manager in the shop encouraged us to go upstairs and view the brewing process, which was in full swing. This is not some BS tourist show. It's a legit operating sake brewery, and you gain a whole new perspective on what's involved in turning humble grains of rice into Japan's signature brew.
After exploring the brewery, we returned to the shop and enjoyed a friendly sake tasting.
It's very low-key and authentic. highly recommended if you are doing a self guided walk around Otaru. The old wooden building alone is worth a visit 👍
Julian H — Google review
This Sake Brewery is approximately a 15 min walk away from the main town. It is relatively hard to find the entrance as it looks very dark inside. But the journey is worth it. Walk to the second level to find a short journey on the sake brewing process. While it was self guided there is a lot of information arojnd that can be easily translated. Walk down to the first floor where there is a selection of Sake that is brewed on site. Some are seasonal selections as well. The friendly store staff will give you a tasting opportunity before buying; as long as you are not driving or cycling.
Actual working "factory". You can see and smell the process of sake making at level 2. Level 1 is the shop selling sake and snack. Free tasting available, the sales lady wasn't pushing and made the process enjoyable.
Bought a bottle coz their sake is so smooth and clean.
It's quite a bit of distance from main shopping area though...
Prefer this to Sapporo beer museum, the place reeks of history. Worth a visit if u r visiting Otaru. Unfortunately due to further trips around Hokkaido, decided not to buy any bottles.
Super cool walk through of the facility and translation are available on Google translate for the English to follow.
At the end you finish with a Sake tasting. My partner went home and drank both bottles of 300ml each,
Taste, 5/5 for both! Super cool experience! Lots of history and knowledge!
Free self tour in the mezzanine of the sake making process. You can see all the tanks and rice and different stages. Most of the signs are in Japanese, but it's very easy to read with google translate. Friendly staff that let you sample different unique sake. Definitely worth stopping in!
Self guiding brewery with English explanations. Free tasting of the delicious sake. Worth the long walk from Otaru main shopping area.
Since I was driving, I could afford to go further to places that required a lot of walking from my hotel. I always wanted to visit a sake brewery and this brewery is located right in Otaru city. Guided tours available but we didn’t opt for it - we just walked around to see the equipments and to admire the traditional architecture of this brewery.
They also provide free sake tasting downstairs at their retail shop - but they’d politely ask if you’re driving. I bought their winter special sake which tasted very clear, clean and delicious. Highly recommended to visit.
2-2 Nobukacho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0016, Japan•
I'll never travel to Otaru without this trip planner again
Where to eat
Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to Kitaichi Venezia Museum, these restaurants are about a 2-minute walk away.
Fujisushi Otaru
3.9
(646)
4.0
(57)
affordable
Sushi restaurant
A very nice dining experience here. We had the seafood sukiyaki which had king crab, abalone, mussels, clams and red snapper. The soup was sweet and filled with the flavours of the seafood. We also had the unagi tempura don and mixed tempura don, both were very tasty as well. Tempura was done very well. Overall good lunch and great service.
Zach L — Google review
Proper, classic Japanese sushi with plenty of quality sushi being offered.
Otaru being a sea port, rest assured that the quality of the seafood is legit. Moreover, if you are a lover of uni, do visit Fujisushi as well because their signature is actually their uni!
Overall, expect everything classic and proper with no surprises.
Fun fact, the seating is actually on tatami, but with short chairs so that's cool :)
Arigatogozaimasu!
Tasty and fresh seafood dishes here, albeit a bit pricey. Uni was superb.
The best sashimi and tempura that I had on this trip to Japan. The fish slices were fresh, thick,and tasty. The wasabi is of good quality. The batter for the tempura is fresh and fluffy dipped in fresh oil. Chawanmushi is piping hot even when taken towards the end the meal. It would be better if it were savory rather than sweetish. I ended the meal with a miso soup with tofu. As pricey as in the better Jap restaurants in Singapore. But, it's worth the price. Bon appetit !
honest experience - food was 3/5
sashimi was basic
scallop in the sashimi bowl was quite gross, had a strong sandy seawater taste
Cooked scallop was basic
rice was damn good tho
Only thing I would say above average were the lamb skewers.
Saving grace?
We had 9 pax and they sat us easily.
Service was quick
Food was served super quick for what we ordered.
Traditional Japanese restaurant that serves a wide variety of dishes like sushi, sashimi & tempura. It was peaceful when we ate at 5.30pm-6.30pm & service was excellent.
This is one of the best seafood bowls that I have had in Japan! The fish are fresh and the rice is very tasty as well.
Really nice atmosphere, the sushi was very fresh and decently priced. The sake recommendation was on point as well.
Totally recommend 👌 👍
5-36 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan•
Ramen Shodai
4.1
(1505)
4.0
(64)
affordable
Ramen restaurant
Nestled in the charming city of Otaru, Ramen Shodai is a delightful eatery that invites you to savor traditional ramen in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. While ramen might not be the first dish that springs to mind when exploring this picturesque destination, it certainly deserves your attention. The restaurant takes advantage of Hokkaido's rich culinary resources, crafting its broth from local ingredients like Rausu kombu and bonito flakes, resulting in a subtly exquisite flavor profile.
We stumbled upon Shodai Ramen in Otaru and it turned out to be one of the best meals of our trip! If you’re planning to try their white soy soup base ramen, make sure to come early around 11am—it’s popular and sells out fast.
We had the dark soy base ramen and the salt base ramen, and both were absolutely fantastic. The pork was incredibly tender, melting in our mouths with every bite, and the broth was rich and full of flavor. Prices are very reasonable, especially compared to the more touristy spots about 1km away in Otaru.
Do note that they close after lunch and reopen at 4pm, so plan your visit accordingly. If you’re looking for an authentic, satisfying ramen experience away from the crowds, Shodai Ramen is a must-visit!
Denne G — Google review
Tried the white soy Ramen that limit to 20 per day.
Shop opens at 11am sharp n if you wanna try they limited Ramen, you need to be at 11am
Texture of noodles is firm and bouncy.
Broth is rich and flavourful soup, i believed its prepared for a long time
Free parking is available
Refer to pic first
First time visiting Otaru on a sunny lunch hour. I did my research and found Saidai Ramen — parking is right off the main road, super easy to access. This time of year the street looks pretty empty, but the shop had a few customers and I got seated right away.
I ordered the salt flavor ramen with added chashu and egg — very tasty and satisfying (though might lean a bit salty for some). Portion and quality hit the spot.
No ramen vending machine here — you order directly from the waitress, who speaks English and is very friendly. The shop overall felt welcoming and easy for travelers.
Another great lunch, I’ll recommend this spot to anyone visiting Otaru.
nice piping hot bowl of noodles. best for winter time. the broth is thick and u can add extra condiments like ginger or chili spices
Didn't get the white soy sauce because they ran out of it but the regular soy sauce and soybean paste were bomb. Chashu was amazing and the noodles were firm and chewy.
Update: got the white soy sauce ramen and it was AMAZING. Worth getting here when they open to have it. They have an even better chashu that goes with it
One of my top picks for ramen restaurants I have ever been to is this Japanese one.
Ramen with a unique taste. The portions of meat and ramen are substantial and delicious. Not only is the broth reasonably priced, but it tastes really different.
The building itself is fascinating, so it is definitely something you should try when you visit Otaru, the interior made of wood and having a high ceiling. You can take your time enjoying your meal because it is a little-known hidden gem that not many tourists see.
A very humble restaurant that serves authentic traditional ramen in every way. Every slurp of the ramen was a delight. It was our first experience with the white soya sauce ramen which is their popular one that has only 20 servings each day. Indeed it was exceptionally delicious. Highly recommend this ramen restaurant if you are in Otaru.
Had a small wait when we arrived. Moved rather quickly.
The ramen was all delicious, but their real winner had to be their limited white miso ramen which has a set number of bowls. When it’s out, it’s out!
Also had their staff lunch item which is a tuna Mayo over rice. Simple, delicious.
14-8 Sumiyoshicho, 住吉町 Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0015, Japan•
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海鮮食堂 澤崎水産 3号店
3.9
(739)
4.5
(205)
expensive
Seafood donburi restaurant
If you're looking for a top-notch seafood dining experience, look no further than 海鮮食堂澤崎水産 3号店. Despite the cozy and traditional Japanese eatery ambiance, the food quality is exceptional. Although there might be a wait during peak times, the attentive staff ensures efficient service. The highlight is watching your meal being prepared right in front of you, guaranteeing freshness and transparency in ingredients.
This place is really small but cozy. We were there at around 1pm during lunch time. The wait was short.
The seafood was really fresh. The crab was very tasty and so were the salmon, tuna and the sweet raw shrimps. We had sashimi rice at different locations in Sapporo and found that this place had the freshest and best tasting sashimi bowl. The price is higher if you order uni (sea urchin) or crab.
Note that this place is not good for big groups as the space is very tight and there are around 10-12 spaces.
Will C — Google review
Good seafood rice bowls, it’s a small store but was quite empty when we visited for an early dinner around 5pm+ 👍
Portion wise, it’s not very big and the price is on the steeper side (9000YEN for the uni one) but it’s fresh so we like it still. If you don’t eat anything raw, the only option would be the crab bowl which is quite delicious!! Half of the meat is marinated in a special sauce while for the other half you get to enjoy the original flavours of the crab meat.
Got in as the first group of customers of the day, we ordered 4 sets of 特選ちらし丼 (¥5200). It was totally out of our expectations for the freshness and sweetness of all the seafood. It was really good and memorable for the trip! Tasty miso soup was also served together as a set. The chef was very friendly as well. Highly recommended to those who wish to try different kinds of Hokkaido seafood ✨
The seats are at the counter bar so you can see chef preparing don for us. The price is quite expensive compare to the size and taste.
Probably the worst and most expensive meal we had in Hokkaido. Expensive never mind, the quality and taste of food are at no match for the high price. For silly tourist like us, it just felt like we have fallen into this tourist trap with our both eyes opened.
Stall too small. When we arrived there were 3 young Singaporeans girls sitting next to us. Plus three of us so total 6 silly Singaporeans were there quietly eating our expensive Donburi. Where were the locals??? None because they all probably known that this place is to cut tourists throats only 😅😂
It’s a tight squeeze in the shop, like a traditional Japanese eatery, but it’s worth it for the food quality. We had to wait for about 20 minutes when we arrived at about 1115 in Winter. The staff are very attentive, and the food is served very efficiently. The food is prepared right in front of you and you know exactly what goes into your bowl. Definitely worth the wait too.
Very nice and very fresh sea food / king sized crabs were alive this morning. The restaurant at 小樽 town and limited seats. The chef and store manager so friendly and speaks good English .
I think the Google reviews are too generous. Yes, the dons look great, but so is every seafood don in Japan. And it's exactly what you paid for. I just think there's a lot of places that do the same thing.
Japan, 〒047-0031 Hokkaido, Otaru, Ironai, 1 Chome−1−17•
I'll never travel to Otaru without this trip planner again
Best-of categories in Otaru
Restaurants
Attractions
Cafes
Cheap eats
Family restaurants
Bars
Museums
Shopping
Kid-friendly attractionsPopular road trips from Otaru
What's the weather like in Otaru?
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Otaru for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.
- Weather in Otaru in January
- Weather in Otaru in February
- Weather in Otaru in March
- Weather in Otaru in April
- Weather in Otaru in May
- Weather in Otaru in June
- Weather in Otaru in July
- Weather in Otaru in August
- Weather in Otaru in September
- Weather in Otaru in October
- Weather in Otaru in November
- Weather in Otaru in December
All road trips from Otaru
- Otaru to Tokyo drive
- Otaru to Kyoto drive
- Otaru to Hakodate drive
- Otaru to Osaka drive
- Otaru to Seoul drive
- Otaru to Biei-cho drive
- Otaru to Kanazawa drive
- Otaru to Noboribetsu drive
- Otaru to Nagoya drive
- Otaru to Hakone-machi drive
- Otaru to Hiroshima drive
- Otaru to Nikko drive
- Otaru to Aomori drive
- Otaru to Kamakura drive
- Otaru to Sendai drive
- Otaru to Busan drive
- Otaru to Fukuoka drive
- Otaru to Taito drive
- Otaru to Nagasaki drive
- Otaru to Shari-cho drive
- Otaru to Kushiro drive
- Otaru to Matsumoto drive
- Otaru to Takayama drive
- Otaru to Fujikawaguchiko-machi drive
- Otaru to Asahikawa drive
- Otaru to Narita drive
- Otaru to Karuizawa-machi drive
- Otaru to Himeji drive
- Otaru to Ise drive
- Otaru to Kagoshima drive
Explore nearby places
- Otaru
- Yoichi-cho
- Sapporo
- Kutchan-cho
- Shakotan-cho
- Rusutsu-mura
- Niseko-cho
- Toyako-cho
- Chitose
- Sobetsu-cho
- Tomakomai
- Noboribetsu
- Muroran
- Shimukappu-mura
- Nakafurano-cho
- Furano
- Biei-cho
- Kamifurano-cho
- Asahikawa
- Higashikawa-cho
- Nanae-cho
- Hakodate
- Kamikawa-cho
- Obihiro
- Kamishihoro-cho
- Rishirifuji-cho
- Rebun-cho
- Kitami
- Wakkanai
- Aomori
- Goshogawara
All related maps of Otaru
- Map of Otaru
- Map of Yoichi-cho
- Map of Sapporo
- Map of Kutchan-cho
- Map of Shakotan-cho
- Map of Rusutsu-mura
- Map of Niseko-cho
- Map of Toyako-cho
- Map of Chitose
- Map of Sobetsu-cho
- Map of Tomakomai
- Map of Noboribetsu
- Map of Muroran
- Map of Shimukappu-mura
- Map of Nakafurano-cho
- Map of Furano
- Map of Biei-cho
- Map of Kamifurano-cho
- Map of Asahikawa
- Map of Higashikawa-cho
- Map of Nanae-cho
- Map of Hakodate
- Map of Kamikawa-cho
- Map of Obihiro
- Map of Kamishihoro-cho
- Map of Rishirifuji-cho
- Map of Rebun-cho
- Map of Kitami
- Map of Wakkanai
- Map of Aomori
- Map of Goshogawara
Otaru throughout the year
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Otaru?
Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:
Day itineraries for nearby cities
- 4-Day Sapporo Itinerary
- 4-Day Hakodate Itinerary
- 4-Day Aomori Itinerary
- 4-Day Asahikawa Itinerary
- 4-Day Chitose Itinerary
- 4-Day Obihiro Itinerary
- 4-Day Tomakomai Itinerary
- 4-Day Wakkanai Itinerary
- 4-Day Muroran Itinerary
- 4-Day Kutchan-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Toyako-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Kitami Itinerary
- 4-Day Furano Itinerary
- 4-Day Noboribetsu Itinerary
- 4-Day Niseko-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Goshogawara Itinerary
- 4-Day Biei-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Nanae-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Yoichi-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Kamikawa-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Kamishihoro-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Rishirifuji-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Rebun-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Kamifurano-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Higashikawa-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Sobetsu-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Shakotan-cho Itinerary
- 4-Day Shimukappu-mura Itinerary
- 4-Day Rusutsu-mura Itinerary
- 4-Day Nakafurano-cho Itinerary
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