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
A snow-covered canal reflecting city lights, buildings with illuminated signs, and a clear night sky.

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.

Tabist THE GREEN OTARU

Tabist THE GREEN OTARU

3 out of 5
3-5-14 Inaho Otaru Hokkaido
$41 nightly
The price is $47 total per night from Oct 13 to Oct 14
$47 total
Oct 13 - Oct 14
Stay at this hotel in Otaru. Enjoy hot springs on site, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Nichigin-dōri and Otaru City Art ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Very easy and close to get to from the station. Staff were pleasant. Coffee and seating in the foyer was very helpful coming in from the cold weather in February. Breakfast was across the road in the other building if you wanted it."

Reviewed on Apr 7, 2026

Tabist THE GREEN OTARU
Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal

Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal

4 out of 5
1-5-7, Ironai Otaru Hokkaido
$54 nightly
The price is $60 total per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$60 total
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this hotel in Otaru. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,021 reviews)
"Staff doesn’t have a clue of how the rules work internationally. They wanted to charge us for checking in 30min prior to the check in time and were not flexible at all about letting us check out 1 hour late without charging us"

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2026

Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal
Grand Park Otaru

Grand Park Otaru

4 out of 5
11-3 Chikko Otaru Hokkaido
$50 nightly
The price is $56 total per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$56 total
Nov 3 - Nov 4
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
THE Crestview Lodge

THE Crestview Lodge

3 out of 5
17-11 Otaru Hokkaido
Stay at this chalet in Otaru. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and slippers. Popular attractions Sapporo Teine and Zenibako Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"綺麗"

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2026

THE Crestview Lodge
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 Sapporo Teine and Kokusai Ski Resort are ...
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
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 Furano: Furano Flower&Biei Blue Pond From Sapporo

$48
per adult
Colored Furano: 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

$59
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

$60
per adult
Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo & Blue Pond Tour & Ningle Terrace
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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