Otaru Canal (�¬’M‰^‰Í, Otaru Unga) was a central part of the city's busy port in the first half of the 20th century. Large vessels were 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, a part of the canal was beautifully restored in the 1980s instead of being landfilled, while the warehouses were transformed into museums, shops and restaurants.

The canal makes for a pleasant stroll during the day, when artists present their works to passing tourists, and during the evenings when old fashioned gas lamps provide a romantic atmosphere. The canal also serves as the main site of the town's Snow Light Path Festival.

Getting there and around

The canal is a ten minute walk or a two minute bus ride down the main road from Otaru Station.

How to get to and around Otaru

Hotels around Otaru

Top rated in Otaru
Budget:
    • Otaru Geihinkan
      Mid-range

      Beachfront 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 Otaru
      Mid-range
      Just 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.
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    • UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
      Mid-range

      Comfortable 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 Barrel
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable 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 OTARU
      Luxury

      Comfortable 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 OTARU
      Mid-range

      Comfortable 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 Otaru
      Luxury

      Comfortable 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 Otaru
      Luxury
      A 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.
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    • ALPHABED INN Otaru Ekimae
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable 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 Otaru
      Mid-range
      Situated 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.
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