Otaru, My Favourite Spot in Hokkaido

I've been to Hokkaido twice.

The first time I went was during end of winter and the second one, during the autumn a year later. 

Both seasons have their own distinctive sense of beauty and charm, therefore it's hard for me to justify which is the best season to visit Hokkaido.

Among few of the top destinations I went in Hokkaido, Otaru has always been my favourite spot.
Twice I went to Hokkaido, twice I went to Otaru as well. Hence I decided to combine and simplify my two visits into a single post instead.  

HOW TO GET TO OTARU FROM SAPPORO STATION
Otaru is situated on the northwest of Sapporo and it takes 30 minutes by rapid train or 45 minutes by local train along JR Hakodate Main Line. The first train leaves as early around 6am and the last train is at 10pm. Hence, it's possible just to do a day trip without considering to stay one more night, unless you feel like want to. 

When I went Hokkaido for the very first time in 2016, there was a special discount ticket limited to visitors from overseas which is known as Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass. Unfortunately, this handy pass has been discontinued.

So at this moment, you can only purchase the JR train tickets from Sapporo station and a single trip costs 640 yen for non-reserved ticket. In case you want reserve a seat, there will be additional fee of 520 yen. If you want to know more about the timetable for the rapid and local train, you could refer to Sapporo Station West Ticket Gate JR.

#1: Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass has been discontinued and currently, one way trip from Sapporo to Otaru costs 640 yen for non-reserved ticket.

#2: Reach Otaru Station. So, what's next? 

WHAT TO DO & SEE IN OTARU

There are plenty of things to do and see in Otaru itself. Not forgetting, there are even a long list of food awaiting to satisfy the tastebuds. Most of Otaru's attractions are located 20 to 30 minutes walk from Otaru Station. Once you exit from the train station, just head to the north and you will come across the popular Otaru Canal. However, this charming canal is always our final sighting after done with all the sightseeing, shopping and eating activities - you know, save the best for the last. 

Railway track of Temiya Line - While walking halfway from Otaru Station, we came across this railway track of the former narrow gauge railroad linking Minami-Otaru Station and Temiya Station. Since it is no longer operated, we can walk on it and even take hundred of photos on this preserved tracks. This track will lead you to the Sakaimachi Shopping Street. Did I hear shopping?

#3: Railway track of Temiya Line

Sakaimachi Shopping Street - a preserved street in Otaru where the whole street is converted and lined up with countless of souvenir stores, glassmakers and artcraft shops, seafood restaurants and cafes on both left and right of the lane. 

#4: Sakaimachi Shopping Street

Otaru is well-known for glassmakers and music boxes. Eventhough I'm not fancy any of them, but all these glassware and music boxes are so adorable and exquisite until I can't help myself from keep taking photos of them. However, do take note that there are few shops don't allow phototaking within the shop - so do respect and obey the sign.

#5: Glasswares


#6: Music boxes and glassarts

Don't forget to visit Otaru Music Box Museum at the end of Sakaimachi Shopping Street. You will find yourself immerse in the beautiful and enchanting melody of the music boxes. Right in front of the museum is the Otaru Steam Clock, which is one of the oldest steam clocks in the world. For your information, the steam clock will chime at every 15 minutes. 

#7: Music Box Museum and Otaru Steam Clock in front

Marchen Square is a spacious meeting point, especially for those tourists who join tours. When I was there for the first time, it was relatively quiet and not packed with many tourists. But it turned out differently on my second visit. If you reach this spot, it indicates that you have completed your Sakaimachi Shopping Street walk. 

#8: Marchen Square

Last but not least, a visit to Otaru is incomplete without visit the prominent Otaru Canal like I mentioned earlier. I prefer to visit here before the sunset time and wait until the night for photo opportunity. Plus during this hour too, the crowd is getting less due to those tourists who join package tour had left earlier. 

#9: Otaru Canal during end of winter time


#10: Enjoy the sunny day in Otaru Canal


#11: Otaru Canal during the autumn time


#12: Otaru Canal during night time

WHAT TO EAT IN OTARU

When comes to food in Otaru, there are few in the list you shouldn't miss out. So, it's best to visit Otaru with an empty stomach or else, you will miss out the best food of Otaru. And where is the best spot for food hunting? None other than in Sakaimachi Shopping Street itself. 

My family and I began our food adventures with fresh seafood. There is abundant of fresh seafood shops you will bump into when start strolling along the street. Japan is well-known for fresh seafood so whenever shops you pick, it will never go wrong. 

#13: Abundance of fresh seafood shops

There are two well-known pastry shops which originated in Otaru, namely LeTAO and Kitakaro. 

LeTAO is famed for its masterpiece Fromage Double, a double layered cheesecake. Just one bite and you will experience the cheesecake melts like snow. The upper layer is creamy and milky no-bake cheesecake whereas the lower layer is soft and rich baked cheesecake. Apparently there are few LeTao shops in Otaru but I would recommend the one located end of the Sakaimachi Shopping Street which is the main shop. Here, you can enjoy great view of the street and port while satisfy your sweet tooth craving.


#14: LeTAO Fromage Double cake

#15: Paradise for the sweet tooth craving


#16: LeTAO main shop at the end of Sakaimachi Shopping Street

LeTAO main shop
Address: 7-16 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido Prefecture.

As for Kitakaro, it is popular for its legendary soft custard cream puff. Another one that will instantly melt in your mouth with a single bite. It's best to consume immediately once you purchase it to enjoy its freshness and crispiness.

#17: Kitakaro's soft custard cream puff


#18

Kitakaro 
Address: 7-22 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido Prefecture.

Another one which I found that many people didn't mention about it but I personally found this dessert to be outstanding and unique - the 8 layers of colourful soft ice-cream. Previously the one in Nakano of Tokyo, Daily Chico which is hype for its unbelievable 7 layers of soft ice-cream but not until I found another one with extra layer which I think it's worth to share with. For the price of 580 yen (approx. to RM21), I think it's best to share with friends cause eating alone it's not fun at all. 

#19: From the bottom: Green tea, lemon pop, lavender, melon, milk, chocolate, vanilla lavender swirl and chocolate vanilla swirl. 

#20: The shop


#21: Video of the rainbow ice-cream

And that's conclude what I did, saw and ate in Otaru.

This small but serene seaport town has definitely capture my heart and I don't mind going back for the third time, if I have the chance to go Hokkaido again. 

#22: DT 💗autumn more

EXTRA TIPS

Do you know that you can stop at JR Minami Otaru Station instead of JR Otaru Station? The first one is more nearer to the Music Box Museum, which is at the end of the Sakaimachi Street.

Perhaps you could get off from JR Minami Otaru Station first, stroll along Sakaimachi Shopping Street and end your visit at Otaru Canal and then get to JR Otaru Station.

My Previous Post on Hokkaido:

• 9D7N Hokkaido (2016) Itinerary & Travel Expenses for RM2,490 Per Pax