The Otaru City Museum is made up of two separate museums: a conventional history museum beside Otaru Canal and a less centrally located railway museum on the grounds of a railway yard. These city operated museums are a good place to learn about Otaru's history and the early days of the development of Hokkaido.
Housed in a former warehouse next to the canal, the Canal Building (運河館, Ungakan) is located within the city's main tourist area. The museum covers broadly the history and nature of Otaru, recounting the times of Hokkaido's native Ainu people as well as the city's preservation movement during the 1970s. There are many models and displays, which are explained in an English pamphlet.
The Railway Museum (本館, Honkan) is located a bit outside the main tourist area on the former site of the terminal of Hokkaido's first railway line which connected Otaru Port with Sapporo. Multiple full size trains from various periods are exhibited on a rail yard, while the history of Otaru's railroads, an essential chapter in the city's development, is explained with exhibits and dioramas inside a building.
Getting there and around
The Canal Building is located just beside Otaru Canal, a ten minute walk or a two minute bus ride straight down the main road from Otaru Station. The Railway Museum is a further 15-20 minute walk westwards, but can also be accessed by bus number 2 or 10 from the station. Get off at Sōgō Hakubutsukan (総合博物館, 10 minutes, 240 yen one way, about every 20 minutes).
How to get to and around Otaru
Hours and Fees
Canal Building
Hours
9:30 to 17:00
Closed
December 29 to January 3
Admission
300 yen (canal building only)
600 yen (canal building and railway museum)
600 yen (canal building and railway museum)
Railway Museum
Hours
9:30 to 17:00
Closed
Tuesdays (or following day if Tuesday is a national holiday)
December 29 to January 3
December 29 to January 3
Admission
400 yen (railway museum only, 300 yen in winter)
600 yen (railway museum and canal building)
600 yen (railway museum and canal building)
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Otaru
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SponsoredGrand Park OtaruAn elegant hotel overlooking Otaru Bay. Spacious ocean-view rooms available. 5-minute walk from JR Otaru-Chikko Station.View siteSponsored
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Top rated in Otaru
Budget:
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Otaru GeihinkanView on Booking.comBeachfront Location
Otaru Geihinkan in Otaru offers direct beachfront access, a lush garden, and a spacious terrace. Guests enjoy sea views and a serene setting.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with bidets, and modern amenities such as refrigerators and work desks. Family rooms and free WiFi enhance the stay.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves French cuisine in a modern and romantic ambience. American breakfast is available, and menus cater to special diets.Convenient Location
Located 46 km from Okadama Airport, the ryokan is praised for its convenient location and scenic views. Free on-site private parking is provided. -
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Dormy Inn Premium OtaruJust a minute away from Otaru station on the JR Hakodate Line, Dormy Inn Premium offers air-conditioned rooms with free internet access, a flat-screen TV and refrigerator. Facilities at Dormy Inn Premium Otaru include natural hot spring baths and a sauna. Coin-operated washing machine, public computer with free internet access in the lobby and a 24-hour front desk are available. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast of Japanese and western dishes daily.View on Booking.com -
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UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARUView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU in Otaru offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and modern amenities. Each room includes a TV, sofa, and private bathroom with free toiletries.Dining Experience
The modern, romantic restaurant serves European cuisine for dinner. Guests can relax on the terrace or enjoy a drink at the bar. Breakfast is provided by the property, highly rated by guests.Facilities and Services
The hotel features a hot tub, sauna, and steam room. Additional amenities include a lift, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage. Paid on-site private parking is available.Location and Access
Located 37 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel offers easy access to local attractions. Reception staff speak English, French, Japanese, and Korean. -
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Little BarrelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Little Barrel in Otaru offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and sea views. Each room includes a bidet, shower, and TV, ensuring a pleasant stay.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy a garden, free WiFi, lounge, shared kitchen, and daily housekeeping service. Additional amenities include a sofa, hairdryer, and inner courtyard views.Convenient Location
Located 37 km from Okadama Airport, Little Barrel provides a convenient base for exploring Otaru. Paid off-site private parking is available for guests.Guest Favorites
Visitors highly rate the kitchen, room comfort, and convenient location, making Little Barrel a preferred choice for travellers. -
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GRIDS PREMIUM HOTEL OTARUView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
GRIDS PREMIUM HOTEL OTARU in Otaru offers family rooms with sea or city views, air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, free toiletries, shower, slippers, TV, and electric kettle.Wellness and Leisure
Guests can relax at the spa and wellness centre, sauna, open-air bath, and enjoy free WiFi throughout the property. Additional facilities include a public bath, lift, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, child-friendly buffet, and full-day security.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Japanese, international, and European cuisines in a traditional and modern ambience. A buffet breakfast is provided each morning.Convenient Location
Located 38 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its convenient location, breakfast provided by the property, and room comfort. -
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RJ HOTELS OTARUView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
RJ HOTELS OTARU in Otaru offers soundproof rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, work desk, and TV.Convenient Facilities
Guests benefit from private check-in and check-out services, free on-site private parking, and streaming services. Additional amenities include a bath, bidet, hairdryer, and soundproofing.Prime Location
Located 39 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is near skiing activities. Guests appreciate the room comfort, soundproof rooms, and convenient location. -
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Granbell Hotel OtaruView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Granbell Hotel Otaru in Otaru offers 4-star comfort with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and modern amenities. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, bidet, hairdryer, shower, slippers, and TV.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a sauna, open-air bath, and a tranquil garden. The hotel features a public bath, lift, and a 24-hour front desk.Dining Options
The on-site restaurant serves Japanese and European cuisines, complemented by a bar. A buffet breakfast is available each morning.Convenient Location
Located 37 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel provides paid on-site private parking. Reception staff speak English and Japanese. -
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Authent Hotel OtaruA 5-minute walk from JR Otaru Train Station, Authent Hotel Otaru offers simple accommodations with free Wi-Fi. Guests can refresh in the sauna or request relaxing massages for an extra cost. A spacious public bath is available as well. Rooms here will provide you with a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. Each features carpeted floors, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with a bath and a hairdryer. At Otaru Authent Hotel you will find a 24-hour front desk and a bar. Other facilities offered include luggage storage, dry cleaning and drink vending machines. Local souvenirs can be purchased at the gift shop. Casablanca serves Western dishes while Japanese meals are available at Irifune restaurant. Grilled Teppanyaki dishes are offered at Kaio restaurant. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Otaru Canal and a 15-minute walk from Otaru Orgel Museum Main Building. Shin Nihonkai Ferry Terminal is a 10-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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ALPHABED INN Otaru EkimaeView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
ALPHABED INN Otaru Ekimae in Otaru offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, bidets, and free WiFi. Each room includes a TV, electric kettle, wardrobe, and slippers.Convenient Facilities
Guests can enjoy a lounge, lift, shared kitchen, laundry service, and full-day security. Free on-site private parking is available.Prime Location
Located 38 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is highly rated for its proximity to public transport and room comfort. -
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Hotel Neu Schloss OtaruSituated within the premises of Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park, Hotel Neu Schloss Otaru offers rooms with views of the ocean and a private open-air bath. A free shuttle runs between JR Otaru station and the hotel. Complimentary WiFi is provided in all rooms and at the lobby. The European-style decorated rooms include a flat-screen TV, a mini bar, and an electric kettle with complimentary green tea. Room wear is provided. Guests can relax in the Rotenburo bath overlooking the ocean. Photocopying and luggage storage is available at the 24-hour front desk and a free computer station is available at the lobby. Enjoy French cuisine at the Blau Kuste restaurant, and drinks at the Bar Perle. The Otaru Neu Schloss Hotel is a 2-minute walk from the Otaru Aquarium, and a 20-minute drive from JR Otaru Station. The Shin-Chitose Airport is a 1-hour and 50-minute ride away.View on Booking.com
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