Sakaimachi Street (境町通り, Sakaimachi-dōri) is an attractive, preserved merchant street in central Otaru, a short walk from the city's canal area. During the development of Hokkaido in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Otaru thrived as a port city, and many trading companies constructed impressive Western-style buildings in the city to house their offices and shops.

Many of the buildings along Sakaimachi Street have since been converted into restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, boutiques and museums. There are also a few glass workshops for tourists to enjoy a hands-on experience in creating the local Otaru Glass.

  • Music Box Museum
    Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 19:00 on Fridays and Saturdays in summer)
    Closed: No closing days
    Admission: Free
  • Glass Workshops
  • Museum of Venetian Art
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
    Closed: No closing days
    Admission: 700 yen
  • Bank of Japan Museum
    Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (from 10:00 in December through March)
    Admission ends 30 minutes before closing
    Closed: Wednesdays (open if Wed is a national holiday), Dec 29 to Jan 5
    Admission: Free

Getting there and around

Sakaimachi Street is a ten minute walk from Otaru Station or a five minute walk from Minami-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 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 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, 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 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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    • 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 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 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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    • 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, 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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    • 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 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 Otaru
      Luxury
      Located 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.
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    • Granbell Hotel Otaru
      Luxury

      Comfortable 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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    • 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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