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 can relax by the sea and enjoy stunning sea views.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with bidets, and modern amenities such as refrigerators, work desks, and TVs. Family rooms and free WiFi ensure a pleasant stay.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves French cuisine in a modern and romantic ambience. American breakfast is available, and special diet menus cater to diverse preferences.Additional Facilities
Guests can enjoy free on-site private parking, luggage storage, and free WiFi throughout the property. The reception staff speak English, Japanese, and Chinese. -
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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, and free toiletries.Wellness and Leisure
Guests can relax at the spa and wellness centre, sauna, and open-air bath. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and full-day security.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Japanese, international, and European cuisines in a modern and traditional ambience. A buffet breakfast is provided each morning.Prime Location
Located an 8-minute walk from Otaru Station and 1.5 km from Otaru Canal Park, the hotel is 38 km from Okadama Airport. Nearby attractions include Otaru Museum and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort. -
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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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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 hairdryer.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy a garden, free WiFi, lounge, shared kitchen, and daily housekeeping service. Additional amenities include a TV, sofa, and inner courtyard views.Convenient Location
Located 37 km from Okadama Airport, Little Barrel is a 17-minute walk from Otaru Station. Nearby attractions include Otaru Canal Park (2.9 km) and Otaru Museum (3.5 km).Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its kitchen, room comfort, and convenient location. -
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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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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, refrigerator, and 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.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a lift, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage. Paid on-site private parking is available.Prime Location
Located 37 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is a 9-minute walk from Otaru Station and near attractions such as Otaru Canal Park (1.2 km) and Otaru Museum (1.7 km). Highly rated for breakfast, bar, and staff support. -
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Cozy Inn OTARUView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Cozy Inn OTARU in Otaru offers spacious and comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Guests enjoy amenities such as bathrobes, hairdryers, and soundproofing for a relaxing stay.Convenient Facilities
The aparthotel features a 24-hour front desk, family rooms, and full-day security. Free on-site private parking is available, along with a work desk and washing machine for added convenience.Prime Location
Located 39 km from Okadama Airport, the property is an 18-minute walk from Otaru Station and 400 metres from Otaru Canal Park. Nearby attractions include Otaru Museum and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, each within 25 km.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated by guests for room comfort, size, and cleanliness, Cozy Inn OTARU ensures a pleasant and memorable stay. -
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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 parking, and streaming services. Additional amenities include a bidet, hairdryer, and soundproofing.Prime Location
Located 39 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is a 15-minute walk from Otaru Station and 600 metres from Otaru Canal Park. Nearby attractions include Otaru Museum and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for room comfort, soundproof rooms, and convenient location. -
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Hotel Nord OtaruLocated at the picturesque boulevard of the Otaru Canal, Hotel Nord offers comfortable accommodation and panoramic mountain views. The hotel features a restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. Rooms at Otaru Nord Hotel are air-conditioned and equipped with satellite TV and a safety deposit box. A refrigerator and an electric kettle are provided. The front desk of Nord Otaru Hotel is staffed 24 hours, and offers luggage storage service. The facilities include vending machines with drinks. BAR Duomo Rosso on the top floor offers panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. Hotel Nord Otaru is a 7-minute walk from Otaru Station. The Otaru Music Box Museum is a 6-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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Granbell Hotel OtaruView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Granbell Hotel Otaru in Otaru offers air-conditioned rooms with tea and coffee makers, bidets, hairdryers, showers, slippers, and TVs. Additional amenities include baths, sofa beds, work desks, and sofas.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a sauna, open-air bath, and a beautiful garden. The hotel also features a restaurant serving Japanese and European cuisines, a bar, and free WiFi throughout the property.Convenient Location
Located 37 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is a 13-minute walk from Otaru Station. Nearby attractions include Otaru Canal Park (1.4 km), Otaru Museum (1.7 km), and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort (23 km).
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