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Just 40 minutes by train from Sapporo, Otaru is a charming port town blessed with historic stone buildings, a picturesque canal, and some of Hokkaido’s finest seafood. While a day trip is entirely doable, I personally recommend staying at least one night.
- Getting There: 40 Minutes from Sapporo
- Stay: OMO5 Otaru by Hoshino Resorts
- Lunch: Uni-don at Sawazaki Suisan — “So Happy to Be Alive”
- Exploring the City: Otaru’s Historic Streets & Canal
- Café Break: Cake & Tea at Le Tao
- Tenryuji Temple: A Tree-Lined Path in Full Bloom
- Old Railway Track: A Scenic Walk Through Otaru’s History
- Dinner: Fresh Nigiri at Sushi Ko — Great Value, Outstanding Quality
- Day 4 Sample Itinerary
- Wrapping Up
Getting There: 40 Minutes from Sapporo
Board the JR Hakodate Main Line at Sapporo Station and you’ll reach Otaru Station in about 40 minutes. Access from New Chitose Airport is also straightforward — Otaru is simply one of those places you can’t skip on a Hokkaido itinerary.
| Route | JR Hakodate Main Line (bound for Otaru): approx. 40 min / ¥750 |
| From Airport | The Rapid Airport train also stops at Otaru — direct from New Chitose Airport |
Stay: OMO5 Otaru by Hoshino Resorts
My base for this trip was OMO5 Otaru by Hoshino Resorts. The OMO brand from Hoshino Resorts is built around the concept of being “in the heart of town,” and true to that promise, this hotel is perfectly positioned as a launchpad for sightseeing.
Right next door stands a magnificent historic stone building — once a bank, I was told. Otaru flourished as Hokkaido’s financial and commercial hub during the Meiji and Taisho eras, and remarkable architecture like this can still be found all over the city.
| Location | Walking distance from Otaru Station |
| Highlight | Adjacent to a historic stone building; ideal base for exploring the city |
| Rates & Availability | Check on Expedia or the Hoshino Resorts official website |
Lunch: Uni-don at Sawazaki Suisan — “So Happy to Be Alive”
When you’re in Otaru, sea urchin is non-negotiable.
So off I went to Sawazaki Suisan, a popular seafood restaurant. My order? Uni-don, of course.
The bowl arrived piled high with vibrant orange sea urchin, practically overflowing. The moment I took a bite, a rich, sweet flavor and the scent of the sea washed over me. This is a taste you simply cannot find outside Hokkaido — one of those bowls that makes you think, “I’m so glad to be alive.”
| Area | Central Otaru |
| Must-order | Uni-don (sea urchin rice bowl) |
| Note | Please confirm opening hours and regular closing days before visiting |
Exploring the City: Otaru’s Historic Streets & Canal
With a happy, full stomach, I set off to wander Otaru on foot.
Stone warehouses, retro shopping streets, the famous canal — every corner of Otaru looks like a painting. What makes this city special is that buildings dating back to the Meiji and Taisho periods are still in active use today, and simply walking around fills you with a sense of wonder.
Café Break: Cake & Tea at Le Tao
When it comes to sweets in Otaru, everyone knows Le Tao. This is one of Hokkaido’s most celebrated cheesecake shops, beloved by locals and tourists alike. I should confess — having lived abroad for many years, I only discovered Le Tao a few years ago. And I just recently learned that the name “Le Tao” is actually “Otaru” spelled backwards! (Ha!)
The quality of the cake was, of course, exceptional, but the fruit tea I ordered alongside was what really stole the show. I ended up buying quite a few packs of their tea to bring home.
The atmosphere inside is relaxed and unhurried, even when it’s busy. It’s the perfect spot to rest your feet during a walk around Otaru. At the main store, you can also get soft-serve ice cream.
| Area | Otaru Sakaimachi Street |
| Must-try | Double Fromage (cheesecake) + tea |
| Hours | Check the official website for current opening hours |
Tenryuji Temple: A Tree-Lined Path in Full Bloom
After leaving Le Tao, I took a leisurely stroll to Tenryuji Temple.
The approach to the temple was lined with cherry trees in full bloom, and the contrast of the pale pink blossoms against a clear blue sky was breathtaking — the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
It genuinely surprised me that just a short walk from the bustling Sakaimachi Street, a place this tranquil and beautiful was waiting. If you visit Otaru in spring, this temple is an absolute must.
Old Railway Track: A Scenic Walk Through Otaru’s History
This is the famous former Temiya Line track — a railway that once connected the port to the city center. Today it has been converted into a pleasant walking path, with the original rails still embedded in the ground. It’s a popular spot for photos, so be sure to snap a few for Instagram!
Dinner: Fresh Nigiri at Sushi Ko — Great Value, Outstanding Quality
For the evening, I headed to Sushi Ko.
Otaru is also famous as a sushi town, and the great thing is that you don’t need to go to a high-end restaurant to enjoy fresh, delicious sushi. Sushi Ko is a place that truly shines when it comes to value for money.
Watching a skilled chef craft each piece right in front of you — the difference in ingredient quality is immediately apparent. Sea urchin, salmon roe, tuna, scallop, white fish — the bounty of Hokkaido all on one plate. For this quality at such reasonable prices, you might just start thinking about moving to Otaru.
| Area | Central Otaru |
| Must-try | Omakase nigiri, uni, ikura |
| Reservations | Accepted (recommended) |
| Note | Please confirm opening hours and regular closing days before visiting |
Day 4 Sample Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
| Morning | Depart Sapporo → Arrive Otaru (JR, approx. 40 min) |
| Morning | Check in to OMO5, explore hotel neighborhood |
| Lunch | Uni-don (sea urchin rice bowl) at Sawazaki Suisan |
| Afternoon | Stroll along Otaru Canal & Sakaimachi Street |
| Afternoon | Cake & tea at Le Tao |
| Late Afternoon | Tenryuji Temple (a must in cherry blossom season) |
| Late Afternoon | Walk along the old Temiya railway track |
| Evening | Fresh nigiri at Sushi Ko |
Wrapping Up
Many people come to Otaru thinking half a day is plenty — but I’d personally recommend staying for several nights. A bowl of uni-don that moves you to tears, the peace of cherry blossoms, and a beautiful evening of fresh sushi to round it all off. Isn’t that the very definition of luxury?
Since it’s so easy to get to from Sapporo, I’d encourage you to tack on at least one night to your Hokkaido trip. Next time, I’ll be sharing more about what I ate — stay tuned!
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