As Hokkaido developed its industries, Otaru also grew. Its historic canal, stone warehouses, and preserved architecture still show its past as a thriving commercial gateway.
Today, Otaru has both its old side and modern side connected together. Winter
is one of the best times to visit, as snow turns the city into a natural
wonder. In summer, visitors can expect comfortable weather and seaside breezes.
What to do in Otaru is mostly about walking - for food, shopping, and sightseeing.
Otaru is sometimes called the “Wall Street of the North” because of its solid stone buildings, a reminder of its prosperous past. To know more about both the past and present, the best place to start is the Otaru Canal. Built in 1923, it is the city’s most iconic landmark and one of the best photography spots in Otaru.
Once used for shipping, this 200-meter canal was where goods were unloaded from ships and moved by small boats to the warehouses. Today, the century-old warehouses along the canal have been turned into museums, cafés, boutiques, and restaurants.
In the early morning, the canal can be quiet, though travelers still gather on the bridge to admire the view, especially in winter when the canal is blanketed with snow. At night, old-fashioned gas lamps light up the water and warehouses, giving the area a calm and picturesque atmosphere (THINGS TO DO IN NUWARA ELIYA SRI LANKA)
Sakaimachi Street
Within walking distance from Otaru Canal is Sakaimachi Street, one of
the main attractions in Otaru. It shares the same history as the canal, with
old warehouses now converted into shops, cafés, and small museums.
This street is known for glassware shops, music boxes, and food stalls.
It is also one of the best places in Otaru to buy souvenirs or take a short
break in a café. Among the many food options,
Otaru soft serve ice cream is especially popular. Flavors range from
melon, lavender, and wine to the classic Japan favorite, matcha, all made with
Hokkaido’s premium milk. Creamy and luscious, Otaru ice cream come on a
crisp cone, and some shops even offer a mix of flavors for those who want to
try more than one.
Otaru Music Box Museum
The first thing noticeable at the side of the entrance of Otaru Music
Box Museum is the rare steam clock. Powered by steam, it releases whistles and
steam every 15 minutes, making it a unique landmark in Sakaimachi Street. This
clock was a gift from Vancouver in 1994 and was crafted by clockmaker Raymond
Saunders.
One of the most visited spots in Otaru, the Music Box Museum itself is
also an antique Western-style building that has been standing since 1912.
Outside, the large music box clock tower plays a melody every hour. Inside, two
floors are filled with thousands of music boxes in every imaginable design.
Some are simple keepsakes, while others are elaborate collector’s pieces shaped
as dolls or crafted into intricate ornaments.
There are also limited-edition collectibles, many of which are available
for purchase. For those seeking something truly personal, the museum even
offers the option to customize a music box.
The Otaru Music Box Museum is considered one of the legendary
attractions in Japan. It reflects Otaru’s cultural connection to music boxes
that dates back to the late 19th century, making it both a historical and
cultural experience.
Shiroi Koibito Park
Not far from Otaru, in Sapporo, is Shiroi Koibito Park, owned by Ishiya,
the local brand behind the famous Shiroi Koibito biscuits. This
chocolate-themed park combines outdoor and indoor attractions, making it both a
factory and a fantasy-like playground.
Highlights include the Chocolate Carnival, a doll parade that takes
place every hour, the Shiroi Koibito Railway with its mini steam train, and
Gulliver House, which is especially appealing for children. Indoors, the main
feature is the Ishiya Chocolate Factory, where the biscuit-making process can
be observed step by step. There is also a hands-on workshop to create a giant
heart-shaped Shiroi Koibito cookie.
The park also showcases an antique teacup collection, a toy exhibition,
a sweets café, and Candy Labo, where candy artists skillfully shape colorful
creations. A souvenir store is on-site, offering Shiroi Koibito biscuits in
beautifully packaged boxes, which are considered one of the most popular gifts
from Hokkaido.
The outdoor garden area adds another layer of appeal, with seasonal
flowers such as roses in summer and light displays in winter that transform the
park into a festive wonderland. During the later part of the day, the outside
area is beautifully lighted up, giving the feel of a fairy-tale land. Let alone
when it is winter in Hokkaido. The gentle drops of snow from the sky make it
simply stunning.
Shiroi Koibito Park is more than a factory. It is in fact an experience
that combines history, craftsmanship, and playful attractions. For anyone with
a sweet tooth or an interest in Hokkaido’s most famous confectionery, this park
is worth the short trip from Otaru.
Winter in Hokkaido, Japan
Sightseeing in Hokkaido during winter can be challenging, especially
when temperatures drop drastically, making outdoor activities uncomfortable.
It’s wise to have alternative plans, such as visiting shopping malls or indoor
attractions that may require travel time.
For those on tours, arrangements are usually made to visit places where
winter conditions do not compromise safety. When it comes to outdoor winter
spots in Hokkaido, safety should always be the priority.
Still, Hokkaido offers remarkable winter experiences that are worth
considering. Just be mindful of the weather and choose activities only when
conditions are tolerable.
Best Places to Visit in Hokkaido During Winter
Okurayama Viewing Point
Okurayama Viewing Point is famous as the site of the 1972 Winter Olympics ski
jump. Okurayama Viewing Point remains an important symbol of Sapporo’s winter
sports history.
From the observation platform at Okurayama Viewing Point, the views of
Hokkaido, Ishikari Plain, and surrounding mountains are picturesque. The small
ski museum at the base of Okurayama Viewing Point tells the story of Hokkaido
and winter sports. In winter, heavy snow and strong winds may close the lifts
and viewing areas at Okurayama Viewing Point.
Sapporo Shrine in Maruyama Park
Sapporo Shrine in Maruyama Park pays homage to the early pioneers who developed
Hokkaido. Built in 1869, Sapporo Shrine in Maruyama Park is an important
cultural and spiritual site, while the surrounding Maruyama Park is part of its
legendary history. Every June,
Sapporo Shrine in Maruyama Park hosts the Hokkaido Shrine Festival, one
of Sapporo’s largest Shinto celebrations. In winter, snow and ice can make the
paths at Sapporo Shrine in Maruyama Park slippery, limiting access.
Historical Village of Hokkaido
The Historical Village of Hokkaido preserves buildings from the Meiji and
Taisho eras, reflecting how early settlers lived. At the Historical Village of
Hokkaido, visitors can see old houses, schools, shops, and barns that show
daily life over 100 years ago.
During winter, deep snow at the Historical Village of Hokkaido can block
paths between buildings, and some areas may be out of bounds.
Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park, designed by internationally renowned artist Isamu Noguchi,
combines art and nature with geometric hills, open fields, and the Glass
Pyramid building. At Moerenuma Park, visitors can experience how modern design
and public space come together.
In winter, heavy snow covers the outdoor grounds at Moerenuma Park,
limiting access to trails and sculptures, though the Glass Pyramid remains open
year-round.
Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa is famous for close-up views of animals, especially
those adapted to cold climates. Asahiyama Zoo also focuses on education and
wildlife conservation. During winter, heavy snow at Asahiyama Zoo can close
some outdoor areas, though indoor facilities continue to operate.
