Otaru is a port city. It is a tourist attraction that is easy to get to from Sapporo and just over an hour from New Chitose Airport. We would like to introduce you to Otaru, a charming city with a very retro streetscape.
table of contents
1. About access to Otaru
・Directions by public transportation
・Directions by car
2. Tourist attractions
・Otaru Canal
・Sakaimachi Street
・Tenguyama
3. Summary
About access from Sapporo to Otaru
![](https://hokkaido-japan.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/0d7e3d1fad19f805931a8bf8c0b93db0-765x1024.jpg)
It takes about 35 minutes from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station by JR Rapid Airport, and about 70 minutes from New Chitose Airport. During daytime hours, there are about two trains per hour, making it very easy to get to.
Wouldn’t it be nice to take a leisurely look at the streets of Hokkaido while riding the JR train?
As you approach Otaru, you can see the very beautiful sea.
You will arrive at Otaru in no time while admiring the scenery.
<Prices> As of December 2023
New Chitose Airport – Otaru
Unreserved seat 1,910 yen
Reserved seat +840 yen separately
Sapporo-Otaru
Unreserved seat 750 yen
Reserved seat +840 yen separately
Also, it takes about 50 minutes by local train from Sapporo to Otaru, so if you want to go directly from New Chitose Airport to Otaru, I think it would be best to take the direct rapid airport.
Also, both the rapid airport and local trains are quite crowded during commuting hours and returning home.
I was also riding the Airport Express train with my child after work, and it was quite difficult…
If you are traveling by car or rental car, it will take about 45 minutes from Sapporo to Otaru on the expressway, and about 1 hour and 10 minutes from New Chitose Airport.
From Sapporo Station to Otaru Station, take the Sapporo Expressway from Sapporo Kita IC and get off at Otaru IC.
From Otaru IC to Otaru Station, you will run on National Route 5 and arrive in about 10 minutes.
New Chitose Airport – Otaru – First, take Hokkaido road 130, then turn Hokkaido road 1091 along the way.
If you Hokkaido road 1091, you will enter the toll section of Hokkaido road 1175 on the way.
Follow the signs for Sapporo until you reach Otaru IC.
From Otaru IC to Otaru Station, you will run on National Route 5 and arrive in about 10 minutes.
<Notes>
If you are visiting in winter, please be aware that expressways may be closed due to snowstorms, and JR trains may be suspended.
In addition, in the case of cars, winter roads are covered with snow and ice, which can cause the steering wheel to become loose, which can cause accidents such as skidding. If you are not used to driving on winter roads, please slow down, drive safely, and enjoy your trip.
HOKKADO RALIAS COMPANDJR HP → https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp
Otaru sightseeing with attractive retro buildings
![](https://hokkaido-japan.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/e79c18718aff9a4ae2a4b1d26bcf8735-1024x723.jpg)
【Otaru Canal】
10 minutes walk from Otaru Station.
The stone warehouses, completed at the end of the Taisho era, are lit up at dusk, creating a completely different atmosphere than during the day.
There is a cruise that goes around the Otaru Canal in about 40 minutes.
When you ride a sightseeing boat, the scenery you see from the water changes and you can enjoy a very relaxing time.
You can enjoy it regardless of the season, so please give it a try.
It is also very beautiful at sunset.
An event called “Otaru Snow Light Path” is held every winter. There are several event venues, and the Otaru Canal is lit up with candlelight, making it very beautiful.
Since it is a night event, the temperature is quite low, with the maximum temperature during the day being approximately 2℃ and the minimum temperature being below -5℃. The minimum temperature can drop below -5℃.
The first time I went there, I wore light clothes and it was so cold that I couldn’t enjoy it at all, so from the second time onwards, I wore ski wear to protect myself from the cold! It’s more fun to wear warm clothes .
Everyone please take precautions against the cold and enjoy!
![](https://hokkaido-japan.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/4899068138216494366.22cca9079ec8de931005c3979567f19e.23062908-edited.jpg)
Otaru Portal HP → https://otaru.gr.jp/shop/otarucanal#
【Sakaimachi Street】
The road which entered one inside at Otaru Canal.
here is “Kitaichi Glass” which is famous in the whole country “Otaru music box temple” “LeTAO” “Kamaei”.
Kitaichi glass has many excellentpieces such as tableware andaccessories made from glass.It is a space that purifies your soul just by looking at it.
At Otaru Music Box Hall,you can freely choose your favorite music box and accessories and create your own handmade music box. The sound of a music box is truly soothing.How about using the many glass works and music boxes as mementos of Otaru or as a treat for yourself?
“Kamaei” is a historic kamaboko shop that was founded in 1905.
At the factory direct sales store, you can enjoy a factory tour and a cafe where you can enjoy freshly fried kamaboko and other products exclusive to the cafe. Of course, we also have many products to take home, so they are perfect as souvenirs from Otaru.
Enjoy the atmosphere of Sakaecho Street, lined with charming stores and its emotional streetscape!
![](https://hokkaido-japan.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5913-edited-scaled.jpg)
Sakaimachi Street HP → http://otaru-sakaimachi.com
【Tenguyama】
I arrive by a route bus from Otaru Station to the Tenguyama ropeway entrance in about 17 minutes.
532m above sea level.
It is about four minutes to the mountaintop by a ropeway of 735 meters in total length from the foot of a mountain in the time required.
There are three observation decks at the summit.There is also terrace seating where you can enjoy takeout from the CAFE while looking out over Otaru Port and the city.The night view from the top of the mountain has been selected as one of Hokkaido’s top three night views, so be sure to check out the beautiful night view.
You can also enjoy zip lines and hot air balloon rides during the summer, so enjoy the spectacular views of Otaru!
![](https://hokkaido-japan.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/a7e31ce2bb599821ad42ceabfee49aa1-edited.jpg)
Otaru tenguyama HP → https://tenguyama.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp
summary
This time, we will talk about Otaru, a tourist attraction in Hokkaido.
・Access to Otaru
・Tourist attractions: Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, Tenguyama
We introduced the following.
Otaru is also attractive for its delicious seafood dishes.
Please come to Otaru! !
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