7 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in the Otaru Area to Enjoy with Children
Otaru, which attracts many tourists from both Japan and abroad, has plenty of sightseeing spots where you can enjoy a trip with children with peace of mind. We will introduce spots perfect for creating memories on a family trip, including activities where you can fully enjoy the great outdoors and experiences that stimulate creativity and curiosity.
1Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway
A mountain slider that lets you glide through the great outdoors
Mt. Tengu is located about 15 minutes by car from downtown Otaru. When you take the ropeway to the summit, you are greeted by a superb view overlooking the city of Otaru and the Sea of Japan.
At the summit, there are many spots that both children and adults can enjoy, including five observation decks. Among them, the "Tenguyama Slider" is a popular attraction where you can slide down a 400m-long course on a bobsleigh. Since you can adjust the speed with the attached brake, you can enjoy a leisurely ride together as a parent and child, or experience the thrill of a maximum speed of 40 km/h. It is exhilarating to race through the great outdoors while feeling the refreshing breeze.
Enjoy a variety of experiences, from relaxing spots to thrilling activities
For animal lovers, we recommend the "Chipmunk Park." You can see cute chipmunks up close as they run around the park or pop their heads out of their burrows. You can also experience feeding them by purchasing "squirrel food" for 300 yen. Both children and adults will be unable to take their eyes off their adorable behavior as they skillfully peel and eat sunflower seeds.
There are also plenty of other activities, such as the "Summit Forest Bathing Course," a walking path about 1.6km long, as well as a thrilling zip line and hot air balloon rides. The "TENGUU Terrace," where you can relax and enjoy the view of Otaru Port and the city of Otaru, is also fully equipped. There is also a cafe where you can have a meal, so you can fully enjoy a family holiday.
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In winter, Mt. Tengu is very popular as a "ski resort with an ocean view." Rental services for ski equipment and wear are available, so you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding empty-handed.
- Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway
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2-16-15 Mogami, Otaru City, Hokkaido (Sanroku Station) MAP 
Take a bus from Otaru Station Terminal and get off at "Tenguyama Ropeway"
9:00–21:00 (Last ropeway ascent at 20:48) *Operating periods and hours are subject to change
Ropeway: Open every day *Closed for maintenance in April and November
Ropeway (round trip): Summer season (junior high students and older 1,800 yen, elementary students 900 yen), Winter season (junior high students and older 2,000 yen, elementary students 1,000 yen) *One preschooler is free per adult
TENGUU Zipline: 1,200 yen per ride
TENGUU Hot Air Balloon: Junior high students and older 3,800 yen, 4 years old to elementary students 2,800 yen, 3 years old and under free
0134-33-7381
Free
TENGUU Zipline: Elementary students and older (cannot be used by those under 120 cm tall or 120 kg or more in weight)
TENGUU Hot Air Balloon: Junior high students and younger must be accompanied by a guardian
TENGUU Zipline operates during the summer season (may be closed on weekdays), TENGUU Hot Air Balloon operates from mid-May to mid-October (hot air balloon may be canceled due to wind)
*Please check the website for details.
2Nitori Sightseeing Orchard
Fruit picking with all-you-can-eat seasonal fruits
Yoichi Town, located about a 30-minute drive from Otaru City, has long been a town with thriving fruit cultivation. Nitori Tourist Orchard, which opened in 1870 (Meiji 3), is dedicated to using organic compost, which requires time and expense, to grow a variety of fruits.
"Fruit picking" is a popular program where you can harvest fruits that ripen from spring to late autumn, such as strawberries, cherries, blueberries, peaches, grapes, Japanese pears, and apples, at their respective times. Inside the orchard, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat seasonal fruits with no time limit (high-bench strawberries have a 30-minute time limit). The experience of biting into fruit you picked with your own hands will surely be an unforgettable memory for children.
Welcomed by giant dinosaurs that suddenly appear
Nitori Tourist Orchard boasts a grand scale of about three times the size of the Tokyo Dome. In front of the direct sales shop on the hill, a vast fruit orchard spreads out, offering a panoramic view of the mountains and sea of Yoichi. On July 25, 2026, a dinosaur park was born in a corner of the grounds. About 30 models, including Brachiosaurus, have been installed, and they welcome visitors with various gimmicks, such as types that move their faces and necks, and types that spray water from their mouths.
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The largest dinosaur models are 18 meters long and 9 meters high, making them truly impressive!
- Nitori Sightseeing Orchard
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- 1102-5 Nobori-cho, Yoichi-cho, Hokkaido MAP
- Approx. 8 minutes by car from JR Yoichi Station
- 9:00–17:00 (Last admission 16:00) *Nitori Yoichi Dinosaur Park is 9:00–16:00 (Last admission 15:00)
- Open every day during the season (late June to early November)
- Fruit picking: Adults 2,000 yen, elementary school students 1,500 yen, infants 700 yen
Nitori Yoichi Dinosaur Park: Admission fee: Adults (junior high school students and older) 1,000 yen, elementary school students 500 yen, preschoolers free - 050-1721-6048
- Free
3Otaru Aquarium
Cute seals greet you in a pool connected to the sea
This aquarium is located within the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park, the only marine park in Hokkaido. The "Marine Animal Park," which faces the Sea of Japan, has pools that are simply partitioned off from the sea, where seals, Steller sea lions, and other animals live freely in a state close to the wild.
Many creatures that can only be seen here are on display, such as the harbor porpoise, which is the only one bred and exhibited in Japan, and the Hokkaido salamander, which lives only in the Kushiro Wetland of Hokkaido. The touch area "Sawatte E-zone" also features the "coldest touch pool in Japan" with a water temperature of 3°C, where you can experience the resilience of life living in the freezing sea.
An amusement park with free admission where even small children can have fun
Next to the main aquarium building is the Shukutsu Marine Land amusement park. Admission is free, and you purchase tickets to ride the attractions. Rides such as go-karts, motorboats, and a Ferris wheel are reasonably priced at 200 to 300 yen each, and there are also rides that small children can enjoy.
Otaru Aquarium is fully equipped with private nursing rooms featuring sofas, baby beds, and dressers, as well as diaper-changing spaces and hot water dispensers. A free stroller rental service is also available, making it safe and easy to enjoy leisure time with your baby.
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To get to Otaru Aquarium, you can use a car or bus, as well as a sightseeing boat (Otaru Port to Shukutsu Port). You can even feed the seagulls from the boat, which is a big hit with children.
- Otaru Aquarium
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- 3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru City, HokkaidoMAP
- Take a bus from in front of JR Otaru Station and get off at "Otaru Aquarium"
- 9:00–17:00 (10:00–16:00 in winter)
*Closing times may vary by season. Please check the website for details. - Late February to mid-March, late November to mid-December
Marine Mammal Park and amusement park are closed in winter. - Winter (mid-December to late February): High school students and older 1,300 yen, elementary/junior high students 500 yen, toddlers (3 and older) 300 yen
Regular (mid-March to late November): High school students and older 1,800 yen, elementary/junior high students 700 yen, toddlers (3 and older) 350 yen - 0134-33-1400
- Paid (free in winter)
4Otaru Music Box Museum "Handmade Experience Yu-Kobo"
A variety of hands-on craft experiences for everyone from children to adults
Otaru Music Box Museum has five locations around the popular tourist spot, Otaru Sakaimachi Street. One of them, the "Handmade Experience You Kobo," offers a variety of creative experience menus, such as making your own music box or glass crafts.
The handmade music box experience, where you can enjoy decorating as you like, is open to elementary school students and older (children under elementary school age must be accompanied by a guardian). There are also authentic crafting menus, such as assembling music box movements from parts, or stained glass and sandblasting, which are unique to Otaru, the city of glass, allowing parents and children to fully enjoy the fun of handmade crafts together.
Create your own one-of-a-kind music box using your own ideas
There are various bases for handmade music boxes, such as hand-cranked or spring-wound types, with a lineup of over 200 songs. You can choose your favorite items from a wide variety of decorative parts and simply attach them with glue, so even small children can have fun trying it out.
In addition to the "topping free" option where you can freely choose the music box shape, song, and parts, there are also "topping kits" that come with a music box case and accessories pre-set, making it recommended for those who want to have a handmade experience within a limited travel itinerary. The time spent creating a one-of-a-kind music box in the world, along with its lovely tone, will surely remain in your memory forever.
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The five Otaru Music Box Museum stores in the city each feature a different concept to showcase the diverse appeal of music boxes. We encourage you to visit each of them.
- Otaru Music Box Museum 'Handmade Experience Yu-Kobo'
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- 1-1-5 Irifune, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
- Approx. 7 minutes on foot from JR Minami-Otaru Station
- 9:00–18:00
- None
- Handmade music box creation experience:
[Free topping] Varies depending on the combination (approx. 2,500–5,000 yen)
[Topping kit] From 1,500 yen - 0134-21-3101
- Free
- Some creation experiences require a reservation, so please check the website in advance
5Kamaei Factory Direct Store
Free tour of a long-established kamaboko factory
Founded in 1905 (Meiji 38), Kamaboko shop "Kamaei" operates four stores in Otaru, as well as locations in Sapporo department stores and at New Chitose Airport.
At the "Kamaei Factory Direct Store" near the Otaru Canal, a popular feature is the viewing area where you can freely watch the kamaboko-making process through glass. Everything except the chikuwa is made by hand. The skillful hand movements used to shape the fish paste are so vivid that you will find yourself glued to the sight. The viewing area also features explanatory videos and panel displays about kamaboko, allowing you to experience the dedication that Kamaei has upheld for over 100 years.
Enjoy freshly fried kamaboko in the eat-in space
The factory direct store sells fried kamaboko, kamaboko on boards, and various other souvenirs from Otaru and Hokkaido. At the in-store eat-in corner, "Kamaei Cafe," you can enjoy freshly fried kamaboko on the spot. The popular "Pan Roll" is particularly delicious, with its addictive combination of crispy, light bread and the springy texture of the kamaboko. Because it has a short shelf life and cannot be shipped, it is a must-try item when visiting in person.
Additionally, "Kamaei Cafe" is stroller-accessible and the restrooms are equipped with diaper-changing stations. There is also a parking lot, making it safe and convenient for traveling with children.
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The best time for a factory tour is in the morning when there is the most activity. Operations are suspended for lunch from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, and most work finishes around 3:00 PM, so we recommend visiting early.
- Kama-ei Factory Direct Store
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- 3-7 Sakaimachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
- Approx. 13-minute walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station
- May–Oct: 9:00–18:00 (Sat/Sun until 19:00, Golden Week/Obon period until 19:00)
Nov–Apr: 9:00–18:00 - Store: Jan 1
Factory tours: Wed/Sun (subject to change depending on the season) - 0134-25-5802
- 1 hour free with purchase. 300 yen for every 30 minutes exceeding 1 hour.
6Canal Park
A relaxing space that conveys the history of shipping to the present day
This park is located near the northern area of the Otaru Canal, commonly known as the "North Canal." From the late Meiji period to the early Showa period, this was where the former Nippon Yusen K.K. Otaru Branch loaded and unloaded cargo via the Otaru Canal. The building of the former Nippon Yusen K.K. Otaru Branch still stands in front of the park today.
Inside the park, there is a fountain pond modeled after the "funairima" (boat basin) of that time at 1/4 scale, as well as benches incorporating the shape of anchors, all of which tell the history of maritime transport. While usually a quiet park, it becomes lively in the summer with children playing in the water and various music events.
Inside the stone warehouse is a play area that will captivate children
The park is dotted with facilities that repurpose stone warehouses from the Meiji and Taisho eras. Inside the "Play Equipment Building," there is an athletic play area themed after a sailing ship, which is very popular with children. Another appealing feature is that children can play and move their bodies to their heart's content even on rainy days. The "Rest Building" is a spacious area that makes use of the original wooden framework. With tables and benches, it is the perfect place to take a break while sightseeing.
Near Canal Park, there is also the Otaru Museum, where you can learn about the history and science of railways, making it a recommended spot to visit while you are out for a stroll.
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Although the Otaru Canal was developed into its current form after undergoing reclamation, the North Canal area retains the original width of the canal from that time, and the sight of work boats moored there is said to represent the original landscape of the Otaru Canal.
- Ungakoen Park
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- 3-6 Ironai, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
- Take a bus from JR Otaru Station, get off at "Nishikicho" bus stop, approx. 4-minute walk
- Play equipment building, rest building, restroom building: 9:00–17:00
- November to early April
- 0134-32-4111 (Otaru City Hall, Department of Industry and Port, Port Office, Port Operations Division)
- None
7Otaru Museum Main Building
Numerous precious railway artifacts that will captivate any vehicle enthusiast
Located in the Temiya district, the birthplace of railways in Hokkaido, is the Otaru Museum Main Building. Railway facilities from the Meiji and Taisho eras still remain on the grounds and have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan as the "Former Temiya Railway Facilities."
Inside the building and in the outdoor exhibition area, more than 50 valuable railway vehicles are preserved and displayed, including the "Shizuka," a steam locomotive that was active from the dawn of Hokkaido's railways. There are also exhibition rooms themed around science and history, as well as a digital planetarium where you can enjoy a realistic starry sky, all of which are sure to stimulate children's intellectual curiosity.
Take a short trip on a steam locomotive born in the Meiji era
In the outdoor exhibition area, you can also take a ride on the "Iron Horse," a steam locomotive manufactured in the Meiji era (from late April to mid-October). It is a short railway journey of about 300 meters that takes about 20 minutes. Since the spring of 2022, carriages that recreate the first-class and third-class passenger cars and coal freight cars of the Meiji era have also been introduced, which is sure to be enjoyed by adults as well as children who love vehicles.
The Otaru Museum Main Building holds various events and special exhibitions every month, and also hosts hands-on craft workshops to get familiar with science on an irregular basis. Please be sure to check their website before you head out.
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In addition to the main building, the Otaru Museum has a 'Canal Museum' near the Otaru Canal. It is accessible within a 20-minute walk from the main building, and there is a discounted joint admission ticket available, so please be sure to visit both.
- Otaru City Museum
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- Main Building: 1-3-6 Temiya, Otaru, Hokkaido
Canal Museum: 2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido MAP - Main Building: Take a bus from JR Otaru Station and get off at "Sogo Hakubutsukan" (General Museum)
Canal Museum: 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station - 9:30–17:00
- Main Building: Tuesdays (open if a public holiday, closed the following weekday), year-end and New Year holidays *Temporary closures may occur
Canal Museum: Year-end and New Year holidays *Temporary closures may occur - Main Building: General 400 yen (winter 300 yen), High school students 200 yen (winter 150 yen), Junior high school students and younger free (Common ticket for Main Building, Canal Museum, and Former NYK Otaru Branch: General 600 yen, High school students 300 yen)
Canal Museum: General 300 yen, High school students 150 yen, Junior high school students and younger free (Common ticket for Main Building, Canal Museum, and Former NYK Otaru Branch available)
*Winter rates apply from early November to late April. During this period, some outdoor exhibits are not available for viewing. - Main Building: 0134-33-2523
Canal Museum: 0134-22-1258 - Free
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OMO5 Otaru
Otaru City, Hokkaido
A boutique hotel renovated from a historical building. You can enjoy a retro trip in Otaru.
Access Approx. 9-minute walk from JR Otaru Station
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥6,000