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Otaru is a port town located about 30 minutes by train from Sapporo. Known as a city of history and romance, Otaru is one of Hokkaido's leading tourist destinations. Around the Otaru Canal, which can be called the symbol of Otaru, there are many historical buildings built in the Meiji era, attracting not only Japanese but also foreign tourists. Here, we introduce recommended izakayas where you can savor local Otaru cuisine in a nostalgic atmosphere brimming with exotic charm.

Giving Otaru as a gift.

From UNGAPLUS, we present "Otaru's Stories"
that have walked hand-in-hand with the Kitamaebune (northern-bound ships)
from the "Former Otaru Warehouse" overlooking the canal.
We introduce "must-visit spots in Otaru."

Please enjoy Otaru.

See more Otaru gourmet food

Delicious Otaru Izakayas - Otaru Sightseeing ①

Sakadokoro Fujirin

An old-established Otaru izakaya passed down for four generations.

Founded approximately 80 years ago, "Sakadokoro Fujirin" is an old-established Otaru izakaya that has been passed down for four generations. It boasts a wide selection of Japanese sake from all over the country, and its traditional flavors are complemented by oden and local fish. The menu includes Hokkaido-sourced Atka mackerel, fatty salmon belly, grey sole, and shishamo, as well as seasonal seafood that varies depending on the day's catch, along with grilled, stewed, fried, and sashimi dishes that bring out the best of vegetables. Their signature oden features a variety of items, from classic ingredients to unique ones like rock seaweed and beef sinew.

Delicious Otaru Izakayas - Otaru Sightseeing ②

Uoshin

A hidden gem in a residential area that only locals know about.

A hidden gem located in a residential area of Otaru that only locals know about. You can enjoy fresh seafood carefully selected by fish connoisseurs at reasonable prices, served as sushi, grilled dishes, or tempura, making it popular among local customers. Its secret to popularity is its excellent cost-performance; all dishes are surprisingly generous in portion, and the sushi toppings are notably large. The spacious interior offers counter seats, table seats, and zashiki (tatami-mat seating). The quality of the otoshi (appetizer) is also a pleasant surprise.

Delicious Otaru Izakayas - Otaru Sightseeing ③

Minshuku Aotsuka Shokudo

The specialty is jumbo herring grilled over charcoal right in front of the shop.

Enjoy the historical charm of Otaru, gaze at the vast ocean, and savor fresh seafood. Minshuku Aotsuka Shokudo in Shukutsu is a very popular restaurant that fulfills such luxurious desires. Its specialty is, without a doubt, the jumbo herring grilled over charcoal right in front of the shop. Besides herring, you can find a full selection of seasonal seafood like sea urchin, scallops, Atka mackerel, flounder, mantis shrimp, and abalone. For those who want to fully experience the charm of Aotsuka Shokudo, we recommend staying at the attached minshuku (guesthouse).

Delicious Otaru Izakayas - Otaru Sightseeing ④

Hyakunenbo

A popular izakaya frequented by local regulars.

"Hyakunenbo" is located about an 8-minute walk from Otaru Station, in an alley nestled between Shizuyadori and Miyakodori. This popular izakaya, frequented by local regulars, has been in business for 20 years. They primarily offer homemade dishes with plenty of seasonal vegetables, and you can also enjoy Hokkaido's seafood with a seasonal touch. The various "salads" with a homemade miso dressing accent are particularly popular among female customers.

Delicious Otaru Izakayas - Otaru Sightseeing ⑤

Gatsuya Shimazaki

A long-established robatayaki (fireside grill) with excellent pork chop.

This long-established robatayaki near Otaru Station is famous for its excellent pork chop. With only a U-shaped counter, it seats about 10-odd people. It's a popular spot often filled with local customers, and reservations are not accepted. Highly recommended are the foil-grilled fresh snow crab, generously packed with meat, and the very popular pork chop.

Delicious Otaru Izakayas - Otaru Sightseeing ⑥

Kasube

A shop loved even by the great Showa star, Yujiro Ishihara.

Having been in Otaru for over 50 years, this shop was even loved by the great Showa star, Yujiro Ishihara. The interior exudes a nostalgic, retro atmosphere, characterized by a long counter. You can savor fresh seafood and ingredients sourced on the morning of the day, presented in various cooking methods that bring out their deliciousness. Not only is the taste superb, but the dishes are also a delight to the eye. The most popular item is the famous "Troika Nabe" (hot pot). This exquisite dish features shrimp, scallops, napa cabbage, and bamboo shoots, all intertwined with a homemade soup and egg. The chef's omakase course starts from 3000 yen, with the 4000 yen course, including 8 dishes, being particularly recommended.

Delicious Otaru Izakayas - Otaru Sightseeing ⑦

Rakuten

A diverse array of creative dishes that pair well with sake and wine.

"Rakuten" is an oden and yakitori restaurant located in an alley off Otaru Miyakodori Shopping Street, near Otaru Station. The interior has a calm, modern Japanese atmosphere. Its appeal lies in its diverse array of creative dishes, primarily featuring Hokkaido ingredients, that pair well with sake and wine. The "Raw Seaweed Oden," with its distinct ocean flavor, and the "Tofu Oden," topped with tenderly simmered abalone and octopus, are examples of its innovative and enjoyable menu.

Delicious Otaru Izakayas - Otaru Sightseeing ⑧

Shotoku Taishi

An izakaya loved since the Showa era.

"Shotoku Taishi" is an izakaya that has been loved by local customers in the fishing town of Otaru since the Showa era. They pride themselves on dishes prepared with fresh seafood delivered directly from the Shiribeshi region, using various cooking methods to bring out the natural flavors while the ingredients are still fresh. The top recommendation is "Nigiri Nihonkai," a selection of 12 exquisite sushi pieces. During lunchtime, it comes with squid seasoned with its own entrails and chawanmushi (savory steamed egg custard). The restaurant offers counter seats, raised tatami-mat seating, and a banquet hall on the second floor that can accommodate up to 60 people.

Delicious Otaru Izakayas - Otaru Sightseeing ⑨

Robataya Tsurukichi

Dine on Hokkaido's seafood with a dynamic flair.

This restaurant offers a dynamic dining experience of Hokkaido's seafood at a large robata (fireside grill). You'll be pleased to find counter seats surrounding the robata, sunken kotatsu seating, and tranquil private rooms. With a total of 50 seats, it accommodates everyone from solo diners to groups of 30. Seasonal seafood such as Otaru sea urchin, squid, abalone, and mantis shrimp appear on the menu. Course meals start from 4000 yen and can be customized to your requests.

UNGAPLUS

Good fortune from Otaru, the city of marine transport...
May your luck open up, guided by a flow that has been continuously preserved.

In the Meiji period, Otaru prospered as the gateway to Hokkaido's development.
Kitamaebune ships sailed across the vast ocean with their pure white sails, bringing abundant goods and culture to this land through trade with Honshu.

From the "Former Otaru Warehouse Main Building," the first commercial warehouse in Hokkaido built by Kitamaebune shipowners Sonzaemon Nishide and Shohachi Nishitani, UNGAPLUS delivers original products infused with Otaru's enduring history and culture, as well as fine goods from the ports of call of the Kitamaebune.

The story of Otaru, interwoven with the Kitamaebune, begins here.

We await your visit with a selection of unique original items perfect for souvenirs.

UNGAPLUS Details here

Website here