Home > Otaru Tourist Portal > Otaru Canal

In the late Edo period, as herring fishing flourished, people moved to Otaru, and from the Meiji to Taisho periods, the city rapidly developed as the gateway to Hokkaido's development. As a shipping city that distributed various goods through Otaru Port, the volume of cargo handled increased rapidly, leading to the reclamation of land from the sea and the construction of waterways for efficient transportation. This was the Otaru Canal, completed in 1923 (Taisho 12).

Today, Otaru is one of Japan's leading tourist cities, ranking among the top three in Hokkaido, which is highly popular for tourism, along with Sapporo and Hakodate. The fact that it's relatively easy to visit, just 30-40 minutes by JR rapid train from Sapporo Station, is also a factor in its popularity. And the symbolic presence of Otaru's tourism is the "Otaru Canal."

To ensure that even first-time visitors to Otaru can enjoy the Otaru Canal with peace of mind, UNGAPLUS will introduce the highlights and shops around the Otaru Canal from our perspective.

Otaru Canal Recommended Guide

Otaru Canal - Otaru Tourism Recommended Guide ①

History of Otaru Canal

Otaru Port played a crucial role as the gateway to Hokkaido from the Meiji era to the early Showa era. Cargo was unloaded from large ships anchored in the harbor using smaller boats called lighters, but with the increase in cargo volume, congestion during lighter loading became an issue. Therefore, to make loading and unloading more efficient, over approximately nine years starting in 1914, an artificial island was created, allowing cargo handling around its perimeter. The 1314m long and 40m wide waterway remaining between the original quay and the artificial island became commonly known as the "Otaru Canal."

After its completion in 1923, the canal supported Otaru's prosperity as a commercial city for a while. However, after the war, as wharves were developed at Otaru Port, lighter operations gradually decreased. Furthermore, with the construction of large-scale ports in cities on the Pacific side, many ships shifted to Pacific routes. The Otaru Canal gradually became a useless place, accumulating silt and garbage.

A plan emerged to reclaim the canal and build a three-lane road to restore Otaru as a logistics hub. In response, a citizen movement arose to preserve the canal as a symbol of Otaru, leading to the nationally publicized "Otaru Canal Preservation Movement." As a result, the southern half along Hokkaido Prefectural Route 1 Otaru Port Line was reclaimed for a road, but the canal side was developed into a promenade with cobblestones and gas lamps. Today, its beautiful scenery has transformed it into a popular tourist spot representing Hokkaido, captivating countless visitors. The northern side (commonly known as the Northern Canal) still retains its original 40m width.

Otaru Canal - Otaru Tourism Recommended Guide ②

Asakusabashi: A Classic Photo Spot

When it comes to the most common and iconic photo spot for the Otaru Canal, "Asakusabashi Bridge" is the first one that comes to mind. The name Asakusabashi is said to originate from a temple called "Asakusa-dera" located about one kilometer inland from here. The road extending from that temple to the canal was called "Asakusa-dori," and the bridge where this road intersected the canal was named "Asakusabashi." Incidentally, in Otaru, locals pronounce it "Asakusa-dera" and not "Sensoji" as in Tokyo.

There is also a tourist information center within the premises, which is very convenient for gathering the latest tourist information and facility brochures. There is a plaza on the bridge, and taking a commemorative photo with the Otaru Canal in the background from here is standard. Nearby, tourist spots such as restaurants, Sakaimachi Street, the former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch, and the former Temiya Line of the Japanese National Railways are all within walking distance.

Otaru Canal - Otaru Tourism Recommended Guide ③

Chuo Bridge: Canal Cruise Starting Point

Chuo Bridge is located in the center of the Otaru Canal, about a 10-minute walk straight down a gentle slope from JR Otaru Station. It serves as the departure and arrival point for the popular "Otaru Canal Cruise" boats that tour the Otaru Canal and Otaru Port. A highlight of the cruise is passing under this bridge twice. The area under Chuo Bridge is known as "Pigeon's Apartment," where sometimes as many as 20 pigeons rest their wings. This is one of the places that surprises tourists. Nearby, there is the Canal Plaza Tourist Information Center (Otaru International Information Center), which serves as a base for tourism, and the boarding area for marine sightseeing boats to Shukutsu and Otamoi.

Walking along the "Otaru Canal Promenade" between Chuo Bridge and Asakusabashi Bridge to enjoy the atmosphere is a classic way to experience it. If you have limited time, starting from Chuo Bridge and walking the Canal Promenade might be a good option.

Otaru Canal - Otaru Tourism Recommended Guide ④

UNGAPLUS

Good fortune from Otaru, the city of shipping...
With the flow that has been protected without interruption as your ally,
May your luck also open.

In the Meiji era, Otaru flourished as the gateway to Hokkaido's development.
Kitamaebune (northern-bound ships) sailed the vast ocean with their pure white sails, carrying many goods and cultures to this land through their exchanges with Honshu.

UNGAPLUS delivers original products featuring the history and culture that still remain in Otaru, from the "Former Otaru Warehouse Main Building," the first commercial warehouse in Hokkaido built by Kitamaebune shipowners Sonzaemon Nishide and Shohachi Nishitani, along with quality products from the port towns of the Kitamaebune.

The story of Otaru, which walked hand in hand with the Kitamaebune, from this very place.

We look forward to welcoming you with a selection of unique original items that also make delightful souvenirs.

Click here for "UNGAPLUS" details

Otaru Canal - Otaru Tourism Recommended Guide ⑤

Otaru's Ancient Townscape - Northern Canal

The Northern Canal, located north of the Otaru Canal promenade, still retains its ancient appearance. Many historical buildings and stone warehouses built during the Meiji era, such as the former NYK Otaru Branch and the former Shibusawa Warehouse, still exist there. There are also many things that tell the story of old Otaru, such as gas lamps and the Hokkai Seikan Otaru Factory. Unlike the bustling area around the Otaru Canal, which has become a tourist destination, this is a quiet area that still preserves the charm of an old port town.

Also, at the northern end of the Northern Canal is Canal Park, a popular spot for Otaru citizens to relax, with cobblestone paths and a fountain in the center. The Western-style building beyond the fountain is the former NYK Otaru Branch. This building, completed in 1906 (Meiji 39), is a two-story stone structure in the Neo-European Revival style and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Near the park are the Rin'yu Morning Market, bustling with shoppers, and many delicious cafes and restaurants renovated from stone warehouses like the former Shibusawa Warehouse, making it a hidden gem for exploring Otaru.

Otaru Canal - Otaru Tourism Recommended Guide ⑥

Otaru Canal Gas Lamp and Illumination Times

Otaru Canal - Otaru Tourism Recommended Guide ⑦

11 Recommended Shops in Otaru's Northern Canal

UNGAPLUS has curated a selection of stylish cafes, select shops, general stores, and dessert specialty stores in the Northern Canal area that we highly recommend visiting when you come to Otaru Canal. Why not enjoy a unique Otaru tour different from other guidebooks? ...Read more

Otaru Canal - Otaru Tourism Recommended Guide ⑧

22 Classic Otaru Must-Sees

Currently, Otaru City has become one of Japan's leading tourist cities, ranking among the top three in Hokkaido, which is highly popular for tourism, along with Sapporo and Hakodate. The fact that it's relatively easy to visit, just 30-40 minutes by JR rapid train from Sapporo Station, is also a factor in its popularity.

To ensure that even first-time visitors to Otaru can enjoy Otaru with peace of mind, we will introduce the classic Otaru tourist attractions, including highlights and shops. ...Read more

Otaru Canal - Otaru Tourism Recommended Guide ⑨

7 Best Scenic Viewpoints in Otaru

Hokkaido, with its vast lands and beautiful nature, is a treasure trove of scenic views. Otaru boasts numerous beautiful viewpoints, such as Mount Otaru Tengu, which offers panoramic views of Otaru city and is one of Hokkaido's top three night views; the Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck, where you can see the coastline with the sunrise or sunset; and the stunning Blue Cave, renowned for its beautiful contrast between rugged rocks and refreshing blue waters. How about a trip to explore Otaru's beautiful spots? ...Read more

Otaru Canal - Otaru Tourism Recommended Guide ⑩

15 Recommended Gourmet Foods in Otaru

What comes to mind when you think of "delicious food" in Otaru? You're probably thinking of "sushi" and "kaisen-don" (seafood rice bowls). Of course, the seafood caught in Otaru, located on the Japan Sea side of Hokkaido, is undoubtedly superb, but Otaru offers so much more. As a popular city in Hokkaido, often called a "food paradise," there's a wealth of other delicious things to try. We'll introduce you to Otaru's "delicious food tour." ...Read more

Otaru Canal - Otaru Tourism Recommended Guide ⑪

14 Selections Exploring Ancient Otaru

The history of Otaru is said to have begun in the late Edo period when villages were established by people who moved there in search of herring. Around that time, Kitamaebune, known as comprehensive marine trading companies, also began to frequent the area. While many daily necessities were brought to Hokkaido, abundant seafood was transported to Honshu. In the Meiji era, Otaru was positioned as the most important port for Hokkaido's development, and many financial institutions also advanced there, leading to continuous prosperity. In the Taisho era, land was reclaimed from the sea to create waterways for efficient transportation. That is the Otaru Canal. ...Read more