A Romantic Northern Port City: Hokkaido Otaru Solo Travel Guide (Otaru Canal, Wall Street of the North, and Glass Craftsmanship)

When people mention cities in Hokkaido, Japan, most modern travelers first think of Sapporo, Asahikawa, or Hakodate. However, before the 1940s, Otaru and Hakodate were the two core cities with the most vibrant economic development in Hokkaido.

Only about an hour by train from Sapporo, Otaru City has flourished as a maritime port city since the late Meiji era, and even boasts a financial street known as the “Wall Street of the North,” making it arguably Hokkaido’s first commercial gateway.

Although Otaru’s population has declined from its heyday to a refined small town of about 120,000 today, its preserved classical stone warehouses, canal scenery, and retro Western architecture make it a romantic port city that global travelers absolutely must not miss when visiting Hokkaido.

Population and Historical Positioning of Hokkaido’s Major Cities

Today, the major cities of Hokkaido, ranked by population size, are:

1. Sapporo: about 1.95 million (political, economic, and cultural hub)
2. Asahikawa: about 340,000 (railway and zoo stronghold of northern Kanto)
3. Hakodate: about 260,000 (gateway to southern Hokkaido and night view destination)
4. Kushiro: about 175,000 (largest port in eastern Hokkaido)
5. Otaru: about 120,000 (historic culture and glass art port city)

Although Otaru’s population ranks behind several cities today, its century-old port culture and historic architecture still hold a pivotal position on Hokkaido’s travel map.

Four Must-Visit Themes and Attraction Recommendations in Otaru

1. Otaru Canal

The most famous landmark of Otaru. The canal was completed in 1923 and was once used for barges to ferry supplies along the shore. Today, the red-brick warehouses along the canal have been converted into specialty restaurants and craft shops.

2. Wall Street of the North (Nichigin-dori and Classical Western Architecture)

From the Meiji era to the early Showa era, Otaru, as a financial hub, attracted countless banks to open branches. Stone Baroque-style buildings, including the former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch (now a financial museum) and the former Hokkaido Takushoku Bank, are all well preserved around Nichigin-dori, exuding a rich European atmosphere.

3. Kitaichi Glass and Glass Craft

Otaru originally developed glass technology for making floats and gas lamps due to its fishing industry, which later evolved into a famous glass craft town. Among them, “Kitaichi Glass Hall No. 3” is converted from a stone warehouse, and the gas lamp tea room inside (Cafe No. 84) serves rich coffee and snacks under the dim glow of gas lamps, with an excellent atmosphere.

4. Otaru Music Box Museum

Located at the Fairy Tale Crossroads, the main building of the Otaru Music Box Museum features a rare steam clock that emits steam and plays a melodious tune every 15 minutes. The museum displays thousands of exquisite music boxes, making it a great place to pick out a souvenir.

Otaru Food Highlights: Otaru Sushi Street and Delicious Desserts

• Otaru Sushi Street (Sushiya Dori): Otaru faces the sea and has a high-quality fishing port. The sushi street gathers more than a dozen long-established sushi restaurants (such as Masazushi and Asahizushi) where you can taste the ultimate seafood bowls and nigiri sushi made from the day’s catch.
• Famous Western confectioners Rokkatei and LeTAO: The LeTAO main store is also located at the Fairy Tale Crossroads, and its Double Fromage cheesecake is a dessert feast not to be missed when visiting Otaru.

Transportation Guide

• From Sapporo: From JR Sapporo Station, take the JR Hakodate Main Line “Rapid Airport” and arrive at “JR Otaru Station” in about 32 to 45 minutes.
• City strolling suggestion: After exiting the station, walk straight along Chuo-dori to reach the Otaru Canal. The main attractions and the Fairy Tale Crossroads are all within walking distance, making it very suitable for a one-day trip or a two-day, one-night in-depth stroll.