During the day, you can clearly see the well-preserved historic buildings. At night, the lights add a special charm to the place.
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Otaru Canal Cruise
The canal cruise, offering different pleasures depending on the time of day, is a must-do activity in Otaru, famous for its historical buildings by day and stunning nightscapes by evening.
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The Otaru Canal, completed in 1923 (Taisho 12) by reclaiming the offshore coast, is lined with historic stone and timber warehouses and remains a popular tourist attraction. A 40-minute tour on a cruise boat around this area is a popular choice among visitors.
The day cruise offers close-up views of the warehouse district and other historical buildings from the water's surface. Guided tours provide detailed explanations of each spot, ensuring great photo opportunities. The night cruise, which sets sail after sunset, is particularly romantic, with gas lamps and building lights reflecting beautifully on the water, making it a favorite for couples.
The cruise boats feature a wood-accented design that blends in with the historic town and are equipped with motors at the front for smooth turning in the narrow canal. They run on eco-friendly biodiesel fuel. The ticket office and boarding point are located at the Chuo Bridge over the Otaru Canal, which is a convenient 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station.
Highlights
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Approximately 40-minute cruise around the canal and Otaru Port.
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Guided tours with thorough explanations of warehouses and surrounding spots.
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In addition to day cruises, night cruises are also available after sunset.
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The ticket office and boarding point at Chuo Bridge over the Otaru Canal are just a 10-minute walk from Otaru Station.
Photos
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Experience a romantic night cruise with the twinkling lights of buildings and gas lamps.
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The famous warehouse district offers a different ambiance when viewed from the water.
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The ticket office and boarding point are located at the Chuo Bridge over the Otaru Canal.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
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Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
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English, Chinese and Korean are available.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
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No free Wi-Fi available.
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Are coin lockers available?
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Not available.
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Can I board without a reservation?
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Yes, same-day tickets are available.
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Any other questions?
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You can check more FAQ on the official website
Reviews
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If the original text is in another language, the AI will automatically translate and display it.
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Otaru is our favorite spot in Hokkaido~ There are so many traditional buildings that are over a hundred years old, and walking around here feels super relaxing and comfortable. You might just run into love around the corner~ l love
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The cruise lasts about 40 minutes, and the captain shares stories about the town and even points out some hidden gems only locals know about.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 小樽運河クルーズ
- Postal Code
- 047-0007
- Address
- 5-4 Minatomachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Telephone
- 0134-31-1733
- Closed
- New Year’s holiday period.（December 31, January 1）
- Business Hours
- Varies by month. Check the official website for details.
- Admission
- Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,800 yen, Children (elementary school students and below) 500 yen / Night Cruise: Adults 2,000 yen, Children 500 yen. *Infants are free with one paying adult, 500 yen for each additional infant.
- Access
- About 10 minutes walk from JR Hakodate Main Line Otaru Station
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)