Walk the historic city and experience the nostalgic atmosphere of Otaru

Otaru Station was opened in 1903 and is the gateway to the sights in and around Otaru. The station building was built in 1934 and is well known, having appeared as a shooting location for TV and movies. The nostalgic winter landscape of stretching white snow seen from the station home is one of its highlights. Lamps are used to light up the station platforms adding to the uniqueness of this station. The number 4 platform is named "Yujiro home", and a panel of Yujiro Ishihara, a popular singer and actor, is installed. In the station there are tourist information counters to help visitors in different languages, shops such as "Station Mart Tarche" and other souvenir shops, and eating and drinking establishments where Otaru and Shogi area's products and specialties are offered. Next to the station is the bus terminal, shopping streets, hotels, commercial facilities, and more places to explore. It is only 8 minutes on foot to the Otaru Canal, so it is recommended to depart for the leisurely stroll around the city starting from Otaru Station.

Otaru Aquarium has a history spanning more than 60 years, having opened in 1958 as the marine exhibition venue for the Hokkaido Exposition.
Perched on a small hill overlooking Ishikari Bay, the aquarium is home to approximately 5,000 marine and freshwater creatures representing around 250 species, with a focus on wildlife native to northern regions.
At the Dolphin Stadium in the annex building, visitors can enjoy popular performances featuring dolphins and South American sea lions. Meanwhile, the Marine Mammal Park—where the pools are separated from the open sea by only a small barrier—offers dynamic exhibits and performances starring sea lions, walruses, seals, and penguins.
Both inside and outside the aquarium, visitors can fully experience the rich natural environment and marine life of Hokkaido.

Otaru's Mt. Tengu boasts a height of 532.4 m and is a spot with spectacular night scenery called one of "Hokkaido's Top Three Night Views". On the top of the mountain there is a mountaintop observation post, which received a star in the "Michelin Green Guide · Japan”. The "Tengu nose", is known as a power spot which is said to grant a wish when you stroke its nose. Mt. Tengu is packed with sights and many things to do, not only views of the sea and mountains. The total length from the foot of the mountain to the summit is 735 m. You can ascend and descend on a 4 minute ropeway ride. You can get wide views of the ocean and on clear days you can see the Shakotan Peninsula in the distance. In winter, it is popular as a ski resort that overlooks the harbor. There is a new course with a maximum slope of 40 degrees that challenges winter sports people who visit. You can even enjoy the slopes of the main course when it is lit up in the evening. Private accommodations, a ski school, and ski rentals are also available.

Mt. Kenashi is a popular viewing spot in the Otaru area next to Mt. Tengu. There is a 470m high observatory on the mountain side of Mt. Kenashi, which has an altitude of 548.2 m. It is between the town of Kutchan and Akaigawa village. From the observatory, you can see the surrounding mountain ranges, Ishikari Bay, and the city of Otaru. With these magnificent views and wonderful natural surroundings, this place has started to become a popular power spot for many visitors. In winter, the road is closed due to heavy snowfall, but it is known as a "hidden" highlight of the area for its wonderful views, yet small amount of visitors.

Asarigawa Onsen is a hot spring resort that has been popular since 1954. It is said that deer gathered to bathe in the hot springs and the area became known as “The Place of Dancing Deer”. It has long been popular with local people since ancient times. Currently, it is known as a resort where you can enjoy golf in the summer season and skiing in the winter with 8 inns and hotels ready to welcome you. The hot spring water has sodium and calcium chloride qualities, which is effective for muscle pain and nerve trouble. This is a great place to rest and recover your sore muscles after a summer day hiking or a winter day skiing on the slopes. In the spa town, an artificial lake and a lake-side park have a play area where picnics and tennis can be enjoyed. This is a popular place to enjoy the outdoors and many people come here to camp, hike, and enjoy nature. There are also bungalows and camping gear for rent in the area.

Northern Wall Street is the name of the financial district of Otaru which was prosperous enough to move the financial markets of London during the Taisho Period (early 1900s). The former Otaru Branch of the Japan Bank, one of the historical buildings representing Otaru, has been turned into a museum dedicated to the financial history of Otaru and the Bank of Japan. It conveys the establishment and its prosperity to the modern era with informative exhibits. In the museum there are interesting exhibits and an experience of feeling the weight of 100 million yen. There is also an exhibition zone that describes the challenges of price stability, a counter that was once used as a bank teller window, and more.

Otaru Port once prospered as a gateway to the development of Hokkaido. Completed in 1923, the Otaru Canal is an artificial waterway created by reclaiming land offshore while preserving the original coastline for maritime transport.
As the port facilities were modernized over time, the canal gradually lost its original role. After more than a decade of public debate, half of the canal was reclaimed, transforming it into the scenic promenade lined with walking paths and gas lamps that can be seen today.
The stone warehouses that line the canal have been carefully preserved and are now home to restaurants, shops, and other establishments.
In the evening, the gas lamps and stone warehouses are beautifully illuminated, making the canal one of Otaru’s most popular photography spots.
During the winter season, from November through the end of January, the canal is decorated with the “Blue Canal” illumination. In February, it becomes the main venue for the seasonal “Otaru Snow Light Path” festival, attracting many visitors from both Japan and abroad.
The canal area is wrapped in the gentle glow of candlelight, with floating lanterns made from old fishing floats and handmade snow candles creating a magical winter atmosphere.