basic information

Otaru Canal (Otaru Unga) used to be a central part of the city's busy harbor in the first half of the 20th century, when large vessels had to be unloaded by smaller ships, which then transported the goods to warehouses along the canal.

The canal became obsolete, when modern dock facilities allowed for direct unloading of larger vessels. Thanks to a citizens' movement, however, a part of the canal was beautifully restored in the 1980s instead of being landfilled, while the warehouses were transformed into shops, cafes, museums and restaurants.

The canal makes for a pleasant scroll during the day, when various artists present their works to the passing tourists, and it is very romantic in the evening, when the gas lamps are lit.

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how to get there

The Otaru Canal is a 5-10 minute walk straight down the main road from Otaru Station.

How to get to and around Otaru

travel community

Users who have been to Otaru: 49
Users who have been to Canal Area: 34

1st of 3 most visited sights in Otaru.
135th of 386 most visited sights nationwide.