Things to do in Otaru

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Otaru Canal
Otaru
Otaru
Otaru Canal
Otaru

Otaru Attractions

Smaller cities have a charm about them you won't find in their larger counterparts. Jot down all the fun and exciting things to do in Otaru before you head away so you can see as much as possible during your vacation. You'll soon learn that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better!

Find out what makes Otaru tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Look into our {90 fun activities in Otaru fun activities in Otaru}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Most popular activities in Otaru

Tours & day trips

See all 73 activities
Full Day Indigenous Ainu of Hokkaido and Jozankei

Full Day Indigenous Ainu of Hokkaido and Jozankei

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $172 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 31 activities
Clearest Lake in Japan National Park package of Shikotsu lake

Clearest Lake in Japan National Park package of Shikotsu lake

Activity duration is 6 hours
Price is $196 per adult*
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Classes & workshops

See all 15 activities
Our No. 1 favorite! Soba Making and Tempura Plan

Our No. 1 favorite! Soba Making and Tempura Plan

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $81 per adult
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What to do in Otaru

Free Things to Do in Otaru

Some say the best things in life are free. Be sure to visit the following around Otaru:

Otaru City Art Museum - Chat to the friendly staff and learn all about the unique collections on display at this museum.

Otaru Kihinkan - Get to grips with some of the intriguing history of the area through this attraction.

Nichigin-dōri - This lively location is popular with both visitors and locals.

Rinyu Morning Market - Organize a visit and find out the significance of this place to the local community.

Tomioka Catholic Church - Whatever your beliefs, this place will inspire a sense of reverence in you.

Otamoi Beach - Play some games with the young ones or simply kick back and enjoy the sun at this pretty coastal spot.

Ironaifuto Park - Revitalize your mind, body and soul by spending a bit of time in nature.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Otaru? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Otaru

Sapporo Dome featuring modern architecture

Sapporo Dome

Watch the excitement of baseball and soccer games, shop, eat or climb to an observation deck for panoramic views of Sapporo and its surroundings.

Sapporo Dome
Odori Park

Odori Park

Sapporo’s main thoroughfare has been transformed into a long municipal park, also the city’s premier venue for festivals throughout the year.

Odori Park
Riverside trail below the suspension bridge

Jozankei Hot Spring

You can take time to visit Jozankei Hot Spring during your travels to Sapporo. Discover the lively festivals and shops in this walkable area.

Jozankei Hot Spring
Hokkaido University featuring street scenes and heritage elements as well as a small group of people

Hokkaido University

Enjoy a day in the life of Sapporo’s university students and professors while wandering the tree-lined avenues and riverfront walks of this elegant campus.

Hokkaido University
Tanukikoji Shopping Street which includes signage, shopping and interior views

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Shop until you drop, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of this popular roof-covered shopping district in downtown Sapporo.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Otaru Canal

Otaru Canal

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.

Otaru Canal
Nakajima Park

Nakajima Park

Visit this popular city park to walk among the trees, admire outdoor sculptures and historical architecture or simply relax by the pond.

Nakajima Park
Nijo Market which includes markets

Nijo Market

Experience the typical community atmosphere at this historic seafood market, the place where you can get one of the best breakfasts in Sapporo.

Nijo Market
Sapporo TV Tower

Sapporo TV Tower

The most iconic view of Sapporo is from the observation deck of this 480-foot (150-meter) tower, which looks out over Odori Park.

Sapporo TV Tower

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Otaru

You can see beautiful sunrise just after the festival

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 Zenibako Beach and Otaru Dream Beach.

Zenibako
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Otaru

Sapporo TV Tower which includes night scenes, a city and landscape views

Sapporo

Yoichi

Yoichi

Shakotan

Shakotan

Frequently asked questions

Is Otaru worth visiting?
Known for its distilleries and craft breweries and cafes, discovering fun things to do in Otaru is simple. Remember to add Kiroro Resort to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Otaru?
Start your adventures with a visit to Asarigawa Hot Spring and Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck. Then, check out different areas of Otaru for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Otaru?
Kiroro Resort is one of the top tourist attractions in Otaru and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Otaru?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off many city highlights, such as Asarigawa Hot Spring, Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway and Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck. The average stay in Otaru is two days. If you have the time to extend your vacation, Sapporo isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Otaru with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all the family, check out these great ideas for what to do in Otaru with kids.

What to do in Otaru for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or fan of nature, there are loads of things to do in Otaru for adults including Sakaimachi Street and Asari Sky Loop.
Are there free things to do in Otaru?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Otaru is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.