Discover Otaru's new attractions! 6 Activities to Enjoy at the Sea, in the Mountains, and in the Town
Otaru's charm lies not only in its retro townscape with its historic buildings, but also in the abundant nature that stretches nearby. Why not discover a new way to enjoy Otaru with a different kind of activity? We will introduce outdoor leisure activities that are unique to Otaru surrounded by the sea and mountains, as well as experiences that will make your regular town tour even more enjoyable.
1Ryugu Cruise “Blue Grotto Area Course”
Breathtaking blue miracle created by nature
From April through October, “Ryugu Cruise” offers a 70-minute boat tour around Otaru’s Blue Cave; the waiting room and boarding area are located about a 15-minute walk from Otaru Station.Along the route toward the cave, the scenic beauty of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Coast Quasi-National Park unfolds one after another, offering a view you’ll never tire of. The Otaru Coast Marine Park area, where the boat turns around, is particularly beautiful, presenting a fantastical landscape created by the interplay of rock strata and the sea surface.You’ll be captivated by a mystical world beyond human comprehension, woven from the succession of sea-eroded cliffs formed over many years and the crystal-clear sea.
Enjoy the spectacular view from the sea and encounter with wild animals
The powerboats of the "Ryugong Cruise" are comfortable, with all seats facing the direction of travel. The experienced "captain" will introduce you to the sights in an entertaining talk.
In addition to the dynamic and spectacular spots where untouched nature is woven together, encountering a variety of wild animals is also a pleasure on the cruise. Seagulls and petrels that chase the boat are familiar and cute companions on the cruise. In early spring, if you are lucky, you may see a school of sea lions or dolphins relaxing on the rocks.
Local Guide
Supporters
Includes seagull feeding, a huge hit with both adults and children. Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy the activity.
- Ryugu Cruise
-
4-5 Minato-cho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido MAP
15 min. walk from JR Otaru Station
8:30-18:00 (varies according to the season)
Closed during bad weather from April to October and winter from November to March
Blue Cave Area Course: Adults 5,500 yen, Junior High School Students–22 years old 5,000 yen, Ages 3–Elementary School Students 3,500 yen
0134-32-3911
Free of charge
3 years old to 80 years old
Please check our website for details on the “Blue Cave Area Tour.”
2SAVE BLEU Sup Labo St. "SUP Touring
Try popular marine activities in Otaru's waters
SUP stands for "stand up paddleboard," an activity in which you stand on a board similar to a surfboard and paddle through the water. It can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults, and is gaining popularity around the world.
SAVE BLEU Sup Labo St." offers SUP touring from June to September at the Shiotani Coast on the outskirts of Otaru City. The Shiotani Coast is known for its high transparency, and the exhilaration of paddling out into the crystal clear ocean, where you can see the bottom of the ocean from the top of your SUP, is irresistible. There is a shared tour (about 1.5 hours) for beginners and a private tour (about 2 hours) limited to one pair per day, so you can choose according to your experience and preferences.
The comfort of the waves and the feeling of freedom are addictive!
No special skills are required for SUP. Those who are not comfortable paddling standing up can paddle on their knees, or lie down on the board and relax while swaying. With the support of the guide staff/staff members who are well versed in the waters of Otaru, you can also visit spots with spectacular views that can only be seen from the sea.
You can go out to the sea even on rainy days as long as the waves are not too high, so you can plan your itinerary without worrying about the weather. Once you experience the liberating feeling of being one with the magnificent ocean, you will be addicted to it.
Local Guide
Supporters
Free rental service of wetsuits and boots is available when the water temperature is low.
- SAVE BLEU Sup Labo St., St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
-
- 1-23-35 Zenibako, Otaru City, Hokkaido, SAVEBLEU Reception Desk MAP
- 3-minute walk from JR Zenibako Station (in Otaru City)
- 10:00–11:30, 13:00–14:30
- May–October
- Shared tours: 6,600–8,600 yen; Private tours: 10,600 yen (additional 3,000 yen for single participants)
- 090-2050-0081
- Free of charge
- Junior high school students and older (upper elementary school students can join the shared tour if accompanied by a parent or guardian)
- For more information on "SUP Touring," please visit our website.
3Haruka Horse Ranch "Horse Trekking
Try horseback riding at Harukayama, overlooking Ishikari Bay
“Haruka Horse Ranch” is a horseback riding property based on Mount Haruka, located halfway between Sapporo and Otaru. From its vantage point at the summit, offering a panoramic view of Ishikari Bay, you can Experience authentic horseback trekking.
Three courses are available year-round: the “Family Trekking” course, which is safe for families with children thanks to guide support; the “Harusta Trekking” course for beginners, which follows forest trails; and the adventurous “River-On Trekking” course, where you cross a stream to reach the summit of the neighboring mountain. You can experience a variety of horseback riding experiences tailored to your skill level.
The warmth of the horses will soothe your heart, and the magnificent scenery will make your heart pound!
The joy of riding in harmony with the horse's movements and your own body, following the guide's lectures and controlling the reins, is something that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. The horses at Haruka Horse Ranch are well-trained, obedient, and gentle. Even those who are new to horses will be charmed by their lovable nature.
Leaning into the rhythmic movements of the horses and moving forward as one, the horses and visitors will forget about their busy lives. The experience of crossing a river, passing through a forest, and looking out over Ishikari Bay with the horses will surely be an unforgettable one.
Local Guide
Supporters
The fun of holding the reins yourself, rather than pulling a horse, is exceptional. You will also become attached to the clever horses.
- Haruka Horse Lunch
-
- 397 Haruka-cho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido MAP
- 10 min. drive from JR Zenibako Station
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(Summer: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Last departure: 2:00 PM for the Riva On Trekking tour, 3:00 PM for the Hallstatt Trekking tour)
(Winter: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Last departure: 1:00 p.m. for the Rivaon Trekking tour, 2:00 p.m. for the Halstatt Trekking tour)
*Depending on snowmelt conditions, the River On Trekking (90 minutes) may be suspended from late February through mid-April. - Thursdays
- Family Hike (approx. 30 min) 8,800 yen
Hallstatt Hike (approx. 50 min) 9,900 yen
Rivaon Hike (approx. 90 min) 17,600 yen - 0134-62-4635, 090-8276-9392 (Reservations Only) *Hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
- Free of charge
- No age restrictions *Family Trekking (minimum of 3 people required; children cannot participate alone / Please be sure to provide the child’s age and height when booking), Hallstatt Trekking and Rivaon Trekking (Experience is not available for participants under 140 cm in height or weighing 90 kg or more)
- For more information on horse trekking, please check the website.
4Otaru Tengu Mountain Ropeway “TENGUU Zip Line” “TENGUU Hot Air Balloon”
Thrilling aerial glides overlooking the city of Otaru
Mount Tengu, at an elevation of 532.4 meters, is one of Otaru’s premier scenic spots. A ropeway runs to the summit, offering breathtaking views stretching from downtown Otaru all the way to the Sea of Japan.
The summit features a wide range of properties and activities where visitors can enjoy the magnificent scenery and connect with nature.Among these, the “TENGUU Zip Line”—where you glide along a 128-meter-long wire using a pulley—is particularly popular. Gliding while looking down on the town of Otaru, which resembles a miniature garden, makes you feel as if you’re flying through the sky. Even first-time zip-line users can give it a try with ease.
Enjoy the sparkling night view from the sky
Mt. Tengu is one of the "Three Great Night Views of Hokkaido. Tenguu hot-air balloons are available to enjoy the spectacular view from an even higher vantage point: a hot-air balloon is connected to a rope at 530 meters and soars 30 meters into the sky, offering a 360° panoramic view.
The hot-air balloon ride starts at 6:00 p.m. and lasts about 5 minutes. Depending on the time of the day, you can see various aspects of Otaru, such as at dusk when the city turns orange, or after sunset when the lights of the city twinkle like jewels. The sight of hot air balloons soaring into the sky is also beautiful, and it is fun to take a picture while waiting for your ride.
Local Guide
Supporters
At the summit, there are a variety of properties—including five observation decks, a Restaurant, a shrine, a slide, and a park where you can interact with chipmunks—ensuring plenty of fun for both children and adults.
- Otaru Tengu Ropeway
-
- 2-16-15 Mogami, Otaru City, Hokkaido (Sanroku Station) MAP
- Take the bus from the Otaru Station Terminal and get off at “Tenguyama Ropeway”; the location is right there
- 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (Last uphill ropeway at 8:48 p.m.) *Operating periods and times are subject to change
- Ropeway: Open daily *May be suspended for maintenance in April and November
- Ropeway (Round-trip): Summer (Junior high school students and older: 1,800 yen; Elementary school students: 900 yen), Winter (Junior high school students and older: 2,000 yen; Elementary school students: 1,000 yen) *One preschooler rides free with each paying adult
TENGUU Zip Line: 1,200 yen per ride
TENGUU Hot Air Balloon: Junior high school students and older 3,800 yen; ages 4–elementary school students 2,800 yen; ages 3 and under free - 0134-33-7381
- Free of charge
- TENGUU Zip Line: Elementary school students and older (not available for those under 120 cm in height or weighing 120 kg or more)
TENGUU Hot Air Balloon: Junior high school students and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian - The TENGUU Zip Line operates during the summer season (may be closed on weekdays), and the TENGUU Hot Air Balloon operates from mid-May to mid-October (hot air balloon rides may be canceled due to wind conditions).
*Please check the website for details.
5Ebisuya Otaru "Rickshaw".
Enjoy a leisurely and comfortable tour of the city in a jinrikisha, a small rickshaw.
If you are visiting Otaru for the first time, we recommend taking a rickshaw ride and enjoying a leisurely tour of the city. You will not have to worry about getting lost or finding a parking lot, and you will be able to visit the sights efficiently.
Ebisuya Otaru offers four different courses of rickshaw rides that cover a wide variety of attractions, from a course around the Otaru Canal to a course that takes you through Otaru's historical streets and rich natural scenery. The jinrikisha rickshaws are available around Otaru Canal and Sakaimachi-dori Street, which are the must-visit areas for tourists, and are ready for use as soon as you feel like it.
Guided tours and photo tours of hidden gems
Conversation with a jinrikisha rickshaw driver, who is full of personality, is one of the attractions of the rickshaw. They will introduce you to the sights and trivia of the sights with their professional knowledge of the town of Otaru and their pleasant talk. Sometimes they will take you to hidden places that most tourists don't know about, or to narrow alleys that are inaccessible by car. If you are in doubt about where to eat lunch or dinner, you can ask them for information about local gourmet food.
Rickshaw rides go well with Otaru's retro cityscape. The jinrikisha rickshaw drivers know all the photo-worthy spots and how to take pictures, and they are happy to help you take great photos that you cannot take by yourself.
Local Guide
Supporters
The jinrikisha are all very service-oriented. They will tell you about the charms of Otaru that you won't find in guidebooks.
- Ebisuya Otaru
-
- 2-8-7 Shikinai, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
- 10 min. walk from JR Otaru Sta.
- 9:30 - sunset (until 20:00 from July to September)
- Open daily (may be closed in winter due to weather)
- 1 section: 4,000 yen for 1 person, 5,000 yen for 2 persons, 9,000 yen for 3 persons
30-minute charter: 1 person 9,000 yen, 2 persons 10,000 yen, 3 persons 19,000 yen
60-minute charter: 1 person 16,000 yen, 2 persons 20,000 yen, 3 persons 36,000 yen
120-minute charter: 31,000 yen for 1 person, 38,000 yen for 2 persons, 69,000 yen for 3 persons
For 3 persons, 2 cars are available. - 0134-27-7771
- No parking (use nearby toll parking)
6Otaru Tourism Promotion Public Corporation "Otaru Sea Sightseeing Boat
Take a small boat trip to discover the spectacular scenery of the Sea of Japan
The coastal area from Otaru to Shakotan Peninsula is in the "Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Coast National Park," where rock surfaces eroded by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan form a unique landscape. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery created by nature from the sea on the Otaru Sea Sightseeing Boat.
The most popular route, "Otamoi Passage," allows you to fully enjoy the dynamic scenic beauty of the Otamoi Coast, where a series of precipitous cliffs form a series of cliffs. There is also the "Shukutsu Passage," which is convenient as a means of transportation to sightseeing spots such as the Otaru Aquarium and the Nishin Goten, and the "Akaiwa Passage," which offers a mini cruise to Akaiwa Beach, just before Otamoi Coast.
The scenery of cliffs and oddly shaped rocks is breathtaking.
If you are going to go to the trouble of taking an ocean sightseeing boat, we recommend the Otamoi Passage, which is full of sights to see. Cliffs and oddly shaped rocks rise out of the cobalt blue sea, called "Shakotan blue." You can also see traces of Otamoi Amusement Park, a huge phantom resort that disappeared shortly after the end of World War II. There are many spots that can only be seen from the sea, and you cannot take your eyes off them.
Birdwatching is also a pleasure on the boat, with gulls flying close by, cormorants diving among the waves, and herons flapping their wings with ease. In early spring, you may even spot dolphins following the boat.
Local Guide
Supporters
From May through August, the “Sunset Cruise Route” operates with departures timed to coincide with sunset. The breathtaking view of the sea bathed in the glow of the setting sun is sure to make for a wonderful travel memory.
- Otaru Tourism Promotion Public Corporation
-
- 4-1 Minatomachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido, Otaru Port Sightseeing Boat Terminal, 1st Floor MAP
- 12 min. walk from JR Otaru Station
- 9:00-17:00 (reception)
- Open daily during business hours, closed in winter from mid-October to mid-April.
- Otamoi Route: Adults 2,400–3,600 yen, Children 1,200–1,800 yen
Akaishi Route: Adults 2,400 yen, Children 1,200 yen
Shukutsu Route: Adults 1,100 yen, Children 550 yen - 0134-29-3131
- Tourist Parking Lots No. 1 and No. 2 (paid)
- Temporary service may be increased depending on the day of the week and season.
MAP
- Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
Local Guide who was in charge of this article
OMO5 Otaru
Otaru, Hokkaido
A boutique hotel in a renovated historical building. You can enjoy a retro trip to Otaru.
Access by bus Approx. 9 min. walk from JR Otaru Sta.
- Example of Accommodation Rates
- 1 person per night From 6,000 yen