Otaru Station

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.