Otaru, Hokkaido
Local Guide
3 Must-Visit Cafes in Otaru: Savour History and Enjoy Stunning Views

A charming townscape steeped in history. A rolling landscape overlooking the blue sea. The city of Otaru, with its many different facets, is home to numerous cafes, each with its own unique character. From cafes offering one-of-a-kind panoramic views to spots where you can enjoy Instagram-worthy stylish sweets and limited-edition menus, here are the cafes you’ll definitely want to visit when you come to Otaru.

Fantastic tea time healed by soft light

The “Hokuitto Special Milk Tea Soft-Serve Ice Cream” and the space lit only by lamp light soothe the soul
The “Hokuitto Special Milk Tea Soft-Serve Ice Cream” and the space lit only by lamp light soothe the soul

"Kitaichi Glass Building No. 3," located on Sakaimachi Street, the heart of Otaru tourism.“Kitaichi Hall” is a café located inside a storehouse that was originally a fishing warehouse from the mid-Meiji period and has since been renovated. In keeping with the history of Kitaichi Glass—which began with the manufacture of kerosene lamps—the interior lighting uses no electricity whatsoever, relying solely on the glow of kerosene lamps. Guests can enjoy meals, desserts, and drinks amid a dimly lit, magical atmosphere.The “Kitaichi Special Milk Tea Soft Serve,” made with Royal Milk Tea—carefully brewed using Hokkaido milk—is a popular menu item loved by people of all ages. It’s a treat where the smooth richness of the soft serve and the aroma of black tea create an elegant aftertaste.

Don't miss the lighting process of bringing 167 lamps to life!

Live piano performances are held three times a day from Tuesday to Friday afternoon. Capturing a video with the flickering lights of the lamps will be a wonderful memory of your trip!
Live piano performances are held three times a day from Tuesday to Friday afternoon. Capturing a video with the flickering lights of the lamps will be a wonderful memory of your trip!

There are 167 oil lamps decorating the interior of the store. If you enter the store when it opens, you can watch the staff/staff members light each lamp one by one. The lamps are brought to life one by one, and when all the lamps are lit, the chandelier is slowly raised to the ceiling, like a solemn ceremony. The wooden frame and stone walls of the warehouse float in the flickering light of the lamps, making us forget for a moment about our busy daily lives. Lamps and glasses used in the Kitaichi Hall are sold in the adjacent store and are recommended as souvenirs.

Local Guide
Supporters

Hokui Glass Building No. 3 is considered a pioneer in the renovation of stone warehouses in Otaru. In addition to Hokui Hall, there are many other photogenic spots steeped in history, so be sure to take your time exploring them.

Kitaichi Glass Building No. 3, Kitaichi Hall
  • Address 7-26 Sakai-cho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station
  • Hours of Operation 9:00-17:30
  • Closed No holidays
  • TEL 0134-33-1993
  • Parking Special Parking available

The Experience of the cream pouring out of the cream is a delight to behold!

“Fluffy and Creamy Cheese Soufflé ~All About Strawberries~” (includes a drink)
“Fluffy and Creamy Cheese Soufflé ~All About Strawberries~” (includes a drink)

"Otaru Western Confectionery LeTAO," a popular mail-order dessert brand, operates seven stores with different concepts throughout Otaru City. Among them, "LeTAO Pathos"—the largest of the group—features a café on the second floor where you can enjoy lunch, desserts, and drinks.
The most popular item is the "Fluffy and Creamy Cheese Soufflé."This interactive dessert features a dome-shaped cheese soufflé wrapped in plastic film; you top it with a generous amount of the accompanying fresh whipped cream and freely draw patterns with fruit sauce to finish it off. Don’t forget to get your camera ready when you lift the film at the end. You won’t want to miss the moment when the soft whipped cream pours out all at once and the fruit sauce spreads out like a blooming flower.

Enjoy the charm of Lutao to the fullest at the store on the first floor

Lutao's largest store space is filled with the charm of sweets!
Lutao's largest store space is filled with the charm of sweets!

Lutao Patos is located on Sakaimachi-dori Avenue, which is crowded with popular tourist spots and souvenir stores, and the store on the first floor offers a wide variety of products perfect as souvenirs, including popular sweets such as "Deubourre Fromage," which has become synonymous with Lutao. Visitors can enjoy shopping at their leisure in the spacious store. There is also a take-out corner with items such as "Creme Glace" and freshly baked cheese tart "Venezia Rendez-Vous (mini)," making it a great place for those who want to enjoy all the charms of Lutao at once.

Local Guide
Supporters

Since the main store is larger than the nearby Lutao, it is often easier to get in even when the main store is crowded. It is also fun to visit both stores and taste their exclusive menus.

Lutao Patos
  • Address 5-22 Sakai-cho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station
  • Business Hours Shop: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, Café: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (Last Order 5:30 PM)
  • Closed No holidays
  • TEL 0120-31-4521 (9:00-18:00)
    *Lutao's inquiry dial direct
  • Parking Special Parking available

A café with a spectacular ocean view and a wide variety of menu items

“Curry with Braised Pork” (includes a drink), limited to 20 servings per day
“Curry with Braised Pork” (includes a drink), limited to 20 servings per day

View Cafe Your Time, located on a hill in the Harasu area, about 20 minutes by car from Otaru toward Sapporo, is a café with a spectacular view overlooking the Otaru Sea. The menu offers a wide variety of food, desserts, and beverages, making it a fun place to rack your brains. The "Kakuni-no-No-Top Curry," popular since its opening, is a curry with a distinctive aroma and spiciness made from a mixture of several spices. Everything is handmade, including the pork stewed in black tea, seasoned braised egg, and sweet-and-sour pickles with tomatoes. Limited dessert plates and drinks are available seasonally, so you will never run out of things to do whenever you visit.

Be enchanted by the seasonal seaside scenery

A view so spectacular you'll want to spend less time looking at your smartphone
A view so spectacular you'll want to spend less time looking at your smartphone

Taking advantage of its location on a steep cliff, every seat has an ocean view. Ebisu Island floating in the Ishikari Bay is also a picturesque sight. The JR Hakodate Line, which runs from Otaru to Sapporo, runs along the coast below, and the sound of the train, occasionally mixed with jazz from the speakers, stirs up a sense of travel. A herring herd heralds the arrival of spring. The clear blue of the summer sky and the azure of the sea. The golden autumn dusk. The silvery winter waves reflecting the snowy sky. The seasonal scenes, which never look the same for a single moment, are one of the reasons why you will want to visit this store again and again.

Local Guide
Supporters

In addition to the spectacular view of the sea from the hilltop, another attraction is the limited-edition sweets that appear seasonally. The delicate flavors that make the most of seasonal ingredients and the beautiful, photo-worthy presentation show the restaurant's heartfelt hospitality.

View Cafe Your Time
  • Address 351 Usui-cho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 7 minutes drive from JR Zenibako Station
  • Business hours 11:00-19:00
  • Closed Days Tuesdays (Tuesdays through Thursdays during winter)
  • TEL 0134-62-1239
  • Parking Free of charge

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.