Nantaru Market | Otaru Tourist Spot

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Nantarui Market, located in Shintomicho a little distance from the city's main tourist area, is one of the six markets in the city. It is always bustling with local shoppers and vibrant as "the kitchen of the citizens."

Out of the 27 shops, 9 are fresh fish stores, offering fresh and affordable seafood unique to Otaru, a port town. Local seasonal seafood, such as sailfin poacher (Hakkaku), skate (Kasube), and mantis shrimp, which are rare outside Hokkaido, also delight visitors. In addition to fresh fish stores, there are also shops closely related to daily life, such as vegetables, fruits, meat, deli items, daily necessities, and flowers, making it a market that Otaru citizens commonly use.

Koinobori (carp streamers) and tairyobata (fisherman's flags) flying over Katsunai River next to Nantarui Market on a sunny day in the koinobori season

The predecessor of Nantarui Market was Takasago Market, built in 1938 (Showa 13). Takasago Market was built for people who operated street stalls. It was a very modern market for its time and was said to have been a great success when it opened, but the Greater East Asia War broke out in 1941. It closed due to a shortage of supplies and the rationing system caused by the war.

After the war, in 1949, Nantarui Market was born as a two-story wooden building with 50 shops lined up in a row house style. Eventually, due to the deterioration of the wooden market, purchasing power declined, making reconstruction essential. In 1968, the current building was completed. Because of its poor location, 100 meters behind the national highway and without a shopping street nearby, the initial number of visitors was said to be less than other markets in Otaru.

Inside Nantarui Market, many seafood items such as sea urchin, Okhotsk Atka mackerel, and skate caught in Ishikari Bay, as well as deli items, are lined up. A diagonal shot of the stores lined up side by side.

However, thanks to the strategy of holding "weekend sales" twice a week, "bargain sales" twice a month, and distributing over 40,000 advertisements throughout Otaru, Nantarui Market became known as "the king of markets" and "Nantarui's sole victory" after the 2000s. As Children's Day approaches, nearly 300 carp streamers and fisherman's flags flutter across Katsunai River, which flows beside the market, and it has now become a seasonal tradition of the town.

Name	Nantarui Market
Address	12-1 Shintomi-cho, Otaru, Hokkaido
Access	Approx. 5-minute walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station
Phone	0134-23-0722
Hours	09:00 - 18:00
Closed	Sundays
Website	Click here for details

Giving Otaru as a gift.

From UNGAPLUS, which delivers "the story of Otaru" that has walked hand-in-hand with Kitamaebune from "Old Otaru Warehouse" overlooking the canal,
we introduce "Otaru's must-see places."

Please enjoy "Otaru."

4 Otaru Tourist Itineraries | Plans by Duration from 3 Hours to 2 Days

[Introducing model courses by time allocation]

4 Otaru Event Information | Seasonal Guide for Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter

[Introducing Otaru events for each season]

Otaru Sightseeing Guide | A Summary of Otaru Sightseeing Information by Purpose

[Introducing Otaru sightseeing information from various perspectives]

Otaru Accommodation Guide | Hotel, Onsen Ryokan, and Guesthouse Information

[Introducing Otaru accommodation information]

Otaru Gourmet Guide | Local Information on Seafood, Sushi, and B-kyu Gourmet

[Introducing plenty of Otaru gourmet information]

List of Otaru Tourist Attractions and Useful Spots

[Tourist Attractions]

[Historic Buildings]

[Markets]

[Temples and Shrines]

[Landscapes and Scenic Views]

[Shops & Souvenirs]

[Restaurants and Cafes]

Otaru Tourist FAQs

Here are answers to frequently asked questions from first-time visitors to Otaru.

Q. How do I get to Otaru?

The most convenient way from Sapporo is by JR Hakodate Main Line; the "Airport" rapid train takes about 32 minutes from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station. It's also easily accessible for tourists from outside Hokkaido, taking about 75 minutes from New Chitose Airport without transfers.

Q. How long does it take to sightsee in Otaru?

Half a day to a full day is a good estimate for exploring the main areas like the canal and Sakaimachi Street at a leisurely pace. If you include glass blowing experiences, the music box museum, and meals, a 2-day, 1-night trip would be even more fulfilling.

Q. When is the best time to visit Otaru Canal?

Dusk to night is especially recommended. Gas lamps illuminate the stone warehouses, and the reflection on the water is a representative scene of Otaru. In winter (January-February), the "Otaru Snow Light Path" is held, offering a magical atmosphere.

Q. What gourmet food should I definitely try in Otaru?

Sushi, seafood bowls, and grilled seafood are particularly famous. Otaru has an area called "Sushi-ya Dori" where many famous sushi restaurants gather. Also, don't miss local sweets like LeTAO's cheesecakes and soft-serve ice cream.

Q. Where can I buy Otaru glass and music boxes?

Experience workshops and shops are concentrated on Sakaimachi Street. You can stop by many shops just by walking down the street, such as specialty glass shops like Kitaichi Glass and the Otaru Music Box Museum main building.

Q. Can I walk to Otaru's tourist spots?

Otaru Station to the Canal to Sakaimachi Street are all within walking distance (about 10 minutes from the station to the canal). Major spots are compactly located, so you can fully enjoy sightseeing without a rental car.

Q. When is the best season for Otaru sightseeing?

Each season offers different charms. Summer (July-August) is ideal for strolling with mild weather, and autumn (September-October) offers beautiful foliage and delicious seafood. Winter features snowy landscapes and the "Snow Light Path," while spring has fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed visit.

Q. Are there hot springs in Otaru?

There are hotels and ryokans with natural hot springs scattered throughout Otaru city. Additionally, the Asarigawa Onsen Village, about 30-40 minutes by car from Otaru, is popular as a quiet hot spring resort in the mountains.

Q. Are there spots in Otaru enjoyable for families with children?

Hands-on glass workshops (such as glass blowing and sandblasting) offer plans for elementary school students and older. Also, Otaru Aquarium (Shukutsu area) is a popular family-friendly spot where you can enjoy seal and dolphin shows.

Q. What tourist destinations can be visited on a day trip from Otaru?

Sapporo (about 32 minutes) is popular, as are Yoichi (Nikka Whisky Distillery, about 20 minutes) and Shakotan Peninsula (Blue Cave cruise in summer, about 1 hour). Otaru can serve as a base to extensively enjoy the western Hokkaido area.

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