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Welcome to Otaru Canal

↓ History of the Otaru Canal
↓ Photo spot "Asakusabashi"
↓ Canal Cruise "Chuo Bridge"
↓ Otaru brand UNGAPLUS
↓ Ancient townscape of North Canal
↓ Gas lamp lighting time
↓ Shops along the North Canal
↓ Main roads of Otaru
↓ Spectacular view spots
↓ Gourmet foods
↓ History and literature

In the late Edo period, people moved to Otaru as herring fishing became popular, and then from the Meiji to Taisho periods, Otaru grew rapidly as the gateway to Hokkaido's development. As a shipping town that distributed a variety of goods through Otaru Port, the volume of cargo handled increased dramatically, so the sea was reclaimed and a waterway was built to allow for more efficient transportation. This was the Otaru Canal, which was completed in 1923 (Taisho 12).

Otaru Canal

Currently, Otaru City is one of Japan's leading tourist cities, ranking in the top three along with Sapporo and Hakodate, even within the popular tourist destination of Hokkaido. Another factor contributing to its popularity is the relatively easy accessibility of the city, just 30-40 minutes by JR rapid train from Sapporo Station. The Otaru Canal is a symbol of tourism in Otaru City.

We at UNGAPLUS will introduce the sights and shops around the Otaru Canal so that even first-time visitors can enjoy the canal with peace of mind.

Otaru Canal Recommended Guide

Otaru Canal - Otaru Sightseeing Guide ①

History of the Otaru Canal

Otaru Port played an important role as the gateway to Hokkaido from the Meiji period through the early Showa period. Large ships anchored in the port were previously unloaded using small boats called barges, but as the volume of cargo handled increased, barge loading and unloading congestion became a problem. To make unloading and loading more efficient, an artificial island was constructed over a period of approximately nine years, starting in 1914, allowing unloading operations to be carried out around the island. At that time, the water surface remaining between the original quay and the artificial island, measuring 1,314 meters in length and 40 meters in width, came to be known as the "Otaru Canal."

Otaru Canal

After its completion in 1923, the canal supported the prosperity of the commercial city of Otaru for a while, but after the war, when a wharf was built at Otaru Port, the barge loading and unloading operations gradually decreased, and when a large port was built on the Pacific side of the city, many ships shifted to Pacific routes. The Otaru Canal gradually became a useless place where sludge and garbage accumulated.

Otaru Canal

A plan was put forward to fill in the canal, build a three-lane road, and once again turn Otaru into a logistics hub. In response to this, a citizens' movement arose calling for the canal to be preserved as a symbol of Otaru, which led to the "Otaru Canal Preservation Movement" which became a national topic. As a result, half of the southern side of Prefectural Route 1 Taruko Line was filled in for road construction, but the canal was turned into a walking path with cobblestones and gas lamps, and its beautiful scenery has now been transformed into a popular tourist spot representing Hokkaido, attracting many people. The northern side (commonly known as the North Canal) still retains its original width of 40m.

Otaru Canal - Otaru Sightseeing Guide ②

A classic photo spot: Asakusabashi

Otaru Canal

When it comes to the most commonly seen classic photo spot for Otaru Canal, the first place that comes to mind is Asakusabashi. The name Asakusabashi is said to come from the fact that there is a temple called Sensoji Temple located about one kilometer away on the Yamate side of here, and the road that stretches from there to the canal was called Asakusa-dori, and the bridge where this road and the canal intersect was called Asakusabashi. By the way, locals in Otaru don't call it "Sensoji" like in Tokyo, but rather "Asakusa-dera."

There is also a tourist information center on the premises, which is very convenient for gathering information such as the latest tourist information and facility brochures. There is a plaza on the bridge, and it is standard to take commemorative photos from here with the Otaru Canal in the background. The surrounding area is within walking distance of tourist attractions such as Sakaimachi Street, the former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch, and the former Japanese National Railways Temiya Line, as well as restaurants.

Otaru Canal - Otaru Sightseeing Guide ③

Canal cruise departure and arrival point "Chuo Bridge"

Otaru Canal

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 is the departure and arrival point for the popular Otaru Canal Cruise, which tours the Otaru Canal and Otaru Port, and one of the highlights is that the cruise passes under this bridge twice during the tour. The area under Chuo Bridge has been nicknamed the "pigeon apartment," with as many as 20 pigeons resting there at times. This is one of the places that surprises tourists. Nearby are the Canal Plaza Tourist Information Center (Otaru International Information Center), a tourist hub, and the maritime sightseeing boat pier for trips to Shukutsu and Otamoi.

The classic way to enjoy the area is to walk along the Otaru Canal Walking Path along the canal between Chuo Bridge and Asakusa Bridge and enjoy the atmosphere. If you're short on time, it might be a good idea to start from Chuo Bridge and walk along the canal walking path.

Otaru Canal - Otaru Sightseeing Guide 4

UNGAPLUS

Good luck from the shipping town of Otaru...
May the flow that has been protected without interruption be your ally and open up your luck.

During the Meiji period, Otaru flourished as the gateway to the development of Hokkaido.
Kitamae ships flapped their pure white sails across the ocean, traveling to and from Honshu and bringing many goods and cultures to this area.

UNGAPLUS delivers original products that incorporate the history and culture of Otaru, as well as high-quality products from the ports of call of the Kitamae ships, from the former Otaru Main Warehouse, the first commercial warehouse in Hokkaido, built by Kitamae ship owners Nishide Magozaemon and Nishitani Shohachi.

The story of Otaru, which has walked alongside the Kitamae ships, can be heard from this place.

We are looking forward to your visit and have a wide selection of original items that are only available here and make great souvenirs.

Click here for details on "UNGAPLUS"

Facility name　UNGAPLUS
Address　2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
phone　0134-65-8150
Opening hours　10:00-18:00
Closed days 　Open everyday
Home page　Click here

Otaru Canal - Otaru Sightseeing Guide ⑤

Otaru's Ancient Townscape - North Canal

Otaru Canal

Located on the north side of the Otaru Canal Walking Path, North Canal retains its ancient appearance. There are many historical buildings and stone warehouses built in the Meiji era, such as the former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch and the former Shibusawa Warehouse. There are also many things that tell the story of Otaru's past, such as gas lamps and the Hokkai Can Otaru Factory. Unlike the bustling Otaru Canal area, which is becoming increasingly touristy, this is a quiet area that still retains the atmosphere of an old port town.

Otaru Canal

At the northern end of the North Canal is Canal Park, a popular place of relaxation for the people of Otaru. The park is paved with cobblestones and has a fountain in the center. The Western-style building behind the fountain is the former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch. Completed in 1906 (Meiji 39), this two-story stone building in the Early Modern European Revival style has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Near the park is the bustling Rinyu Morning Market, as well as the former Shibusawa Warehouse, home to delicious cafes and restaurants renovated from stone warehouses, making it a hidden gem for exploring Otaru.

Otaru Canal - Otaru Sightseeing Guide ⑥

Otaru Canal Gas Lamp Lighting Times

Otaru Canal

Otaru Canal Walking Path　Sunset to midnight (June to August: 6pm to midnight)
North Canal Walkway　Light sensors turn the lights on and off (June to August: 6:00 PM to 4:00 AM the following morning)
Gas lamps in front of Canal Plaza　Sunset to midnight
Canal Warehouses Light-up　Sunset to 10:30 PM

Otaru Canal - Otaru Sightseeing Guide ⑦

11 recommended shops along the Otaru North Canal

If you come to the Otaru Canal, we've picked out some stylish cafes, select shops, general stores, and sweets shops in the North Canal area, which we highly recommend you visit. Enjoy a tour of Otaru that's a little different from other guidebooks. ...See more

Otaru Canal - Otaru Sightseeing Guide ⑧

22 must-see spots for sightseeing in Otaru

Currently, Otaru City is one of Japan's leading tourist cities, ranking in the top three along with Sapporo and Hakodate, even within the popular tourist destination of Hokkaido. Another factor in its popularity is that it is relatively easy to get to, being just 30-40 minutes by JR rapid train from Sapporo Station.

Even if you are visiting Otaru for the first time, we will introduce you to the main attractions and shops in Otaru so that you can enjoy your stay with peace of mind. ...Read more

Otaru Canal - Otaru Sightseeing Guide ⑨

7 Scenic View Spots in Otaru

Hokkaido, with its vast land and beautiful natural scenery, is a treasure trove of spectacular views. Otaru's charm lies in its many scenic spots, including Otaru Tenguyama, which offers a panoramic view of the city and boasts one of Hokkaido's three greatest night views; Shukutsu Panorama Observatory, where you can see the coastline and sunrises and sunsets together; and the Blue Cave, renowned for the beautiful contrast between the rugged rocks and the refreshing blue of the surrounding area. Why not take a trip to explore Otaru's beautiful spots? ...Read more

Otaru Canal - Otaru Sightseeing Guide ⑩

15 Recommended Gourmet Spots in Otaru

When you think of "delicious food" in Otaru, what comes to mind? Generally, you probably think of "sushi" or "kaisendon" (seafood bowl). Of course, the seafood caught in Otaru, located on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido, is undoubtedly delicious, but that's not all Otaru has to offer. As a popular city in Hokkaido known as a treasure trove of food, there are plenty of other delicacies to choose from. We'll introduce you to some of Otaru's delicious treats. ...Read more

Otaru Canal - Otaru Sightseeing Guide ⑪

14 Things to Do in Ancient Otaru

Otaru's history is said to have begun in the late Edo period, when a village was established by people who immigrated in search of herring. Around that time, Kitamaebune ships, known as the general trading companies of the sea, began to ply the waters. Many daily commodities were brought to Hokkaido, and at the same time, abundant seafood was transported to Honshu. In the Meiji period, it became the most important port for the development of Hokkaido, and many financial institutions moved in, leading to continued prosperity. In the Taisho period, the sea was reclaimed and a waterway was created for efficient transportation. This is the Otaru Canal. ...Read more