Looking for the perfect winter getaway from Sapporo? Just under an hour away by train, Otaru (小樽) is a charming port town in Hokkaido known for its nostalgic vibe, delicious local eats, and picturesque canal views. Whether you’re into food, scenery, or just slow-paced exploring, Otaru offers a beautiful blend of history, culture, and snowy romance—all in a single day.
Here’s a complete itinerary and travel guide to help make the most of a one-day winter trip to Otaru.
Table of Contents
🚆 Getting to Otaru from Sapporo
Otaru is easily accessible by train from Sapporo Station, with a direct ride taking less than an hour. For the best views, sit on the right side of the train—especially in winter. The route offers a stunning mix of snow-covered landscapes and ocean views, making the journey part of the experience.
🏞️ First Stop: Otaru Canal (小樽運河)
The iconic Otaru Canal is a must-see. Originally built in 1923 to transport goods to warehouses along the water, the canal has become a symbol of the city. In winter, the snow-covered paths and softly lit gas lamps give it a romantic, movie-like atmosphere.
The canal is perfect for a slow, peaceful walk. There’s also a short canal cruise available when weather permits, offering a unique perspective of the town.
🥟 Local Street Food Near the Canal
Just opposite the canal is Unga-ya, a popular stop for quick bites. Their lamb and pork buns are known for being soft, fluffy, and full of juicy, savory flavor—perfect for warming up in the cold.
Inside the Otaru Canal Terminal, look for Kuwataya, a small shop selling panju—a Hokkaido-style snack that’s a cross between a pancake and a pastry. Red bean, cheese, and chocolate flavors are available, and despite their simple appearance, they’re surprisingly delicious.
🛍️ A Walk Down Sakaimachi Street
Sakaimachi Street is one of Otaru’s most famous shopping streets. The area is lined with beautifully preserved buildings featuring Western-inspired architecture from Otaru’s early days as a bustling port town.
Along the way, don’t miss:
- LeTAO – Famous for its rich soft serve ice cream and cheesecakes
- Rokkatei and Kitakaro – Two of Hokkaido’s best-known confectionery brands, ideal for souvenirs
🎵 Otaru Music Box Museum & Steam Clock
At the end of Sakaimachi Street stands the Otaru Music Box Museum (小樽オルゴール堂), housed in a red-brick building with a classic European feel. Inside, the space is filled with hundreds of music boxes—from tiny keepsakes to intricate hand-crafted pieces.
Just outside, the steam clock adds to the nostalgic vibe. A gift from Vancouver, Canada, it releases steam and chimes every 15 minutes—an unmissable photo spot.
🏔️ Heading Up to Tenguyama (天狗山)
Tenguyama is a popular attraction for its panoramic views of Otaru and the sea. The mountain is also known as a filming location for the 1995 Japanese movie “Love Letter”, adding to its romantic appeal.
Due to bad weather, the ropeway might be closed during the winter months. Even so, the area still offers a quiet, peaceful mountain setting with snow-covered landscapes and scenic views. The mountain’s name comes from “Tengu,” a legendary creature from Japanese mythology said to protect the mountains. Large Tengu masks can be seen near the summit, adding a fun cultural touch.
🍽️ Dinner Options in Otaru
Dinner plans at Soyogi Tempura, a well-known restaurant near Otaru Station, may require a reservation in advance. Walk-in attempts are often not accepted during busy hours.
Luckily, Otaru offers many excellent dining alternatives:
- Naruto Chicken – Famous for crispy, juicy fried chicken
- Otaru Sushi Street – A row of sushi restaurants serving fresh, local seafood
- Denuki Koji – A retro-style food alley near the canal, filled with izakayas and street food stalls
🌃 Night View & Departure
A final stroll along the Otaru Canal at night offers a peaceful way to end the trip. The gas lamps and soft snow create a calming, romantic atmosphere before heading back to Sapporo.
🎡 Places Worth Visiting Next Time
A one-day trip only scratches the surface. For future visits, consider exploring:
- Otaru Aquarium – Featuring marine life native to Hokkaido
- Otaru City Museum – Showcasing the city’s history, railway heritage, and development
- Otaru Seaside Theme Park – Complete with a ferris wheel offering ocean views
🧳 Final Thoughts
Otaru is the perfect blend of history, scenery, and comfort food—especially magical in winter. With easy access from Sapporo, it’s ideal for a day trip, but there’s definitely enough to see and do for a longer stay.
Whether it’s the snowy canal views, sweet treats, or quiet moments on a mountain, Otaru leaves a lasting impression—and always gives a reason to come back.
📌 Otaru Day Trip Itinerary Overview:
- Train from Sapporo to Otaru
- Otaru Canal walk
- Street food: Unga-ya buns, Kuwataya Panju
- Sakaimachi Street stroll (LeTAO, Rokkatei, Kitakaro)
- Otaru Music Box Museum & Steam Clock
- Tenguyama mountain view (ropeway closed due to weather)
- Attempted dinner at Soyogi Tempura
- Night view along Otaru Canal
- Return to Sapporo
