Otaru is a scenic port city located on the coast of Hokkaido, known for its beautiful canal and rich history. The city attracts many visitors throughout the year. If you want to learn more about its unique attractions, there are a variety of different experiences that give you a deeper look at its culture:
1. Artistic Manhole Covers & Free Cards
Otaru has creative manhole covers that give an artistic look to the city. You can find designs featuring the Otaru Canal, marine creatures, and even Pokémon characters like Vulpix. At the city’s Waterworks Bureau, visitors can grab a free manhole cover card. This is perfect for collectors or anyone in search of a unique souvenir. It makes walking around the city like a treasure hunt, where travellers can find hidden art at every turn.
2. Ride a Rickshaw Through the Canal District
One of the best ways to see Otaru’s historic centre is by rickshaw. Your driver will take you through the city’s canal area, situated near the top hotels in Hokkaido. You can go past old warehouses and narrow backstreets. Along the way, you can listen to stories about Otaru’s past and appreciate the views even more. Relax afterwards at your lodgings, with options like Grand Park Otaru available nearby.
3. Try Otaru Ankake Yakisoba, the City’s Signature Noodle Dish
While Otaru is known for fresh sushi, its local comfort food is Ankake Yakisoba. This dish consists of stir-fried noodles in a thick sauce. It comes topped with vegetables, seafood or meat. It’s a staple in diners, cafes and hotel restaurants around the city. For many visitors, this is sure to become a favourite.
4. Glassblowing & Music Box Crafting Workshops
Otaru is well-known for its skilled artisans. The best way to dive into this is by participating in hands-on workshops. At Kitaichi Glass, you can try your hand at glassblowing. With help from craftsmen, visitors can even create their own glassware designs.
Over at the Otaru Music Box Museum, you can design and put together your own music box, picking the melody and decorations that suit your taste. These experiences allow you to take home not just a souvenir, but something you crafted yourself.
5. Discover the Otaru Music Box Museum
With a collection of over 80,000 music boxes from all over the world, the Otaru Music Box Museum features everything from tiny hand-cranked boxes to intricate antiques. As you stroll through the cosy halls, you can listen to soft melodies and tunes. Many visitors find themselves spending hours exploring, listening, and choosing the perfect music box to bring home.
6. Take the Mount Tengu Ropeway & Visit the Giant Tengu Statue
A ride in the gondola lift at Mount Tengu offers the best views of Otaru and Ishikari Bay. At the top, you’ll find the giant Tengu statue. This is a mythical Japanese figure with a long nose, said to bring prosperity to those who visit. According to local tradition, if you rub the statue’s nose, you’ll be lucky! The mountaintop is also one of Hokkaido’s best night view spots, so it’s a magical place to see the city lights reflected on the sea.
7. Learn the Story of Bunko, the Firefighting Dog
Learn the touching story of Bunko, a stray dog who became the mascot of the local fire department in the early 20th century. Bunkō would ride on fire trucks and help firefighters during emergencies – he helped in over 1,000 incidents before passing away in 1938. Today, statues and plaques honour his bravery and loyalty, so a visit to his memorial is a nice stop on your city tour.
