Recommended Culture
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival 2025
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is just a quick trip from Sapporo and offers a romantic romp through a candlelit snowscape.
Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is a popular tourist destination for Japanese and foreign visitors who flock to the canal year round to enjoy its nostalgic atmosphere. The canal was built in 1923 to allow small ships to transport goods to the warehouses. Once modern docking facilities were built, the canal became obsolete and was no longer in use. Land filling of the canal was planned in the 1980's, but thanks to a citizens movement, the canal was instead beautifully restored and the remaining warehouses turned into museums, shops and restaurants. The canal is an ideal place to enjoy a pleasant stroll during the day, as artists present their works to passing tourists, warehouses reflect off the water's surface and old fashioned gas lamps light the path at night creating a romantic atmosphere.
Overview
Address
5 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007 (Map) (Directions)Hours
Open 24 hours Open NowOpening Hours
Monday
Open 24 hours
Tuesday
Open 24 hours
Wednesday
Open 24 hours
Thursday
Open 24 hours
Friday
Open 24 hours
Saturday
Open 24 hours
Sunday
Open 24 hours
Holidays
Open 24 hours
Price
Free
General Amenities
- Souvenir shop
Accessibility
- Barrier-free access
Access
The canal is a five minute walk from Otaru Station.
Upcoming Events
1 upcoming event
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Chris BarnesOtaru is a beautiful port town easily accessible from neighboring hotspots like Sapporo & Niseko. The perfect place unwind and enjoy..
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Otaru's Gleaming Canals
Katherine MooreMeiji Era town make a great day trip from Sapporo, but stay until after dark when the canals light up to see it at its best.
Recommended Culture
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival 2025
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is just a quick trip from Sapporo and offers a romantic romp through a candlelit snowscape.
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Otaru Canal
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