Home > Otaru Tourist Portal > Otaru's Sea

Hokkaido is blessed with vast lands and beautiful nature. Otaru, located on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido, is a popular tourist destination with good access from Sapporo. The retro and atmospheric Otaru Canal, with its stone warehouses and gas lamps, and the former bank district, boast many historical buildings designated as cultural properties, and the charming townscape captivates people.

Otaru, surrounded by sea and mountains, also offers excellent access to both, with attractions within 30 minutes of the city center. Here, we introduce how to enjoy Otaru's summer and its sea, surrounded by nature.

Giving Otaru.

From UNGAPLUS, delivering "The Story of Otaru" from the "Former Otaru Warehouse" overlooking the canal, which has walked alongside the Kitamaebune ships,
we introduce "Otaru's attractions."

Please enjoy "Otaru."

Otaru Sea Cruises

Otaru Summer | How to Enjoy the Sea - Otaru Tourism ①

Otaru Marine Sightseeing Boat "Aobato"

The Otaru Marine Sightseeing Boat "Aobato" allows you to fully enjoy Otaru's dynamic sea. The Shukutsu route is convenient for transportation, offering views of Otaru Aquarium and Otaru Nishin Goten from the sea. The Otamoi route provides a spectacular view of imposing cliffs. Enjoy a leisurely cruise while admiring the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park.

Shukutsu Route
Tour time: Approx. 20 minutes (one way)
Fare: Adults ¥700, Children ¥350
Otamoi Route A Course
(Departs from Otaru Port Wharf No. 3 - Otamoi tour - Arrives at Otaru Port Wharf No. 3)
Tour time: Approx. 90 minutes
Fare: Adults ¥2500, Children ¥1250

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Otaru Marine Sightseeing Boat "Kaiyo"

Hokkaido's only yakatabune (houseboat) operates only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, touring the harbor for about 40 minutes while a guide introduces the history of Otaru. The view of Otaru from the sea allows you to appreciate how nature and the city coexist. It can also be chartered for groups, such as lunch parties with friends, or farewell/welcome parties and reunions while admiring the beautiful night scenery.

Tour time: Approx. 40 minutes
Fare: Adults ¥850, Children ¥420

Boarding Location

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Otaru Canal Cruise

A small boat trip that can be called a new standard for Otaru tourism.

The Otaru Canal has become globally famous as a tourist spot in Hokkaido. Along the canal, numerous historic buildings stand, making every view picturesque.

One activity that allows you to fully enjoy the popular Otaru Canal area is the "Otaru Canal Cruise," which can be called a new standard for Otaru tourism. It's a small boat trip of about 40 minutes where you can rediscover the charm of Otaru, a city of history and romance.

The charm of the Otaru Canal Cruise is that you can enjoy different canal views depending on the season (spring, summer, autumn, winter) and time of day (before sunset, during the day, after sunset). We invite you to experience the approximately 40-minute boat trip of the Otaru Canal Cruise, where you can always enjoy a different experience and canal scenery, no matter when you visit.

The boarding fee is ¥1,800 for adults and ¥500 for children for the day cruise, and ¥2,000 for adults and ¥500 for children for the night cruise. Brochures are available in Japanese and multiple languages (English, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean).

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Blue Grotto

Into the Blue Grotto on a small boat.

The beautiful, glowing blue "Blue Grotto" is formed by various coincidences, such as unique landforms created by seawater erosion, the direction and angle of sunlight, and the clarity of the seawater.

Sunlight pours in from the cave's entrance, and among the seven colors of light, all but blue are absorbed in the water, causing the surface of the sea to glow blue.

The Blue Grotto in Capri, Italy, is world-famous, but there are several places in Japan also called "Blue Grotto," and in fact, you can see a "Blue Grotto" near Otaru and Shakotan.

The Blue Grottoes of Otaru and Shakotan, facing the Sea of Japan, are highly praised for the beautiful contrast between their rugged rock formations and the refreshing blue surface of the sea. Furthermore, Otaru's Blue Grotto is unique because its entrance is wider than other caves, allowing small boats to enter and tour inside.

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Otaru Fishing Boats

Full set of fishing gear available for rent.

Why not try boat fishing mainly around Otaru and Shakotan? Even for those new to boat fishing or interested but lacking equipment, it seems they rent out a full set of fishing gear, bait, and tackle. How about it as a memory of your Otaru trip?

In Otaru, boat fishing targets change from flounder in spring to flatfish, and then from summer to autumn and winter, to rockfish, sculpin, Japanese seabass, cod, and Atka mackerel. While sometimes you might catch yellowtail or trout, please be aware that there might be days with no catches depending on natural conditions and the season.

Boarding Location

Click here for ways to enjoy Otaru throughout the seasons

Stunning Ocean View Spots in Otaru

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Shukutsu Panorama Observatory

Shukutsu Panorama Observatory, famous for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets, is located on a hill approximately 70m above sea level in the northeastern part of Otaru City. Looking east from the observatory, Takashima Cape in the foreground adds an accent, and beyond it, the spectacular view of Ishikari Bay unfolds. On clear days, Mt. Shokanbetsu and Mt. Mashike can even be seen across Ishikari Bay. The Hiyoriyama Lighthouse and the Otaru City Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion) sit atop the cape, and in front is the "Marine Mammal Park," an outdoor facility of the Otaru Aquarium, all contributing to the creation of the magnificent view from Shukutsu Panorama Observatory.

On the other hand, to the west, from late April to late August, you can witness the breathtaking sunset over the Sea of Japan. On clear evenings, families and couples gather with cameras in hand. You can spend a luxurious time here, easily losing track of it.

The observatory has a free parking lot, so it's recommended to go by private car or rental car. If visiting by public transport, take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus "for Otaru Aquarium" from JR Otaru Station, and the last stop, "Otaru Aquarium," is at the foot of Shukutsu Panorama Observatory. The observatory is about 70 meters high, so climbing the slope while enjoying the scenery might be a pleasant experience.

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Otamoi Coast

The Otamoi Coast, part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park, which was designated in Hokkaido in 1963 as the third quasi-national park, is located in the northern part of Otaru. It is a secluded spot where you can see the magnificent and impressive scenery of Shakotan Blue's clear, blue sea, towering cliffs, and unusual rock formations from the sea side on a sightseeing boat. The unusual-sounding name "Otamoi" is said to come from the Ainu language, meaning "sandy cove." It is currently the only place name in katakana in Otaru.

Otamoi has a little-known history. In the early Showa period, a major resort called Otamoi Amusement Park existed here. The main attraction within the amusement park was Ryugukaku, a massive three-story inn built on the side of a steep cliff. With many pillars erected on the cliff, most of the building extended over the sea, and at the time, it was said to be even more impressive than Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It was built by Akitaro Kato, who ran a Japanese restaurant in Otaru City, in 1936 (Showa 11) as a new scenic spot in Otaru. At that time, it seems that several thousand people used it daily, but it closed due to the war. After the war, efforts were made to reopen it, but unfortunately, Ryugukaku was completely destroyed by fire, leading to its unavoidable closure.

Although the foundation stones of Ryugukaku and the promenade tunnel leading to the amusement park ruins remain, the path from the land side is closed due to the risk of landslides. The Otamoi Coast, a mysterious spot with a mystical sea and a phantom amusement park, can currently be seen from the sea via sightseeing boats.

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Hiyoriyama Lighthouse

The Hiyoriyama Lighthouse, a popular scenic spot in Otaru, is a red and white two-toned lighthouse located on Takashima Cape in Shukutsu, Otaru City. It is a historic lighthouse, being the second in Hokkaido after Nosappu Misaki Lighthouse to be lit, in 1883. At that time, it was built as a wooden, hexagonal, white lighthouse.

It was rebuilt with concrete in 1953 and painted in its current red and white two-tone colors in 1968. The height from the ground to the top of the lamp is 10.2m, and from sea level to the light is 49.8m. The range of visibility is 19.0 nautical miles (approximately 35.2 km).

It was used as a filming location for the 1957 movie "Yorokobi mo Kanashimi mo Iku Toshi Tsuki" (Times of Joy and Sorrow). Currently, public access to the lighthouse is prohibited, but the view from the observatory located a short distance away is magnificent and has been featured in tourist brochures and magazines.

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Akaiwa-yama (Red Rock Mountain)

Akaiwa-yama, located in the northwest of Otaru City, appears as a hill from the city side. However, when seen from the sea on a sightseeing boat cruising along the Otamoi Coast, its rough appearance, with numerous reddish-brown unusual rock formations and peaks rising from sea level, is overwhelmingly powerful. It is also one of Hokkaido's leading rock climbing fields, where many climbers enjoy scaling the rocks.

Akaiwa-yama consists of two peaks: "Akaiwa-yama (371.1 meters)" and "Shimo-Akaiwa-yama (approximately 278 meters)," which are generally referred to as "West Akaiwa" and "East Akaiwa," respectively. The ridge of Akaiwa-yama has a hiking trail called "Otaru Coast Nature Trail." The majority of the sea side of this ridge is a rocky area, which serves as the climbing area.

The "Otaru Coast Nature Trail" hiking course is approximately 5.5 kilometers long, passing near the summit of Akaiwa-yama and through the summit of Shimo-Akaiwa-yama. This undulating nature trail is located within a quasi-national park, offering stunning coastal views and seasonal plants.

Driving Along Otaru's Beautiful Coastline

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Ranshima Coast

Ranshima is located at the westernmost tip of Otaru City, bordering Yoichi Town, and is said to be the birthplace of swimming beaches in Hokkaido. The Ranshima Coast is part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Coast Quasi-National Park, so in a broader sense, this could also be considered part of the "Shakotan Blue Sea."

Ranshima has Ranshima Beach and Sun River Beach. Ranshima Beach is located along the national highway from Sapporo, where you see a Seicomart and turn right. Sun River Beach is about 1 kilometer further, just before the tunnel.

Ranshima Beach is known as the oldest swimming beach in Hokkaido, with over 100 years of history, and its coastline spans approximately 800 meters. The sea is clean, and a wide sandy beach stretches out. As it is a safe, shallow area, it has long been a popular spot for families. Both ends of the swimming beach can be used as campsites, allowing visitors to enjoy camping by the sea. The site offers hot showers, flush toilets, numerous guesthouses and beach huts, and outdoor equipment rentals are also available.

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Oshoro Peninsula

Oshoro is read as 'Oshoro'. Located in the western part of Otaru City, this area originated from the 'Oshoro Place' in the Edo period and is situated on the Oshoro Peninsula which juts out into the Sea of Japan, and at its base. It still retains the tranquil atmosphere of a fishing village, different from Otaru City center or the residential areas in eastern Otaru. With a very beautiful sea and surrounded by capes, it has scattered villas and corporate resorts, giving it the charm of a "hidden gem of Otaru." It was incorporated into Otaru City in 1958. The place name comes from the Ainu word Ushoro, meaning "bay, inlet." The Oshoro fishing port prospered from herring fishing in the late Edo period, but now primarily engages in near-shore fishing for flounder, Atka mackerel, and cod.

The Oshoro Peninsula has a very intricate shape, and Oshoro Bay, enclosed by two capes, Cape Kabuto and Cape Poromai, has long been known as a refuge harbor. Before modern times, ships were very small, so it was crucial to have ports with calm waters. Otaru Port later became known as a "natural good harbor" with calm waters, but in the Edo period, smaller inlets were more convenient for fishing, making Oshoro Bay an ideal location.

Currently, the coastline of Oshoro is designated as part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Coast Quasi-National Park. Along the Fruit Road on the mountain side, grapes and apples are cultivated, making it a major production area in Hokkaido, along with Yoichi Town and Niki Town.

Ranshima Beach is known as the oldest swimming beach in Hokkaido, with over 100 years of history, and its coastline spans approximately 800 meters. The sea is clean, and a wide sandy beach stretches out. As it is a safe, shallow area, it has long been a popular spot for families. Both ends of the swimming beach can be used as campsites, allowing visitors to enjoy camping by the sea. The site offers hot showers, flush toilets, numerous guesthouses and beach huts, and outdoor equipment rentals are also available.

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Shimamui Coast

Located at the head of the Shakotan Peninsula, Shakotan Town boasts a beautiful coast with exceptionally clear water. The best viewpoint is Shimamui Coast, reached by walking through Shimamui Tunnel. The moment you exit the tunnel, the vividly blue sea that appears before your eyes is stunning.

It has been selected as one of Japan's "100 Best Beaches," and among the Shakotan Peninsula's continuous towering cliffs, it is the only spot where you can descend to the water's edge. It's about a 5-minute walk down winding stairs from the observation deck to the coast.

The name Shimamui originates from the Ainu words "Shuma-mui" (rocky cove). The coastline with its steep cliffs and unusual rocks, and the shimmering blue of the sea known as Shakotan Blue, truly represent a magnificent view of Hokkaido. From late June to mid-July, the Ezokanzo flowers, the town flower of Shakotan, adorn the cliffs, blooming in a brilliant orange-yellow that stands out against the sparkling blue sea.

Otaru Summer Events

July: Otaru Ushio Matsuri (Tide Festival)

The Otaru Ushio Matsuri, an annual event held in July, is a major summer festival in Otaru that began as an opportunity to pass down Otaru's history and culture to future generations and pray for its development. It's a vibrant three-day event packed with activities, including the Ushio Nerikomi dance parade by city businesses and organizations, a portable shrine parade, and Ushio Taiko drumming. The fireworks display, featuring starmines and other magnificent pyrotechnics, marks the festival's finale. Since the launch site is close to the city center, it can be viewed from a wide area and also from distant spots like Tenguyama, Hiraiso Park, and Kenaishiyama Observatory.

July: Marine Festa in Otaru

Marine Festa in Otaru is a marine festival held at five venues throughout the town. It's an event symbolic of Otaru City as a port town and a beloved summer tradition in the region. Among them, the "Water Bike Experience" at Chikko Rinkai Park and the "Cruiser and Motorboat Experience Ride" at Otaru Port Marina are bustling with activity. You can enjoy experiences that are usually hard to come by.

September: Otaru Shukutsu Fireworks Festival

The Shukutsu Fireworks Festival is the grand finale of Otaru's fireworks displays. It's a unique, handcrafted event centered around the local community, featuring fireworks for good catch prayers, memorials, and celebrations. Around 1500 fireworks are launched from Shukutsu Maehama in Otaru City at approximately 7:00 PM, creating a spectacular display. On the day of the event, the illuminated Otaru Herring Mansion (Nishin Goten) lights up from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, offering a view that can only be seen here. Furthermore, festival stalls line up near the venue, allowing visitors to experience the lingering atmosphere of a summer festival.

UNGAPLUS

From Otaru, a city of maritime transport, to good fortune...
May your luck open up, backed by the continuously preserved flow.

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

UNGAPLUS delivers original products featuring the history and culture still preserved in Otaru, originating from the "Former Otaru Warehouse Main Building," Hokkaido's first commercial warehouse built by Kitamaebune ship owners Magosaku Nishiide and Shohachi Nishitani, as well as excellent products from the Kitamaebune's port of call.

The story of Otaru, which walked alongside the Kitamaebune, begins here.

We await your visit with a selection of unique original items that are also delightful as souvenirs.

Click here for "UNGAPLUS" details