11 Recommended Cafes & Shops in Otaru's North Canal [Latest 2026 Editi

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UNGAPLUS has carefully selected stylish cafes, select shops, general stores, and sweets specialty stores located in the North Canal area, which we highly recommend visiting when you come to the Otaru Canal. Why not enjoy a different Otaru tour than what you'd find in other guidebooks?

Giving Otaru.

From the "Old Otaru Warehouse" overlooking the canal,
UNGAPLUS, which has walked with "Otaru's story" and the Kitamae-bune ships,
introduces "Otaru's attractions."

Please enjoy "Otaru."

About Otaru's North Canal Area (FAQ)

Q. What kind of place is Otaru's North Canal area?

The North Canal area is located on the north side of the Otaru Canal, retaining its original 40-meter width. Stone warehouses built during the Meiji and Taisho eras, such as the former Shibusawa Warehouse, former Masuda Warehouse, and former Hiro-Umi Warehouse, stand quietly, and the atmosphere of an old port town with fishing boats and cruisers docked remains strong. Unlike the southern Otaru Canal area, which has become more tourist-oriented, the North Canal is known to locals as "another Otaru" and a hidden gem.

Q. How can I get to the North Canal area?

You can reach it by walking approximately 15-20 minutes from JR Otaru Station, or by strolling north along the Otaru Canal. The best way to visit is to simply extend your canal sightseeing route by continuing to walk north from Asakusa Bridge and Chuo Bridge along the canal promenade, which will naturally lead you into the North Canal area. As you head north, you'll encounter more sights such as the former Otaru Branch of Nippon Yusen and the Hokkai Seikan No. 3 Warehouse.

Q. What are the recommended spots in the North Canal area?

The North Canal area offers many attractions, mainly historical buildings. The former Otaru Branch of Nippon Yusen Co., Ltd., built in 1906 (Meiji 39), is a Renaissance-style stone building designated as a National Important Cultural Property, with extensive exhibits inside (closed Tuesdays, admission fee 300 yen). PRESSCAFE, a popular spot located at the foot of Kitahama Bridge, utilizes the former Shibusawa Warehouse, built in 1895 (Meiji 28). Also, the Hokkai Seikan No. 3 Warehouse, built in 1924 (Taisho 13), has an impressive, imposing exterior facing Otaru Port and can be viewed from the outside. You can also stop by the lush Canal Park.

Q. Are there any restaurants or shops in the North Canal area?

Unique restaurants and shops utilizing stone warehouses are scattered throughout the area. "PRESSCAFE," a renovation of the former Shibusawa Warehouse, offers an open space overlooking the North Canal and is a popular cafe for its specialty coffee and curry (closed Thursdays, 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM). "Otaru GOLDSTONE," also in the former Shibusawa Warehouse, hosts music events as a live theater and restaurant. Additionally, at Tanaka Sake Brewery Main Store (Iro-nai 3-chome, open daily, 9:05 AM - 5:55 PM), you can sample and purchase "Takaragawa," Otaru's only local sake, making it a perfect stop after exploring the North Canal.

Q. How does the North Canal area differ from the South Otaru Canal?

While the South Otaru Canal area is bustling with many tourists, featuring cobbled streets, gas lamps, and a promenade, the North Canal area has seen less tourist development. It retains its original 40-meter canal width and warehouses in a state closer to their original construction. With fewer tourists, you can leisurely admire historical buildings and enjoy photography in a calm atmosphere. At sunset, the contrast between the stone warehouses and the evening sun is beautiful, making it highly regarded as a photo spot. After enjoying the lively southern area, UNGAPLUS, a local shop, recommends a stroll through the North Canal to experience the true essence of Otaru.

I want to visit shops in the North Canal