Trips from Niseko: A Day in Otaru

Just north of Niseko, an hour and a half drive away, is the port city of Otaru. Reminiscent of a past quite different from the rest of Japan with its brick storehouses lining up the famous Otaru Canal and the charming western-style buildings spread across the city, it’s no wonder that Otaru has become one of the most popular cities to visit in Hokkaido. If you’re staying in Niseko, a day trip to Otaru is definitely worth doing.

Walk the Streets of Otaru

Visit the Museums

Otaru has its share of interesting museums as well, starting with their very own Museum of Venetian Art. Opened by a local glass producer, Kitaichi, the five-floor museum showcases Venetian-style glass work, paintings, and even a gondola. If you are a lover of music boxes, Japan’s largest music box store is in Otaru - the Music Box Museum. Peruse the enormous collection of 80,000 different music boxes in 5,000 different kinds inside the museum, and even get to take home your very own customized music box. Train and transportation lovers will enjoy a trip to Otaru’s Railway Museum where you can see an exhibit of multiple full-sized trains used in different periods of time. Those interested in finance and banks can head on over to The Bank of Japan Museum where you can not only admire the building’s Renaissance-style architecture, but also learn about the history of the Bank of Japan.  

Try the Local Food Specialties

When in Otaru, sushi is a must-try. Facing the Ishikari Bay and Sea of Japan, you are sure to have some of the freshest seafood in the area. You will never run out of options on where to eat sushi, especially in Sushi Street where you can choose from 26 different sushi restaurants - some of which have been running for over 70 years. Another place to visit for fresh seafood is the Sankaku Market, also known as Otaru’s Kitchen. Bustling with locals and tourists, this is the place to go to find some of the freshest seafood from fish to crabs to sea urchins. A must-eat in this area is the seafood rice bowl. 

Enjoy the Desserts

Desserts are also a must-try when in Otaru, including the world-famous LeTAO cheesecakes that originated in this very city. Numerous branches are spread out all over the city where you can try cheesecakes, chocolates, soft serve ice creams and more. Speaking of ice cream, the 8-layer rainbow ice cream is also a must-try in Otaru. If cream puffs and baumkuchen cakes are more to your liking, head on over to Kitakaro, a well-known Japanese confectionery store.

End the day at Mt. Tengu’s summit

After a long day of exploring Otaru City, complete your day trip with an overlooking view of the city at night on top of Mt. Tengu. Accessible by a 4-minute ropeway ride, you are treated to a spectacular bird’s eye view of not only Otaru, but also of Ishikari Bay, Otaru Port, and even the Shakotan Peninsula on a particularly good day.