First of all, where to park your car? Read this article below. I show you a reasonable parking.
Where to Park My Car in Otaru, Long time parking and Short time parking
Otaru city map is here! (download PDF)
When visiting Otaru City, a must-see is the Otaru Canal (小樽運河) and nearby attractions like Kitaichi Glass (北一硝子) or LeTAO. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Otaru Station to the Otaru Canal. Upon exiting the station, head towards the widest road intersection behind the station—it leads directly to the Otaru Canal. Turn right and continue walking for two blocks to reach the information center housed on the Canal Bridge.
I’ll guide you through the walking route and points of interest. Start at Otaru Canal and take in the warehouses along its length. For a scenic beginning, explore the canal area and nearby restaurants offering sushi and seafood specialties before heading towards Kitaichi Glass.
Just beside the canal, you’ll find Kantaro, a renowned sushi restaurant known for its ‘Kaiten-Zushi’ style. Here, sushi plates circulate on a conveyor belt throughout the shop, allowing you to choose your favorites. Kantaro, originating from Hakodate, offers fresh and delicious sushi at reasonable prices. If you’re a sushi lover, I highly recommend visiting Kantaro.
On the opposite side of the road, you’ll find Otaru Unga Shokudo (小樽運河食堂), a restaurant mall resembling a shopping center. Here, you can select your favorite dishes from a wide variety of menu options.
After lunch, if you have time, explore the nearby shops for souvenirs. However, if you’re short on time, head to the Kitaichi Glass area, which is about a 5-10 minute walk from here. You’ll find numerous restaurants, craft shops offering souvenirs like glassware and chopsticks, as well as renowned places like Kitaichi Glass, LeTAO chocolates, and Otaru Orgel music boxes. A leisurely walk around this area promises to reveal something special for everyone.
Kamaei (かま栄) is a renowned food company in Otaru known for its kamaboko, deep-fried paste products made from fish, marine products, and vegetables. Customers visiting can enjoy free 1-hour parking and seating inside the shop.
During weekends, Kamaei’s parking lot tends to get crowded. Avoid wasting time in line by parking at Otaru’s public parking near the canal for just 600 yen per day. Avoid parking along Otaru Canal and the main streets where fees often exceed 800 yen per hour, ensuring you don’t overspend.
If the weather is fine, take your time to stroll around and explore the many souvenir shops available for shopping.
You can also find Jinrikisha (人力車) drivers around Otaru, not just near the canal. They offer rides to show you around Otaru, pulling the Jinrikisha themselves. Each car typically accommodates two passengers and the ride lasts about 30-40 minutes, with customizable options available. Feel free to ask the drivers for more details and options.
Kitaichi Glass has 6 shops in the area, and similarly, LeTAO, the chocolate shop, also has 6 shops. Each shop offers its own original items, making it enjoyable to explore all of them.
Go LeTAO, if you like Chocolate!
Take a break at Kahisa-kan coffee shop(可否茶館). A nice and famous coffee shop from Sapporo.
A small side lane with a open caffe left side.
One of the famous spots for music boxes is Otaru Orgel-Do (小樽オルゴール堂). Depending on your interests, visiting here can take between 1 to 2 hours. Keep in mind, this is just a glimpse of what Otaru has to offer for a short visit.
Access
JR train from Sapporo
- Take a Hakodate line via Otaru to Minami-Otaru station(28min) and walk 10min.
Bus from Sapporo
- Take a Bus via Otaru to Otaru station(55min) and walk 20 min.
By Car
- Take a high way to Otaru exit(25min) and 10min to Kitaichi Glass parking
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