Otaru Canal

The Pride of Otaru

The Otaru Canal, lined with stone warehouses and historical buildings along the gently curving 1,140-meter-long canal, is a picturesque sightseeing spot in Otaru, no matter where you cut off the canal. In 1986, the canal was partially reclaimed and a walking trail and a town park were constructed. Today, the north side of the canal (commonly known as the “North Canal”) is still 40 meters wide, as it was in the past.


It takes about 20 minutes to walk slowly from one end to the other along the canal. There are many stone warehouses and old buildings used as cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area, making it a great place to stop by during a stroll. At dusk, 63 gas lamps are lit and the warehouses are illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere that is different from that of the daytime.


The Otaru Canal Cruise, a 40-minute cruise along the canal, is also a popular activity. The captain will give you a commentary on the canal, which changes with the seasons and the time of day. The view of Otaru from the boat is exceptional.

  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Nearest airports
New Chitose Airport Sapporo Okadama Airport Hakodate Airport Okushiri Airport Asahikawa Airport Wakkanai Airport Rishiri Airport Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport Memanbetsu Airport Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport Tancho Kushiro Airport Tokachi Obihiro Airport

General Information

Postal code
〒047-0007 
Address
北海道小樽市港町
Telephone Number
0134-33-1661(Otaru Tourist Association)
Directions
●On foot: About 10 minutes from JR Otaru Station
●By car: About 10 minutes from Sasson Expwy Otaru IC
Website

Otaru Portal (Otaru Tourism Association)

* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

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