Otaru

Travel Guide

A snow-covered canal with reflections of lights, buildings, and a crowd of people.
A street food stall with a sign reading "Smit's Grill" and a red banner with Japanese characters.
A sushi platter with various ingredients.
A snowy urban scene with buildings, a bridge, and a river.
A historic building with a traditional facade, large windows, and a prominent entrance.

Where to stay in Otaru

Find the best Otaru areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Otaru
Learn more about Otaru
Otaru Canal during winter in Hokkaido, Japan

Zenibako

Check out the beaches during your time in Zenibako. Hop around the Otaru area on the metro at Zenibako Station to see top sights like Otaru Dream Beach and Zenibako Beach.

Granbell Hotel Otaru

Granbell Hotel Otaru

3 out of 5
1-1 Sakaimachi Otaru Hokkaido
$61 nightly
The price is $68 total per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
$68 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Stay at this hotel in Otaru. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Stained Glass Museum and Otaru Art Village are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (133 reviews)
"Online pics showed a room with a desk but mine had only a bench and small low table. I asked the front desk staff to help with making a reservation and they refused and instead wanted me to use a QR code for a reservation service that did not have the restaurant listed. They just stared at me ..."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2026

Granbell Hotel Otaru
Dormy Inn Premium Otaru Natural Hot Spring

Dormy Inn Premium Otaru Natural Hot Spring

3 out of 5
3-9-1, Inaho Otaru Hokkaido
$73 nightly
The price is $81 total per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
$81 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Otaru. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Due to my schedule, I could only stay for a single day, but it was the kind of hotel where I would have loved to stay longer if I had the time. The comfortable bed, the accommodation itself, and the delicious meals were all excellent."

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2026

Dormy Inn Premium Otaru Natural Hot Spring
Grand Park Otaru

Grand Park Otaru

4 out of 5
11-3 Chikko Otaru Hokkaido
$60 nightly
The price is $66 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$66 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Book a stay at this ski hotel in Otaru. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
Grand Park Otaru
See all 966 properties in Otaru
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
UCHI Living Stay Otaru Suitengu

UCHI Living Stay Otaru Suitengu

3 out of 5
Aioicho 4-40 Otaru Hokkaido
Stay at this apartment in Otaru. Enjoy free WiFi, slippers, and climate control. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
UCHI Living Stay Otaru Suitengu
SANGO

SANGO

5 out of 5
2-13 Harukacho Otaru Hokkaido
Book a stay at this luxury villa in Otaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Snow Cruise Onze and Zenibako Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Perfect place if you’d like to be amongst nature or forestry. Loved the tranquil environment. Kids had a good time in the sauna and fireplace."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

SANGO
Winkel Village

Winkel Village

2.5 out of 5
Osarigawa Onsen 2-686 Otaru Hokkaido
Stay at this aparthotel in Otaru. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kiroro Resort and Asarigawa Hot Spring are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (34 reviews)
"It was a wonderful experience. I stay at Winkel with my two kids. The private onsen was a very special experience. I appreciated that the hotel receptionist responded my emails promptly and called a jumble taxi for us in advance to bring my suitcases and us to the Otaru station. Highly ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2026

Winkel Village
See all properties in Otaru
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Otaru attractions

A snow-covered canal with reflections of lights, buildings, and a crowd of people.

Otaru Canal

8.8/10 (2,075 reviews)
Stroll or enjoy a cruise along a canal that was once vital to Otaru’s maritime trade. Discover old warehouses that have been turned into bars, cafes and a museum.
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Things to do

Colored Hokkaido: Furano Flower&Biei Blue Pond From Sapporo

Colored Hokkaido: Furano Flower&Biei Blue Pond From Sapporo

$47
per adult
Colored Hokkaido: Furano Flower&Biei Blue Pond From Sapporo
Sapporo: Lake Toya & Hell Valley Day Trip with Mt. Yotei

Sapporo: Lake Toya & Hell Valley Day Trip with Mt. Yotei

$54
per adult
Sapporo: Lake Toya & Hell Valley Day Trip with Mt. Yotei
Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo & Blue Pond Tour & Ningle Terrace

Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo & Blue Pond Tour & Ningle Terrace

$48
per adult
Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo & Blue Pond Tour & Ningle Terrace
Hokkaido Day Tour in Cape Kamui and Shiroi Koibito Park

Hokkaido Day Tour in Cape Kamui and Shiroi Koibito Park

$62
per adult
Hokkaido Day Tour in Cape Kamui and Shiroi Koibito Park
With Lunch│Mt. Usu Ropeway, Noboribetsu, Lake Shikotsu Day Trip

With Lunch│Mt. Usu Ropeway, Noboribetsu, Lake Shikotsu Day Trip

$69
per adult
With Lunch│Mt. Usu Ropeway, Noboribetsu, Lake Shikotsu Day Trip
Asahiyama Adventure: Zoo+Waterfalls & Blue Pond Day Tour

Asahiyama Adventure: Zoo+Waterfalls & Blue Pond Day Tour

$55
per adult
Asahiyama Adventure: Zoo+Waterfalls & Blue Pond Day Tour
See all activities in Otaru

Frequently asked questions

Is Otaru worth visiting?
Otaru is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including the scenic Otaru Canal and the relaxing Asarigawa Hot Spring. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse culinary scene with both Asian and European dining options, and benefit from practical transit access via the metro system.
When is the best time to visit Otaru?
The best time to visit Otaru is from June through September, when the weather is generally pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good bet, with cooler, snowy weather offering a different charm.
What is Otaru known for?
Otaru is known for its historic Otaru Canal, a prominent landmark. Travelers can also enjoy the relaxing Asarigawa Hot Spring and winter sports at Ski Village Asari. This coastal city on Ishikari Bay experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate and offers a rich Asian food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Otaru?
A good itinerary length for Otaru is one to two days to explore highlights like the Otaru Canal and relax at Asarigawa Hot Spring. For an extended stay of three to four days, travelers can enjoy more of the area, including a day trip to Cape Kamui and Yoichi, or visit Ski Village Asari if it's the right season. See Otaru Activities.
How do you get around Otaru?
Otaru offers convenient travel primarily through its metro system. Travelers can easily get around the city using the metro, with major stops including Otaru Station, Minami-Otaru Station, and Otaru-Chikkō Station. For additional flexibility, rideshare services are also available throughout the area, providing another option for getting to your destination.
What are the top things to do in and around Otaru?
Otaru offers a mix of historic sights, unique cultural experiences, and outdoor activities for travelers:


What cuisines can you find in Otaru?
In Otaru you can find Japanese cuisine, featuring popular dishes like sushi, ramen, tempura, and sashimi. Travelers can also enjoy fresh seafood, along with Chinese noodle dishes, and options for Italian and steakhouse dining.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Otaru?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Otaru by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Otaru with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Otaru trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Otaru?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Otaru can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Otaru trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Otaru trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Otaru trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Otaru trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Otaru?
If it's your first trip to Otaru, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Otaru hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Otaru hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Otaru

A cityscape with a prominent illuminated square at the center, surrounded by tall buildings and a snowy mountain backdrop.

Sapporo

A snowy mountain landscape with a ski lift and a building in the background.

Akaigawa

A coastal town with a large green hill, a marina with boats, and a white building with Chinese characters.

Yoichi

A coastal landscape with a rocky cliff, calm sea, and a sandy beach where people are walking.

Shakotan

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