Otaru brings together the history of a curved canal, historic warehouses, diverse collections and viewpoints on Mount Tengu. You can focus your trip on different things: explore the city’s history and railways, view glasswork and historic windows, or include walking routes and scenic views.
Canal, Warehouses and City History
The Otaru Canal was completed in 1923. Its gentle curve was created because the canal was built on land reclaimed from the sea off the coast. There are 63 gas lamps along the promenade. The stone warehouses beside the canal have largely been preserved in their original condition and are now used, among other things, as restaurants. The canal’s shape and the warehouses’ later use come together at this site.
At the Canal Annex of the Otaru Museum of History and Nature, natural and urban history meet. Using specimens, photographs and dioramas, the exhibition showcases more than 1,000 species of plants and animals from Otaru. Other materials explore Kitamaebune shipping, herring fishing and the development of the city, including historical photographs and maps. The museum’s annex also uses the Former Otaru Warehouse, which is designated as a historic building.
The former Otaru branch of Nippon Yusen is also one of the city’s historically significant buildings: it is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property of Japan. Its designation as a former company location and its cultural classification give this site a different historical context from the museum’s collections.
Glass, Art and Special Collections
The House of Western Art occupies the former Naniwa Warehouse. It displays stained glass, as well as glasswork and furniture in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. The Stained Glass Museum has a distinct focus: its collection includes around 100 stained-glass windows made in Great Britain that once adorned church windows. Those especially interested in glass can find two different perspectives here: works and furniture in various styles at the House of Western Art, and historic church windows at the Stained Glass Museum.
The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum offers a very different kind of exhibit. In the former vault, you can try lifting the equivalent of 100 million yen using model banknotes. This is not an art collection, but a hands-on experience of a large sum of money. Otaru Aquarium offers a natural history perspective, showing around 250 species, including porpoises, which are kept only there in Japan. Individual exhibits may change.
Walking Routes and Scenic Views
The former Temiya Line is now associated with a walking path about 1,600 meters long, running from the central city area to the Otaru Museum. Historically, the line was part of Hokkaido’s first railway. Hokkaido’s first railway was built to transport coal from the coal mines of Mikasa to Otaru Port. Today’s walking path along the former Temiya Line and the coal transport that was the purpose of Hokkaido’s first railway represent different aspects of Otaru’s railway history.
At the summit of Mount Tengu, five viewpoints look out over Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay. The Tenguyama Ropeway runs from the foot of the mountain to the summit in about five minutes. Since operating schedules may change, check the latest departure times as you plan. The viewpoints and the ride up offer a clear focus for anyone who wants to see Otaru from above.
Shopping Street and a Boat Trip
Sakaimachi-dori is a shopping street with glass shops, as well as stores and restaurants serving seafood, confectionery and sushi. It brings shopping and regional cuisine together in one street. Since individual shops and menus may change, check what is currently available if a particular store or dish is important to your visit.
The Otaru Blue Cave Exciting Cruising Tour runs from the North Otaru Canal to the Blue Cave. The round trip covers about 26 kilometers and takes around 70 minutes. Tour availability depends on conditions, so check in advance whether it suits your planned visit. This boat trip adds a guided water-based activity to the walking routes, museums and viewpoints.
Discover more destinations: Abashiri, Higashikagura, Samani, Kitahiroshima, Shintoku, Monbetsu District, Hakodate, Kawakami District
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