Otaru Canal

Historic scenery of canals and stone warehouses

Stone warehouses built in the Meiji and Taisho eras line the canal. These former warehouses are now reused as restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores.

At night, the sight of the buildings lit up by shining gas lamps is truly fantastic. It creates a romantic mood.

Along the Otaru Canal, there is a promenade for visitors to stroll around, and many tasteful sightseeing spots are spread out around the area.

In addition, the popular Otaru Canal Cruise takes about 40 minutes to tour the canal. Starting from the Chuo Bridge, heading to Otaru Port via Asakusa Bridge at the southern end and continuing to the North Canal, the cruise from the boat is especially romantic at dusk and at night.

And in winter, it is also known as the venue for Otaru’s popular event, Otaru Snow Light Path.

The Otaru Canal was completed in 1923 and is the only canal in Japan built using the offshore reclamation method.

It once flourished as Otaru Port, the gateway to the development of Hokkaido, but as times changed and the port was developed, the canal’s mission came to an end.

However, about half of the canal, or 1,140 meters in length, has been preserved and has been developed into a city park and walking path, transforming it into a new tourist attraction.

The Otaru Canal has become an attractive spot where history and scenic beauty combine.

Information

Name
Otaru Canal
小樽運河
Link
Official Site
Address
Minato-cho, Otaru City, Hokkaido
Telephone number
0134-32-4111
Hours of operation

Free to enter and exit

Closed

No holidays

Admission fee

Free of charge

Access

10 min. walk from Otaru Station

Area
Hokkaido Otaru, Yoichi, Niseko Tohoku
Category
Night, Sunset Towns

Gallery

Otaru, Yoichi, Niseko

Hokkaido

Category

Area