Home > Otaru Tourism Portal >Otaru in Pictures

From the Meiji to Taisho periods, Otaru served as the gateway to Hokkaido and became a major logistics hub. At the time, the city grew to become the leading commercial city in northern Japan and reached the height of its prosperity. The city is lined with historical buildings that retain the vestiges of its prosperity, including the Otaru Canal, which was created by reclaiming land from the sea during the Taisho period and became nationally famous as a result of the preservation movement of the Showa period. Today, the nostalgic townscape is one of the most popular tourist spots in Hokkaido.

We've put together a photo gallery from UNGAPLUS's perspective of recommended tourist spots and local specialties that you should definitely visit when you come to Otaru. Otaru is full of picturesque buildings and scenery, as well as delicious seafood, so we recommend staying overnight in Otaru and exploring the area at your leisure.

Otaru Photos

Give Otaru as a gift.

From the "Old Otaru Warehouse" overlooking the canal,
From UNGAPLUS, which brings you the "Story of Otaru" that walked alongside the Kitamae ships,
We will introduce you to "Places to visit in Otaru."

Please enjoy Otaru.

Otaru's famous spots in photos

Otaru's famous spots in photos - Otaru Tourism

1. 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 within the port were unloaded using small boats called barges, but as the volume of cargo handled increased, barge congestion became a problem. To facilitate more efficient unloading and loading, an artificial island was constructed over a nine-year period beginning in 1914, allowing unloading operations to be carried out around the island. At that time, the remaining water surface between the original quay and the artificial island, measuring 1,314 meters in length and 40 meters in width, became known as the "Otaru Canal." ...Read More

Evening view from the Otaru Canal walking path to the north

At night, from Chuobashi towards Asakusabashi

Daytime, from Chuo Bridge to the North Canal

The river is still 40m wide. North Canal in winter

Otaru's famous spots in photos - Otaru Tourism

2. Former Temiya Line

The abandoned Temiya Line, located a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station, is a popular tourist spot in Otaru. It was originally opened in 1880 by American railway engineer Joseph Urry Crawford as Hokkaido's first railway and Japan's third, running from Temiya to Sapporo for the purpose of transporting coal. After bustling with the shipment of coal and seafood, the line was nationalized in 1906 and served as a means of transportation for Hokkaido residents until the late Showa period, when it was closed in November 1985. ...See More

From Otaru Station Street, turn right onto the former Temiya Line site

A woman strolling around the former Temiya Line site

The old Temiya Line at night, with streetlights illuminating the surrounding area

Otaru's famous spots in photos - Otaru Tourism

3. Former Otaru Warehouse

The Old Otaru Warehouse, with its striking shachihoko (lion-like carp) along the Otaru Canal, is a representative example of Otaru's many historic buildings. It was built in 1890 (Meiji 23) by Nishitani and Nishide of Kaga Hashidate, on the southern beach of Otaru Port, which had just completed land reclamation. Later, due to circumstances within the Nishide family, the warehouse was passed on to Yamamoto Kyuemon (the second generation), who also sought a base in Otaru for Kitamaebune (shipping), and the Otaru Warehouse was expanded and remodeled into its current "R" shape, becoming a large warehouse spanning 3,000 square meters. ...Read More

The first warehouse in Hokkaido approved by the government

Fire dog "Bunkou" standing in front of the former Otaru warehouse

UNGAPLUS entering the former brick headquarters

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.

For more information on "UNGAPLUS," click here

Store name: UNGAPLUS
Address: 2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru City, 047-0031
Phone: 0134-65-8150
Business hours : 10:00-18:00
No regular holidays
Home page　Click here

Otaru's famous spots in photos - Otaru Tourism

4. Otaru Port

Otaru has three fishing ports: Shukutsu Fishing Port, Shioya Fishing Port, and Oshiji Fishing Port. All of these ports are Type 1 fishing ports (used primarily for local fishing). The fishing port on Takashima Island is called the Takashima Fishing Port District and is treated as part of Otaru Port, an important port under the Port and Harbor Law. Shukutsu Fishing Port, Shioya Fishing Port, Oshiji Fishing Port, and Takashima Fishing Port District all developed as fishing grounds in the late Edo period, thanks to people who traveled north in search of herring. Even today, many of the industrial heritage sites from those days as herring fishing grounds remain, making these areas very picturesque. ...Read More

Otaru Port with the sun rising over Ishikari Bay

Ushio Festival Fireworks Display held at Otaru Port

Warehouse at Otaru Port's Third Pier, where development is expected to continue in the future

Otaru's famous spots in photos - Otaru Tourism

5. Otaru's Banking District

From Asakusabashi, a famous photo spot for the Otaru Canal, cross the main Rinkosen street and head straight down Nihongin-dori Street toward Otaru Station. You'll eventually come to the intersection with Ironai-dori Street. This neighborhood is home to many bank buildings dating back to when Otaru was known as "northern Japan's leading economic city," boasting head offices and branches from as many as 25 financial institutions at its peak. From the Meiji-era Bank of Japan, to the former Savings Bureau (now the Municipal Museum of Art and Literature), a pioneer of postwar modern architecture, a variety of architectural styles from each era are lined up within a narrow 500m radius, designed by leading designers. ...See More

The former Mitsui Bank Otaru branch symbolizes the city's former prosperity

Former Otaru Branch of the Bank of Japan, designed by Tatsuno Kingo

Greek-style former Yasuda Bank Otaru branch

Former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch

Otaru's famous spots in photos - Otaru Tourism

6. Otaru Market

I'm Taguchi Tomoko, a market lover! Starting this month, I'll be writing the "ICHIBA SANPO" column on the UNGAPLUS website! I'm so excited!! For about 15 years, I've been calling myself the "market ambassador" and promoting markets on FM Otaru and other programs. But then Irifune Market and Myoken Market disappeared... I was worried that if things continued like this, my beloved "Otaru market culture" would disappear. Otaru currently has six markets: the Central Market, the Central Wholesale Market, the Sankaku Market, the Uroko Market, the Minamitaru Market, and the Shinminamitaru Market. Six markets (still remaining) in a city with a population of 110,000... This is actually quite amazing. So, I hope to promote these six markets in my own way, sharing their appeal and helping them remain in the city of Otaru forever. ...Read more

Sankaku Market, a popular tourist spot

Minamitaru Market attracts visitors from Sapporo as well

Rinyu Morning Market starts at 4am

Otaru's famous spots in photos - Otaru Tourism

7. Shrines in Otaru

Otaru has long flourished as a port town, and as such, there are many shrines dedicated to the gods of water, sea, and business prosperity. From the late 18th century to the early 19th century, there were many agricultural immigrants from Honshu, and as a result, many Inari shrines dedicated to the agricultural god were built.

Speaking of shrines in Otaru, Otaru Sumiyoshi Shrine

Suitengu Shrine stands on a hill in Otaru

Ryugu Shrine, built by Enomoto Takeaki

Otaru's famous spots in photos - Otaru Tourism

8. Kitaichi Glass Building 3

Kitaichi Glass, famous as a tourist destination in Otaru, has 17 stores throughout the city, including glassware galleries such as Building No. 3, as well as restaurants and cafes. Kitaichi Glass is Otaru's signature glass brand and has grown alongside Otaru's modern history. Kitaichi Glass's predecessor, Asahara Glass, was founded in 1901 (Meiji 34). The company manufactured and sold kerosene lamps and fishing floats, achieving rapid growth. However, as electricity and kerosene became more widespread, the era shifted from glass to plastic. Although there were several glass manufacturers in the city, by 1960 (Showa 35), Asahara Glass was the only one left. ...Read More

Building 3, which also houses a glassware gallery

The oil lamp that made Kitaichi Glass famous

Otaru's famous spots in photos - Otaru Tourism

9. Otaru Tenguyama

Otaru Tenguyama has long been beloved by locals as a symbol of Otaru. Standing at 532 meters above sea level, it can be seen from anywhere in central Otaru. You can reach the summit by ropeway, which runs every 6 to 12 minutes, or by car (the road is closed during the winter). Otaru Tenguyama has five observation decks, the summit observation deck in particular being a must-see spot, having been awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. ...See more

Otaru Tenguyama offers a panoramic view of Otaru

Otaru Tenguyama, one of Hokkaido's three great night views

Otaru's famous spots in photos - Otaru Tourism

10. Otaru Snow Light Path

The Otaru Snow Light Path began in 1999 (Heisei 11) as a measure to alleviate the decline in tourists during the winter. Held annually in February, it has now become one of Otaru's most iconic events, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors over the course of its 10-day run. The name comes from the poem collection "Snow Light Path" by Otaru-born poet Sei Ito. Otaru's unique old streets, home to numerous historical buildings such as banks and warehouses built during the Meiji and Taisho periods, are enveloped in the warm glow of candles. Over 100,000 candles are used during the event, and the lighting is carried out with the cooperation of volunteers from Japan and abroad, with a focus on human warmth. ...See More

Fantastic candlelight

Snow lights lit in front of the store

Snow tunnel filled with candles

Snow lights up the trees in the town

UNGAPLUS

For more information on "UNGAPLUS," click here

Store name　UNGAPLUS
Address　2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru City
Phone　0134-65-8150
Business hours　10:00-18:00
No regular holidays
Home page　https://unga-plus.com/