Nestled on the picturesque island of Hokkaido in Japan, Otaru beckons travelers with its irresistible charm. Just a 30-minute express train ride from Sapporo and an hour from New Chitose Airport, Otaru’s accessibility is a boon for both domestic and international visitors. Spanning approximately 20 km from north to south and 36 km from east to west, and encompassing a total area of around 244 square kilometers, the city is home to roughly 100,000 residents. Despite its modest size, Otaru welcomes an impressive 8 million visitors annually, drawn to its blend of natural beauty and rich history. Steeped in nostalgia, Otaru exudes a tranquil ambiance, offering a welcome respite from the frenetic pace of modern life.
As a historical trading and fishing port, Otaru’s legacy is beautifully preserved in its architecture, iconic stone warehouses, and bustling canal, all vivid reminders of its vibrant past. In my previous column, I explored the hidden gems of downtown Otaru. If you haven’t already, be sure to check it out here!
Yet Otaru’s allure extends far beyond its historic facades. Having roamed through various towns across Japan and around the globe, I’ve come to appreciate what sets my hometown apart as one of the most enchanting places in the world. Join me as I unveil the unique charms and treasures that make Otaru truly special.
Table of Contents：
1. Beyond Downtown: Discovering Gems in Otaru’s Surroundings
2. Mount Tengu: Year-Round Attractions and Spectacular Views
3. Shukutsu: Herring Fishing and Otaru’s Prosperity
4. Asarigawa Onsen: A Tranquil Retreat Between Otaru and Sapporo
5. Hokkaido Wine: A Delightful Discovery in the Asarigawa Region
Beyond Downtown: Discovering Otaru’s Serene Surroundings
Since Otaru is surrounded by mountains on three sides, it has limited residential areas, resulting in the urban area extending even onto the mountain slopes. This distinctive geography creates many unique tourist spots and scenic views.
Just a brief 10-minute drive from the city center lies one of Otaru’s iconic landmarks: Mount Tengu. With its rolling terrain, this area boasts numerous vantage points offering breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape. Meanwhile, on the eastern outskirts of Otaru, tranquil hot spring resorts provide a blissful retreat from the rigors of daily life.
Nature and history harmoniously converge in the historic port town of Shukutsu, where herring fishing once thrived, contributing to Otaru’s prosperity. The area captivates with its stunning ocean vistas and uniquely shaped rock outcrops. Stretching along the coastline from Shukutsu to the neighboring town of Yoichi, the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park, established in 1971, ensures the preservation of this coastal beauty.
Otaru offers a year-round array of delights for visitors of all interests. Join us as we embark on an exploration of this captivating city, where each season unveils its own unique charms.
Mount Tengu: Year-Round Attractions and Spectacular Views
Standing at 532 meters, Mount Tengu is cherished as another symbol of Otaru alongside the Otaru Canal. Visible from anywhere in the city center, it’s conveniently located just a 10-minute drive or a short bus ride from Otaru Station. The summit observatory is a must-see spot.
・ The Mount Tengu Ropeway
The summit observatory is accessible via the Mount Tengu Ropeway, a charming 30-passenger gondola that departs every 6 to 12 minutes. During the four-minute ride, as you ascend, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Otaru City and the sea. It’s a wonderful aerial journey that offers a unique perspective on the city.
・ What is a Tengu?
In Japanese folklore, Tengu are supernatural beings or goblins with notably long, pointed noses, said to dwell deep in the mountains.
Connected directly to the ropeway station at the summit, Tengu Hall showcases an extensive collection of Tengu-related items, including an impressive display of Tengu masks used in various events across Japan to ward off evil spirits. The hall also features a captivating projection mapping display, which artistically changes the expressions of a Tengu mask in sync with the seasons, offering a unique and enriching experience that blends cultural heritage with modern technology.
Upon disembarking from the gondola at Mount Tengu, visitors are greeted by a large statue of a Tengu’s head just beyond the platform. Considered a powerful deity by some, people come to worship this creature, praying for health and business success. It is believed that stroking the Tengu’s nose will make your wish come true, as evidenced by the worn-off red color on the statue’s nose. Be sure to rub the Tengu’s nose at Mount Tengu for good fortune!
・ Observation Decks at Mount Tengu
Mount Tengu presents numerous vantage points for relishing its breathtaking vistas. Alongside the rooftop observation deck atop the ropeway summit station, visitors can explore three designated viewing spots— the First, Second, and Third Observation Points—along with the Tengu Cherry Blossom Viewing Deck. Named after a singular cherry blossom tree that blooms later than any other in Otaru, this deck stands prominently at the mountain’s summit.
From the highest point in Otaru, guests can feast their eyes upon the vista from Shakotan to Ishikari Bay, with Otaru’s urban skyline and the expansive sea sprawling below. Further afield, a panorama of mountain ranges unfolds, offering a splendid contrast, especially during seasons when snow-capped peaks are juxtaposed with the azure sea.
For those seeking relaxation, the TENGUU Terrace beckons as a favored locale to unwind while taking in the magnificent Otaru scenery. Visitors can indulge in refreshments and meals from the TENGUU Cafe while savoring the view. Don’t miss out on the Tengu Soft – a luscious soft-serve ice cream crowned with a crispy sweet called karinto, fashioned to resemble a Tengu’s nose! This exclusive treat from Mount Tengu is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Embark on an exploration of the Mount Tengu observation deck and immerse yourself in its natural splendor. Keep an eye out for climbers as you traverse the well-trodden hiking trails on Mount Tengu, often frequented by Otaru residents since childhood. Featuring accessible 1.3 km and 1.9 km courses suitable for beginners, these trails offer an ideal opportunity to observe local avian species and flora. Additionally, a 1.6 km walking path encircling the observation deck enables visitors to fully absorb the area’s beauty.
Accessible all year round via the ropeway, visitors also have the option to access the observation deck by road during seasons other than winter.
・ Activities
Mount Tengu offers a plethora of activities. The Tengu Mountain Slider, an Alpine slide, is a popular attraction for both children and adults. The journey begins with a leisurely automatic ascent through grasslands, followed by an exhilarating glide down the 400-meter course where riders can control the bobsled brakes. Recently introduced activities such as zip-lining and hot air balloon rides provide visitors with a unique aerial perspective of Otaru.
・ Night Views
The night view from the summit of Mount Tengu is considered one of the top three in Hokkaido, alongside Mount Hakodate and Mount Moiwa in Sapporo. The dazzling beauty resembles a sky studded with jewels. Otaru’s nightscape is especially captivating, with city lights concentrated in an area surrounded by the sea on one side and mountains on the other three. The intricate patterns of piers, coastlines, and winding roads appear remarkably close. During summer and late autumn nights, visitors may even catch sight of fishing fires near the Shakotan Peninsula.
While we’ve highlighted the charms of spring, summer and autumn, winter transforms Mount Tengu into a ski resort. Its proximity to downtown—just a ten-minute drive—and the incredible experience of skiing with views of the sea and city are unparalleled.
Shukutsu: Herring Fishing and Otaru’s Prosperity
Unlike the bustling downtown area, Shukutsu retains the charming atmosphere of an old port town.
Herring fishing played a significant role in bringing prosperity to Otaru. The waters around Otaru were rich fishing grounds, and the fishermen thrived. It is said that the two to three months of herring fishing in early spring provided enough income to sustain them for an entire year.
Buildings where fishermen once lived and worked still stand, and at the Old Aoyama Villa you can see the splendid traditional Japanese house and lifestyle of a prosperous fishing family. This area preserves an important part of Otaru’s historical landscape, offering a glimpse into the city’s origins and development.
・ The Herring Mansion
Perched on a hill, this building was originally constructed in 1897 on the coast of Tomari, approximately 60 km away from Otaru. In 1958, it was relocated and restored by a company pivotal to Hokkaido’s development, involved in the railway and coal mining sectors. As part of a commemorative project, the company moved the mansion to Otaru, the birthplace of Hokkaido railways. Recognizing its historical significance, the company donated this precious relic to the city of Otaru. Today, it serves as a museum providing insights into life during that era, though it is closed for repairs in 2024.
At its peak, the mansion housed about 120 fishermen, making it one of the largest existing herring mansions. It is situated on a small cape hill, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Sea of Japan from the second floor.
It also serves as a setting in the survival manga “Golden Kamuy,” where the protagonist teams up with an Ainu girl to gather clues about hidden gold in the vast wilderness.
・ The Old Aoyama Villa
Constructed approximately a century ago, the Old Aoyama Villa underwent a six-and-a-half-year construction process under the supervision of the second-generation head of the Aoyama family. This opulent residence, once one of the grandest herring fisherman’s houses in Otaru, was designed to entertain guests as an annex to the family’s primary herring mansion located along the coast. While the main Aoyama herring mansion, along with its associated warehouses and outbuildings, has been relocated and preserved at the Historical Village of Hokkaido in Sapporo, the villa remains a testament to the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by the Aoyama family.
The Aoyama family, prominent fishery operators in Shukutsu, managed multiple herring fishing grounds and boasted a catch of over 7,500 tons around 1914, the worth of which is said to be equivalent to approximately 2.5 billion yen today.
In 2010, the Aoyama Villa was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. This 3,000-square-meter estate features an 18-room, two-story wooden house, each room uniquely decorated without sparing any expense. The materials, sourced from Honshu, include various kinds of woods, contributing to the villa’s rich aesthetic. Its seamless, single-piece long beams and intricate details, such as cloisonné door pulls and carvings made of precious wood materials, showcase the craftsmanship of the era. Additionally, the fusuma (sliding doors) are adorned with paintings by renowned Japanese artists, adding to the villa’s cultural significance.
Surrounding the building are three gardens, including a pond garden and a dry landscape garden. Throughout the year, these gardens showcase various facets as the seasons change. In spring, vibrant peonies bloom abundantly, while summer brings forth the colorful blossoms of hydrangeas. Autumn adorns the gardens with a tapestry of foliage in hues of red, orange, and gold. Finally, winter blankets the landscape in serene snow, creating a tranquil atmosphere. During my visit this spring, I had the pleasure of witnessing the peonies in full bloom.
Be sure to include this exquisite artistic villa and its stunning gardens in your itinerary, and gain a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era.
・ Otaru Aquarium
Discover the wonders of the Otaru Aquarium, where you can encounter a fascinating array of northern fish species and aquatic creatures from around the world. Witness the grandeur of Sakhalin taimen and halibut, delight in familiar fish like mackerel and salmon, and marvel at the enchanting sea angels.
A highlight of the aquarium is the Marine Mammal Park, where seals and sea lions play in pools seamlessly integrated with the sea. These pools, filled with natural seawater, support thriving kelp forests, schools of fish, and diverse marine life such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers. If you’re fortunate, you may even spot Steller’s sea eagles and peregrine falcons soaring in their natural habitat nearby.
Inside, the aquarium’s tanks are filled with seawater pumped directly from the nearby sea, showcasing its commitment to eco-friendly practices that benefit marine life and the environment.
Don’t miss the exhilarating penguin and dolphin shows, along with feeding times featuring sea lions, walruses, and more, which captivate audiences of all ages. Remember to check showtimes in advance to ensure you catch these spectacular performances.
Plan your visit to the Otaru Aquarium and immerse yourself in an unforgettable aquatic adventure which promises cherished memories for the whole family.
・ Aotsuka Shokudo
If you’re looking to enjoy local seafood in a cozy, homey setting, Aotsuka Shokudo is the place to go. Located right next to the aquarium in Shukutsu, this charming Japanese-style eatery boasts a perfect spot directly in front of the sea. You’ll be captivated by the sight and aroma of whole herrings being grilled as you walk by. Try the set meals featuring freshly grilled herring—a specialty perfected over more than 50 years with careful attention to the winds and fire. The menu offers a wide variety of set meals and dishes, from sashimi to ramen.
Aotsuka Shokudo also offers accommodation. To fully enjoy the endless beauty of Shukutsu’s seascape, consider staying overnight. There’s another hotel on the hill in Shukutsu, offering a rare opportunity to witness both the sunrise and sunset over the Sea of Japan from the same spot. Here, you can savor the flavors of the Sea of Japan while basking in its stunning views.
There are countless highlights in Shukutsu. Enjoy BBQs, cruises, and fishing at Shukutsu Marina, or visit the authentic and creative handmade glass shop Kim Glass Design, where you can even join a glass-blowing workshop.
Exploring the Shukutsu area offers you a unique perspective of Otaru, showcasing its blend of natural beauty and rich history.
Asarigawa Onsen: A Tranquil Retreat Between Otaru and Sapporo
Nestled between Otaru and Sapporo, Asarigawa Onsen is a charming hot spring village located just 40 minutes by car from Sapporo and about 30 minutes from Otaru Station. The village boasts a diverse array of accommodation, including ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), hotels, and auberges.
At the entrance of this onsen area is Korakuen, renowned for its exceptional Japanese-style hospitality that always garners high praise from guests. Established in 1957, this esteemed ryokan features extensive Japanese-style gardens offering guests a serene retreat. In 2014, tragedy struck when a massive fire threatened to engulf the entire inn. Despite this setback, Korakuen received overwhelming support and encouragement from across Japan and overseas, with eager anticipation for its reopening. Today, after meticulous restoration efforts, Korakuen stands once again as a beloved destination, enchanting visitors with its timeless charm.
Korakuen is particularly recommended for those seeking an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine. Its extensive garden is meticulously maintained and adorned with 200 cherry blossom trees that burst into bloom come springtime, and serves as a breathtaking backdrop for guests to unwind and appreciate nature’s beauty. Renowned as one of the premier spots for cherry blossom viewing in Otaru, Korakuen attracts both locals and tourists alike, drawn by the allure of its splendid scenery and tranquil ambiance.
For those looking for further relaxation, Asarigawa Onsen offers a variety of private villas and cottages, some featuring open-air baths attached to the guest rooms. Additionally, the area has a range of options that cater for the growing number of sauna enthusiasts. Recently, a sauna boom has been rekindled in Japan, and the Asarigawa Onsen area has embraced this trend. Visitors can choose from low-temperature saunas to Finnish-style and even tent saunas, providing a unique and rejuvenating experience. Many facilities are available for day trips, so be sure to find your favorite spot and indulge in the soothing warmth and therapeutic benefits of the saunas.
・ Activities
Outdoor activities abound in Asarigawa. Asarigawa can be translated as Asari River and, as the name suggests, there’s a scenic park along a riverbank teeming with natural beauty. During the summer months camping is a popular option, and you can also rent a BBQ set to enjoy amidst the lush surroundings. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in fresh seafood or Hokkaido’s renowned Jingisukan (seasoned lamb) available at the local market.
In the winter, the snowy landscape transforms into a playground for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Despite its close proximity to the hot spring area, Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort offers excellent slopes with powdery snow. Conveniently located in the heart of the village, the resort caters to all skill levels, and boasts well-maintained courses and rental facilities.
On the outskirts of the onsen area, you will find the graceful curves of the Asari Sky Loop and stunning sea views from the mountains around Otarunai Lake. In autumn, the surrounding mountains burst into vibrant colors, transforming the landscape into a picturesque canvas. The reflection of the azure sky and fiery leaves on the lake’s surface creates a mesmerizing spectacle. Ascend to the observation deck for a breathtaking panoramic view of the majestic mountains and the serene lake.
Hokkaido Wine: A Delightful Discovery in the Asarigawa Region
Hokkaido, which is rapidly gaining attention domestically and internationally as a wine-producing region, established its wine-making industry in the challenging 1970s. This year marks its 50th anniversary, a milestone worthy of celebration. The region is home to Japan’s largest winery, producing wine exclusively from Japanese-grown grapes, and represents about one-third of Hokkaido’s total wine grape harvest.
Here is their short introduction movie (in Japanese).
Located atop the mountains of the Asarigawa Onsen area, just a 15-minute drive from the main village, the factory offers immersive tours, including the captivating Virtual Vineyard experience. Here, visitors marvel at seasonal grape fields on a grand theater screen. The full-course experience includes specialized staff guiding guests through the winemaking process from grape reception to wine production. Guests can indulge in a 90-minute tour featuring wine tastings, which include award-winning wines, paired with local delicacies.
The winery’s shop boasts an impressive array of over 100 products, where visitors can leisurely sample wines at the tasting bar while enjoying stunning views of Otaru Bay from the window.
With its commitment to quality and innovation, Hokkaido Wine continues to captivate wine enthusiasts locally and globally, earning accolades for its exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to producing world-class wines.
What do you think of the charm of Otaru? Are you ready to plan your visit? The title photo and several other beautiful images in this column were taken by Katsunori Tani, an amateur photographer living in Otaru. With its abundance of amateur photographers, Otaru is the perfect place to explore with a camera in hand. Capture the picturesque streetscapes and discover the photogenic beauty of this enchanting city.
Otaru beckons you to visit time and again. Here, you’ll find everything you desire—local charm, city life, delicious food, nature, rich history, culture, relaxation, and more. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning, why not embark on a journey to discover new charms? We sincerely look forward to welcoming you here.
