Otaru, Hokkaido
Local Guide
7 recommended sightseeing spots in Otaru to enjoy even on rainy days

The nostalgic streets of Otaru stir up a sense of travel. It is fun to stroll around with a camera in hand, but there are many places where you can fully enjoy Otaru's charms even in unfavorable weather. Here we introduce some of the sightseeing spots where you can enjoy the history and culture of Otaru as a prosperous port town, as well as the rich natural environment and experience programs at Property and other facilities.

Aquarium with marine life and scale typical of Hokkaido

The familiar hokke swims freely at the table. You can see them only at an aquarium in Hokkaido.
The familiar hokke swims freely at the table. You can see them only at an aquarium in Hokkaido.

This aquarium is located about a 15-minute drive from downtown Otaru. It features a permanent exhibition of more than 250 species of marine mammals and fish. The “Ocean Panorama Circulating Tank,” where large sharks and schools of rays swim gracefully, is a sight you’ll never tire of watching.
In addition to being the only aquarium in Japan to house and exhibit the globally rare pygmy dolphin, it also boasts the largest population of seals and Steller’s sea lions in the country. With Japan’s largest specimen of the freshwater fish Ito, as well as the world’s largest species of flatfish—the halibut—and giant Pacific octopuses, visitors will be amazed by the sheer scale of the exhibit, befitting the vastness of Hokkaido.

Dolphin shows and a 3°C touch pool

The Otaria and dolphin events, “Otaria Time” and “Dolphin Time,” are held indoors, so you can enjoy them comfortably even in rainy weather
The Otaria and dolphin events, “Otaria Time” and “Dolphin Time,” are held indoors, so you can enjoy them comfortably even in rainy weather

At the Dolphin Stadium, you can watch performances by bottlenose dolphins and Otaria (a type of sea lion). The sheer power of the bottlenose dolphins as they leap through the air, sending water spraying high, combined with the charm of the Otaria, whose humorous acts are sure to bring a smile to your face, will captivate everyone from children to adults.
The “Touch Area: Sawatte E-Zone” is a spot where you can touch marine life that inhabits Hokkaido’s waters, such as starfish and the northern purple sea urchin. There’s also a touch pool maintained at 3°C—the same temperature as the sea off Otaru in the dead of winter—where you’re sure to gain a real sense of the resilience of creatures living in these frigid waters.


Local Guide

An audio guide is available by scanning the "Otaru Aquarium's 10 Creatures" QR code with a smart phone. There are two versions: a Hokkaido dialect version and a virtual character "Koharurikka" (Rokka Koharu) version using voice synthesizing software.

Otaru Aquarium
  • Address 3-303, Shukuzu, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Otaru Stn. and get off at Otaru Aquarium.
  • Business Hours 9:00-17:00 (10:00-16:00 in winter)
    *Closing hours may change depending on the season. Check the website for details.
  • Closed Late February to mid-March, late November to mid-December
    Kaijyu Park and the amusement park are closed in winter.
  • Admission Fee Winter (mid-December to late February): High school students and older: 1,300 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 500 yen, infants (3 years and older): 300 yen
    Normal (mid-March to late November): 1,800 yen for high school students and older, 700 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and 350 yen for infants (3 years old and older).
  • Phone 0134-33-1400
  • Parking Admission charged (free in winter)

Four museums in historical buildings

The majestic space with stained glass windows is breathtakingly beautiful.
The majestic space with stained glass windows is breathtakingly beautiful.

The “Otaru Art Village” utilizes historic buildings that preserve traces of Otaru’s development from the Meiji era through the early Shōwa era to exhibit outstanding works of art and crafts from Japan and abroad.
The “Stained Glass Museum,” housed in the former Arata Shokai building and the former Takahashi Warehouse, displays approximately 100 pieces of stained glass created in England from the late 19th to the early 20th century. It is a rare museum where visitors can view up close works that once adorned church windows and served as a vessel for prayer.

Enjoy domestic and foreign art works and architectural styles reflecting the times to your heart's content

The Nitori Art Museum houses many masterpieces that colored the world of Japanese painting from the Taisho to Showa periods.
The Nitori Art Museum houses many masterpieces that colored the world of Japanese painting from the Taisho to Showa periods.

The “Nitori Art Museum,” housed in the former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch, exhibits Japanese paintings by artists such as Yokoyama Taikan, as well as Western-style paintings from Japan and abroad, including works by Kishida Ryusei.At the “Western Art Museum,” housed in the former Naniwa Warehouse on the banks of the Otaru Canal, visitors can admire Western artworks such as Art Nouveau glassware and furniture. At the “Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch,” visitors can tour the interior of the bank building, which has been designated a National Important Cultural Property.The projection mapping displayed across the entire ceiling of the atrium is a must-see.Additionally, the “Ukiyo-e Museum,” newly opened in 2025, is Hokkaido’s only museum dedicated exclusively to ukiyo-e. The special exhibitions, which showcase approximately 1,600 works from the collection organized by theme, are so engaging that you’ll want to visit again and again; we recommend taking advantage of the great value 5-Museum Combined Pass to explore them at your leisure.


Local Guide

The architectural styles reflecting the times and the delicate and beautiful designs can only be found in an art museum that utilizes historical buildings. The lighting also uses vintage artwork, and there is much more to see than just the exhibits.

Otaru Art Village
  • Address 1-3-1 Shikinai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from JR Otaru Station
  • Hours of Operation May–October: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
    November–April: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
    *Last admission is 30 minutes before closing
    *Opening hours are subject to change
  • Closed The 4th Wednesday of every month from May to October, every Wednesday from November to April (open if the Wednesday falls on a national holiday, closed the following day), year-end and New Year's holidays
    *Subject to temporary closures or changes in closing dates due to the holding of special exhibitions or changes in exhibits, etc.
  • Admission Fee Combined Ticket for 5 Museums: Adults 3,500 yen, College Students 2,700 yen, High School Students 2,100 yen, Middle School Students 1,400 yen, Elementary School Students 900 yen
    (Permanent Exhibition Days: Adults 3,000 yen, College Students 2,300 yen, High School Students 1,800 yen, Middle School Students 1,200 yen, Elementary School Students 800 yen
    Museum of Western Art, Nitori Art Museum, and Stained Glass Art Museum: General admission 1,200 yen; college students 1,000 yen; high school students 800 yen; middle school students 600 yen; elementary school students 400 yen
    Ukiyo-e Museum: General admission 1,400 yen, college students 1,000 yen, high school students 800 yen, middle school students 600 yen, elementary school students 400 yen
    Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch: General admission 500 yen, college students 400 yen, high school students 300 yen, middle and elementary school students 200 yen
  • Phone 0134-31-1033
  • Parking Discounts are available at partner parking lots when purchasing a combined ticket for all 5 museums

The "Main Building" with a collection of railroad cars of high historical value

Shizuka, one of the steam locomotives that supported the early days of Hokkaido's railroads
Shizuka, one of the steam locomotives that supported the early days of Hokkaido's railroads

The Otaru City Museum is divided into two sections: the Main Building and the Canal Building. The main building is located on the site of the former Temiya Station on the Temiya Line, the birthplace of Hokkaido's railroad system, and preserves and exhibits over 50 valuable railroad cars, including the steam locomotive "Shizuka-go," which is designated as a railroad monument. There is also a science exhibition room and a special exhibition room, where exhibits on various themes such as Otaru's history, nature, and science are held from time to time. The projection mapping showing the history of Otaru's railroads and the planetarium with its realistic and beautiful 4K images of the starry sky are also well worth seeing.

The Canal Pavilion, a restored merchant's house that brings back to life the prosperity of bygone days

The street scene of Otaru, lined with Taisho-era merchant houses, has been recreated
The street scene of Otaru, lined with Taisho-era merchant houses, has been recreated

The Canal Museum is located about a 20-minute walk from the Main Building and occupies part of the “Former Otaru Warehouse,” a historic structure near the Otaru Canal. Inside, exhibits showcase Otaru’s nature, flora, and fauna; the history of the Kitamaebune ships that connected Hokkaido and Honshu, as well as herring fishing; and artifacts from Jomon-period archaeological excavations.There is also a section recreating the streetscape of Otaru during the Taisho era, when the city was at the height of its prosperity, where you can try out old telephones and an organ.
A combined admission ticket valid for two days grants access to both the Main Building and the Canal Hall. This allows you to take your time exploring at your own pace, depending on the weather and your itinerary.


Local Guide

Otaru Museum's Twitter (@OtaruMuseum) is worth reading. Daily updates on what's new at the museum, behind-the-scenes stories of special exhibitions, and daily life in Otaru are written on Twitter, and you can feel the love for the museum and Otaru.

Otaru City Museum
  • Address Main Building: 1-3-6 Temiya, Otaru City, Hokkaido
    Canal Building: 2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru City, Hokka ido MAP
  • Direction Main Building: Take a bus from JR Otaru Station and get off at “Sogo Hakubutsukan” (Comprehensive Museum); the museum is right there.
    Canal Building: 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station
  • Business hours 9:30-17:00
  • Closed Days Main Building: Tuesdays (Open on public holidays; closed the following weekday), Year-end and New Year holidays *Subject to temporary closures
    Canal Hall: Year-end and New Year holidays *Subject to temporary closures
  • Admission Fee Main Building: Adults 400 yen (300 yen during winter), high school students 200 yen (150 yen during winter), junior high school students and younger free (Combined ticket valid for the Main Building, Canal Hall, and Former Nippon Yusen Building: Adults 600 yen, high school students 300 yen)
    Canal Hall: Adults 300 yen, high school students 150 yen, middle school students and younger free (Combined tickets available for admission to the Main Building, Canal Hall, and the Former Nippon Yusen Building)
    *Winter rates apply from early November through late April. During this period, some outdoor exhibits are not open to the public
  • Phone Main Building: 0134-33-2523
    Canal Hall: 0134-22-1258
  • Parking Free

The elegant life of the Venetian aristocracy is recreated.

Don't miss the precious gondola that former Princess Diana of Wales actually rode in Venice.
Don't miss the precious gondola that former Princess Diana of Wales actually rode in Venice.

This museum is based on the concept of the aristocratic lifestyle of Venice, the ancient capital of Italy. Since Otaru and Venice have many things in common, such as canals, glass crafts, and maritime trade, the museum exhibits Venetian glass crafts collected by Kitaichi Glass, one of Otaru's representative glassworks, as well as traditional Italian furniture and furnishings.
The model for the stately exterior is the existing "Palazzo Grassi" in Venice. The exhibition rooms are divided into a reception room, a study, and a bedroom, reproducing the elegant life of the aristocracy. The "Aristocrats' Living Room" is decorated with table decorations for each of the four seasons, and some visitors come back season after season.

A Memorable Costume Culture Experience

A variety of gorgeous costumes reminiscent of 18th century Italy, where court culture flourished.
A variety of gorgeous costumes reminiscent of 18th century Italy, where court culture flourished.

The “Aristocratic Experience & Photo Session” corner on the second floor is a popular spot where you can have your photo taken in Italian-style aristocratic costumes. The costumes are custom-made by an Italian dressmaker, with a variety of options available for both men and women, ranging from adult to children’s sizes.Choose your favorite outfit, slip it on, and step in front of the camera to feel like an elegant Venetian noble.
In addition to the “Dress Experience,” which includes professional dressing assistance, there’s also the casual “Carnival Experience,” where you simply drape the costume over your clothes. Walk-ins are accepted, but advance reservations are recommended if your time is limited.


Local Guide

On rainy days, the glass does not reflect Nikko as much, allowing visitors to appreciate its true beauty. Please enjoy the charm of Venetian glass, which has a history of more than 1,000 years.

Kitaichi Venetian Art Museum
  • Address 5-27 Sakai-cho, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from JR Minami-Otaru Stn.
  • Hours of Operation 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Last admission at 4:30 p.m.) *The museum shop on the 1st floor is open until 6:00 p.m.
    *Hours may vary depending on special exhibitions, etc.
  • Closed Open daily
    The museum may be closed for exhibition changes.
  • Admission Fee Admission: General 500 yen, College Students 350 yen, High School Students 300 yen, Elementary and Junior High School Students 100 yen
    Costume Culture Experience: [Dress Experience] Junior High School Students and older 2,000 yen, Elementary School Students and younger 1,500 yen
    [Carnival Experience] Junior high school students and older: 500 yen; Elementary school students and younger: 300 yen
    [Photo Fees] Instax-style (L size): 700 yen,Cabinet (2L size) 700 yen (2,000 yen with frame), B5 size 1,200 yen (3,000 yen with frame), A4 size 1,500 yen (3,500 yen with frame)
  • Phone 0134-33-1717
  • Parking Special Parking available
  • Note The “Aristocrat Experience” and commemorative photo session require a photo fee (one photo per group is also acceptable). Photos are handed out on the day of the session or mailed later

Premium tour of the factory to learn about the "present" state of winemaking

Tour the factory with explanations by winery Staff/staff members.
Tour the factory with explanations by winery Staff/staff members.

Since its founding in 1974 (Showa 49), “Hokkaido Wine” has remained committed to producing “Japanese wine” made entirely from domestically grown grapes and manufactured in Japan.The company grows grapes at its own vineyard—Japan’s largest—in Urausu Town and crafts its wines at its headquarters and winery, located on a mountainside overlooking the sea in Otaru.
The “Hokkaido Winery Tour” features historical explanations by expert staff members, an immersive experience in the virtual vineyard,a tour of the oak barrel aging cellar, a demonstration of bottle-fermented sparkling wine production, a tasting of five different wines paired with local snacks in the special underground tasting room “Keller3,” and a wine lecture—all in a roughly 90-minute tour that lets you fully immerse yourself in the world of wine.

Enjoy tasting and shopping for high-end wines

Wine tasting in the special underground tasting room “Keller3”
Wine tasting in the special underground tasting room “Keller3”

After fully enjoying the charms of Hokkaido wine with your eyes and palate, be sure to shop at the “Otaru Wine Gallery,” the factory-direct retail shop attached to the winery. In addition to about 100 varieties of wine, the shop offers a diverse selection of locally produced cheeses, hams, sausages, and smoked meats, making for a delightful shopping experience.
The Hokkaido Winery Tour requires advance reservations via the website, but same-day reservations are also accepted by phone.


Local Guide

Baby wine" in the process of fermentation is available during the beginning of the winemaking season. It is only available during the fall fermentation period, so if your itinerary allows, don't miss it. Please inquire for the sales timing.

Otaru Wine Gallery
  • Address 1-130 Asarigawa hot spring, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 13 min. drive from JR Otaru Chikko Station
  • Business hours 9:00-17:00
  • Closed Year-end and New Year's holidays
  • Admission Fee Hokkaido Winery Tour: 7,700 yen per person
    *Duration: Approximately 90 minutes (may vary depending on the number of participants)
  • Phone 0134-34-2187
  • Parking Free

The Four Seasons Brewery, a rarity in Japan, is open for tours at any time of the year

Feel free to ask a staff member at the store for more information
Feel free to ask a staff member at the store for more information

Otaru's only sake brewery was established in 1899. The Kikkogura is a sake brewery built around 1905 in the former Okazaki warehouse, and is designated as a historical building by Otaru City.
Unlike regular sake breweries that brew during the cold winter months, the Kikkogura is a "four-season brewery," meaning that brewing takes place throughout the year. The brewery is open year-round, so visitors can tour the production area at any time of the year, and a tour route is provided on the second floor where, if the timing is right, visitors can watch the seriousness of the Staff/staff members engaged in the brewing process.

Taste the brewery's limited-edition sake and choose from a selection of souvenirs unique to the brewery

The “Kikkōkura” Junmai Ginjo Genshu—a sake exclusive to the Kikkōkura store that isn’t available at the main store or online—is a popular choice (product name and packaging subject to change).
The “Kikkōkura” Junmai Ginjo Genshu—a sake exclusive to the Kikkōkura store that isn’t available at the main store or online—is a popular choice (product name and packaging subject to change).

Tanaka Shuzo’s sake is a junmai sake brewed using 100% Hokkaido-grown rice and underground spring water from Otaru’s Tenguyama. After the tour, you can enjoy free tastings of their flagship brand, “Takaragawa,” as well as their “Junmai Shiboritate Nama Genshu” (freshly pressed, unpasteurized sake) straight from the brewery.
The first-floor retail area features a lineup of sake—including brewery-exclusive and seasonal varieties—as well as liqueurs made from Shiribeshi-grown fruits, authentic mirin, and dorayaki made with sake lees in the dough. Since none of these items are available in Sapporo or at New Chitose Airport, they make excellent souvenirs unique to Otaru.


Local Guide

The main store near the Otaru Canal is also a historical exhibition building of Otaru City, and has an atmosphere of the good old days. The main store also offers limited edition sake, so if you are a sake lover, be sure to visit this store as well.

Tanaka Sake Brewery Kamegokura
  • Address 2-2 Shinko-cho, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 5 min. walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station
  • Business Hours 9:05-17:55
    Tours of the turtle warehouse are available until 17:30 (10-15 minutes)
  • Closed No
  • Phone 0134-21-2390
  • Parking Free
  • Memo Tanaka Sake Brewery Head Office
    Address: 3-2-5 Shikinai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido
    Business hours: 9:05-17:55
    Phone: 0134-23-0390

The culmination of Meiji Bank architecture that was unique in the Wall Street of the North

The former sales floor in the atrium with a corridor is now open to the public as the
The former sales floor in the atrium with a corridor is now open to the public as the "Historical Exhibition Zone.

The former Otaru Branch of the Bank of Japan was completed in 1912 in the Ironai district of Otaru City, which was known as the "Wall Street of the North. It is now a financial museum that introduces the history of the Bank of Japan and its financial structure.
The building was designed by Kingo Tatsuno and his students, who also designed the red-brick Tokyo Station. The exterior of the building, with its four domes and watchtower on the roof, and architectural techniques that introduced steel frames, mortar, and concrete, the latest construction materials of the time, are said to be the culmination of bank architecture of the Meiji period. The majestic appearance of the building must have made it stand out on Wall Street in the north.

Various trivia about money that you might want to share with someone

There’s also a corner where you can lift a replica 100-million-yen bill to experience its weight
There’s also a corner where you can lift a replica 100-million-yen bill to experience its weight

Banking operations were conducted at the former Otaru Branch of the Bank of Japan until 2002 (Heisei 14), and the interior of the vault that was actually used has been recreated.The display of 100 billion yen in replica banknotes stacked high is incredibly realistic. There’s also a case filled with 1 billion yen worth of banknotes that were cut up after becoming unusable, as well as a hands-on corner where you can experience anti-counterfeiting technology—offering a refreshing opportunity to look at everyday money from a new perspective.
The museum shop sells items such as “banknote rice crackers” featuring banknote designs and “banknote face towels” printed with banknote patterns. These are sure to be popular as unique souvenirs from Otaru.


Local Guide

Guided tours of the exhibits are held every open day at 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, each lasting about 30 minutes. This is a valuable opportunity to make new discoveries you might not notice just by viewing the exhibits on your own.

Bank of Japan Former Otaru Branch Financial Reference Center
  • Address 1-11-16 Shikouchi, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from JR Otaru Station
  • Business Hours April-November: 9:30-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
    December - March: 10:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:30)
  • Closed Days Closed on Wednesdays (open if Wednesday is a holiday) and during the year-end and New Year holidays.
    *Temporary closures may occur due to exhibition changes, etc.
  • Admission Fee Free admission
  • Phone 0134-21-1111
  • Parking None

MAP

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*The information provided is current as of the article’s update date. Please check in advance before visiting, as details are subject to change.