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Otaru Canal

A scenic representation of the romantic city of Otaru.

4.18 3

Last update :

Otaru Port, which developed as a gateway for Hokkaido's settlement, saw an increasing volume of cargo over the years. To streamline its transportation, the "Otaru Canal" was completed in 1923 (Taisho 12). The canal, created by reclaiming the offshore coast, is characterized by its gentle curves rather than a straight line.

After its role as a canal ceased post-war, the area has been revitalized with walking paths and urban gardens, transforming into a key tourist attraction of Otaru. Along the pathway, 63 gas lamps have been installed, lighting up at dusk. The stone warehouses along the canal, preserved in their original state, are now utilized as restaurants and other facilities. In the evening, when the gas lamps are lit, the warehouses are also illuminated, offering a charming, retro ambiance.

North of the Otaru Canal, the Kitakanal area features a wider canal and offers a quintessential port town scenery with moored boats and lined warehouses. A 40-minute "Otaru Canal Cruise" to enjoy the canal from the water is also recommended.

Highlights

  • The canal was completed in 1923 (Taisho 12).
  • A walking path along the canal has been developed, making it a leading tourist spot in Otaru.
  • At night, gas lamps light up, creating a different, charming atmosphere compared to daytime.

Photos

  • The gracefully curving canal.

    The gracefully curving canal.

  • The warehouses are romantically lit up at night.

    The warehouses are romantically lit up at night.

  • The evening illumination of the gas lamps evokes a Taisho-era romance.

    The evening illumination of the gas lamps evokes a Taisho-era romance.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Are there brochures or information signs in foreign languages? (Please specify languages if available)

A

There's a tourist information office at Asakusabashi offering foreign language tourist maps (no specific brochures for Otaru Canal). Languages include English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean.

Q

Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?

A

Available at the Otaru Asakusabashi Information Center and Canal Plaza.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

Q

Are there toilets available?

A

Available at Canal Plaza.

Reviews

3
  • 江雪

    運河沿岸白天和晚上散步有不同味道,尤其夜晚倉庫點亮燈光後一整個浪漫氛圍!

  • Alex Cai

    從小樽運河開始,旁邊有小樽運河食堂、政壽司還有不少小樽美食,還可以花點錢體驗一下人力車或是運河游船哦很棒的景點哦

  • 劉淑娟

    一定要來小樽最熱鬧的堺町通商店街走走哦❤️

Details

Name in Japanese
小樽運河
Postal Code
047-0007
Address
5 Minatomachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido
Telephone
0134-32-4111(Otaru City Hall), 0134-33-2510(Otaru Tourism Association)
Closed
Free to walk
Business Hours
Walk anytime
Admission
Free
Access
About 10 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Otaru City Official Website (Japanese)
Otaru Tourism Association Official Website (Japanese)