Otaru Canal Revisited 2022

The last time I visited Otaru Canal was last January 5, 2022, which was my 10th week here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was one of the highlights of my winter adventures with the other Filipino ALTs in Hokkaido.

Otaru Canal Revisited 2022

I finally got to revisit Otaru Canal with my family last August 19, 2022, which was the 2nd day of our "From Osaka with Love" Road Trip and also my 42nd weekend here in Japan. We were with our Japanese family on this road trip which made it extra memorable.

Otaru Canal details

(Summer)

For those who are unfamiliar with Otaru Canal (小樽運河), it is one of the main tourist destinations of Otaru City. Its history can be traced back to 1923 when the Port of Otaru was bustling with shipping activities.

小樽運河
Otaru Canal - Otaru City, Hokkaido Prefecture

Otaru Canal was made to ease the shipping traffic and also make unloading cargoes to the warehouses easier. However, when trading in Hokkaido declined, the canal and facilities fell into disrepair. Thankfully, some locals pushed to rehabilitate the canal area and make them a tourist destination area.

Otaru City Tourist Map

Minatomachi Tourist Information Center

Is that you Hedwig?

Fureai Fountain beside the tourist information center

Photos of Otaru Canal







Team Nicerio visits Otaru Canal





Today, Otaru Canal is probably one of the most recognizable tourist spots in the city. You can join the canal boat ride or enjoy the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival held every second week of February.

Otaru Canal Rates

It's FREE to visit and explore Otaru Canal via the cobblestone streets. However, you need to pay if you want to ride the canal boat. Here's the rate: 

Day Cruise: 1500 yen (adult) / 500 yen (children)
Night Cruise: 1800 yen (adult) / 500 yen (children)

Otaru Canal Operating Hours

While Otaru Canal is open 24/7, the canal cruise operates only from 11AM - 9:40PM. However, keep in mind that the season and weather can affect operations.

Why visit Otaru Canal?

As mentioned, Otaru Canal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Otaru City. It's a must-see whenever you are in the city as it is its main tourist destination and is considered Otaru City's symbol.

Getting to Otaru Canal


From Sapporo Station, ride the Hakodate Line or the Rapid Airport train. Board down at Otaru Station. From there, you can walk straight down Chuo-Dori Street to Otaru Canal. 

Another option is to ride the bus from Otaru Station to Otaru Canal. You may board buses #11, #2, or #3 and board down at the Otaru Canal bus Stop.

Travel time and fare:

Rapid Airport: 32 minutes / 1280 yen
Hakodate Line: 46 minutes / 750 yen

Optional - Bus fare: 15 minutes / 240 yen 

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating

Location: Japan, 北海道小樽市 小樽運河

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM

    I have been to Otaru Canal several times. It's one of the most romantic spots for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 2, 2024 at 11:03 AM

      I saw some pictures of it during the winter festival. It was really a romantic spot.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2024 at 3:57 PM

    Beautiful!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 2, 2024 at 11:02 AM

      Otaru Canal is really one of the beautiful spots to visit in Otaru.

      Delete

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