How to Plan a Day Trip to Otaru

Bordering the Ishikari Bay lies the city of Otaru, a charming port city in Hokkaido, Japan. Although quite famous within the country, the scenic Otaru does not get its well-deserved fanfare from its international tourists. Located at the proximity of its famous neighbour, Sapporo, this scenic city is a must-visit in Japan. Read on to find out how you should plan a fantastic day to remember in Otaru.

Getting to Otaru

The best way to travel into this captivating city is by train. From Sapporo, you can get aboard a train and whiz through the JR Hakodate Main Line, reaching Otaru in about 45 minutes. The journey from Sapporo to Otaru would cost you around ¥640 each way. If you're flying into New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, you can even board a train from the station under its domestic terminal. If you're arriving at the international terminal, keep your eye out for signs that say "JR Train." You can follow the JR signs down the escalator, or opt for the elevator which would take you straight down to the station. You will be able to reach Otaru in less than two hours! However, before you get into Otaru, it is better to make reservations at many an Otaru hotel near JR Station the likes of Grand Park Otaru for a hassle-free experience in the city. Staying closer to the station would be convenient as it would provide you immediate access to the station and prevent you from splurging on taxis.

Morning and Afternoon

A great place to visit will be its Music Box Museum if you're coming down to Otaru with your children. This historic building has a mesmerising collection of music boxes of different shapes and sizes, such as jewellery box music boxes, glass angel music boxes, and even sushi music boxes! You and your loved ones would be transported into another world while listening to the fascinating melodies and tunes emanating from these music boxes. The upstairs of this building offers an educational tour of how the city became famous for these enchanting pieces of human creation. Next, you can visit the famous Sakaimichi Shopping Street, which houses a mix of traditional Japanese architecture and modern western buildings. It's a place that you shouldn't miss if you're thinking of buying Otaru's many delicious sweets. Don't forget to visit Le Tao, a famous pastry shop in the city, and taste its mouthwatering double layer cheesecake and the melt-in-the-mouth black tea chocolates. For lunch, you can grab a bowl of kaisendon in the area.

Evening and Night

Otaru has a lot of museums. In particular, Otaru City General Museum is an old warehouse that's been converted into a museum. It has an array of things to explore from paintings that depict the history of the area and ancient tools to structure of animals near where one can even listen to their calls by one click of a button. Apart from the conventional exhibits, there are many interactive displays and an outdoor play area where you can celebrate the child within you. For an early dinner, you can head over to Sankaku Market with your family. It is the perfect place for any seafood lover since the place is renowned for its high-quality seafood dishes made from fresh ingredients. Have your loved ones choose from the myriad of mouthwatering delicacies available in the stalls in this market. As the last destination, you can walk over to Otaru Canal, which may be the most iconic landmark in this breathtaking city. It is the quintessential spot for clicking that much-awaited snapshot of your family. It's also ideal for a relaxing stroll or a boat tour along the lake. If you visit this area during the Snow Light Path Festival, you will be greeted with a feast to the eyes as the traditional gas lamps light the paths and the canal. The magical ambience towards the night would certainly take your breath away. To visit all these places would be a handful when visiting Otaru. Make sure that you logically plan out how much longer you are going to stay at each of these places.