Ultimate One-Day Sapporo to Otaru Itinerary: Canal Cruises, Seafood Feasts & Hidden Gems
Sapporo, located in southwestern Hokkaido, is the central city of Hokkaido. It's one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations where visitors can enjoy Hokkaido's unique nature and culture. The city is particularly attractive for its gourmet cuisine using Hokkaido's abundant natural and marine ingredients, making it one of Japan's premier culinary destinations.
Additionally, there are several attractive tourist destinations and towns in the vicinity of Sapporo. Among them, Otaru, accessible by train from Sapporo in about 40 minutes, is a popular town known for its retro and romantic streetscape.
This time, we'll introduce a one-day itinerary to fully enjoy Otaru, which is renowned for its beautiful historic buildings, glass and music box crafts, and nostalgic night views, all in a single day trip from Sapporo.
Please use this plan as a reference to enjoy a day trip to Otaru from Sapporo.
Otaru: Hokkaido's Premier Tourist Destination with Retro Streetscapes
Otaru, a town located right next to Sapporo City, is one of Hokkaido's premier tourist destinations famous for its retro streetscapes. Otaru developed as an important trading city for Hokkaido during Japan's Hokkaido development era that began in the late 19th century. The town prospered greatly through maritime shipping and herring fishing. Due to its economic prosperity, banks gathered here, and it once had an aspect as Hokkaido's financial city.
From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, beautiful brick and stone buildings constructed by warehouses used for maritime shipping, banks, and companies still remain throughout the town today. These old, beautiful buildings have been preserved and renovated, and are now reused as shops and facilities.
Otaru Canal Area is Particularly Famous
The most famous area in Otaru is the Otaru Canal Area. It was created by reclaiming offshore areas to support Otaru's maritime shipping as Hokkaido's gateway. The Otaru Canal Area is a popular spot that can be considered the symbol of Otaru.
It's known for the old stone warehouses built along the canal, leisurely walking paths, and the beautiful night scenery illuminated by gas lamps at night.
Along the canal, there are walking paths perfect for strolling, and the retro warehouses and buildings on both banks have been converted into cafes and shops.
How to Get There (Access Information)
The distance from Sapporo to Otaru is approximately 40km, making it a relatively easy journey. By train, it takes about 45 minutes on local trains, and by bus, it takes about 65 minutes.
(By Train) 800 yen
- JR Hakodate Main Line: Local train... approximately 50 minutes
Rapid Airport... approximately 32 minutes
Limited Express Ishikari Liner... approximately 39 minutes
For train travel, use the JR Hakodate Main Line. Using the Rapid Airport or Limited Express services allows you to travel in under 40 minutes. Rapid services operate at 30-minute intervals during the day. However, during morning and evening hours, rapid services don't operate, so you'll need to use local trains.
(By Bus) 730 yen
- JR Hokkaido Bus or Hokkaido Chuo Bus "Express Otaru"... approximately 65 minutes
For bus travel, use either JR Hokkaido Bus or Hokkaido Chuo Bus. Departing from the bus terminal in front of Sapporo Station, you'll arrive at Otaru Station. Services run from 6 AM to 10 PM, with 3 to 5 buses per hour.
One-Day Itinerary for Enjoying Otaru's Tourist Attractions in One Day
From here, we will introduce a one-day itinerary to enjoy and explore Otaru, one of Hokkaido's most charming cities, in a single day trip from Sapporo.
9:00 AM: Departure from Sapporo
Depart from Sapporo Station to Otaru around 9:00 AM. For those without heavy luggage, train access is recommended as it's the fastest way to reach Otaru Station.
In the 9 AM time slot, the rapid train "Rapid Airport" operates between Sapporo and Otaru, covering the distance in approximately 35 minutes, so please make use of it.
The seats on the Rapid Airport are spacious, and you can enjoy Hokkaido's beautiful nature from the train windows. For those who want to slowly enjoy the scenery or further refine their travel plans inside the train, using regular trains is also recommended.
To avoid rushing on the return trip, make sure to check the departure times of trains you want to take back and the time of the last train returning to Sapporo.
10:00 AM: Arrival in Otaru / Walking around Otaru City
Upon arriving in Otaru, first take a stroll around Otaru city.
Tourist attractions are concentrated around JR Otaru Station and the Otaru Canal area. Each spot we'll introduce from here is not very far from each other.
Since travel time between locations is minimal, you can relax and enjoy each spot at your own pace. All locations are within walking distance, but if you get tired of walking, you can also use Otaru city buses.
Site of the former Japanese National Railways Temiya Line
First, let's take a walk along the Site of the former Japanese National Railways Temiya Line.
The National Railways Temiya Line, Hokkaido's first railway, opened at the end of the 19th century and was used until 1985. Currently, the site has become a popular tourist spot where people walk on the tracks and take photographs.
Take some wonderful memorable photos at this photogenic railway track site that will mark the beginning of your lovely Otaru memories. The railway tracks extend from Otaru Sushi Restaurant Street to the Otaru General Museum. Taking photos of people's backs and feet while walking on the tracks creates very picturesque shots.
The walking path along the railway tracks is beautifully maintained, and you can enjoy greenery and Hokkaido flowers in spring and summer, and autumn foliage in fall. There are rest areas along the way, so please take a leisurely walk while enjoying nature.
- Address: 1-7-14 Ironai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone number: None
- Official website: https://otaru.gr.jp/shop/temiya-line
Otaru Denuki Koji
After walking along the former Japanese National Railways Temiya Line, move to Otaru Denuki Koji.
Otaru Denuki Koji is a food stall village with an attractive retro atmosphere. It gathers 17 stalls and restaurants where you can enjoy Otaru specialties such as seafood, Genghis Khan (grilled mutton), and yakitori at each shop. The retro atmosphere that recreates Otaru's streetscape from the late 19th to early 20th century is also appealing.
If you visit Otaru Denuki Koji in the morning, climbing up to the observation deck to enjoy the scenery is recommended. The observation deck models a traditional watchtower that once stood in Otaru Irifune-cho. From the top of the observation deck, you can overlook the Otaru Canal and the beautiful Ishikari Bay.
First, enjoy Otaru Canal, the symbol of Otaru, from above.
While lunch and dinner are planned for different locations, if there are stalls or restaurants that catch your interest, feel free to have some light snacks.
- Address: 1-1 Ironai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Operating hours: Varies by store
- Closed: Varies by store
- Phone number: 0134-24-1483
- Official website: https://otaru-denuki.com/
Otaru Canal
Taking a morning stroll along Otaru Canal, the biggest destination of your Otaru trip, is also recommended. Otaru Canal flows parallel to the Temiya Line tracks.
Otaru Canal was used for maritime transportation during Hokkaido's pioneering era from the 19th to early 20th century. Along the river, old warehouses and historic buildings constructed during that era line the waterway.
Otaru Canal is extremely popular at night when the old beautiful buildings and canal are illuminated. However, visiting once during the day is also recommended. You can enjoy the contrast between the nostalgic stone buildings under the blue sky and the natural greenery bathed in daylight.
In the itinerary we recommend today, you'll return once more to Otaru Canal, Otaru's symbolic spot, at night. See the daytime scenery first and compare it with the nighttime view.
- Address: Minato-cho, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone number: None
- Official website: https://www.city.otaru.lg.jp/docs/2020100900367/
12:00PM: Enjoy Lunch at Otaru Sankaku Market
At 12:00PM, head to Otaru Sankaku Market for lunch.
Otaru Sankaku Market is a bustling market located just a 2-minute walk from JR Otaru Station. You can enjoy shopping for fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits from Otaru, as well as dining at restaurants.
The market stretches 200 meters in length with a narrow width of 2 meters, lined with numerous shops. It's characterized by offering delicious local specialties at incredibly affordable prices, with fresh fish available in every season.
- Address: 3-10-16 Inaho, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0134232446
- Official Website: http://otaru-sankaku.com/
Ajidokoro Takeda (Seafood)
Source:Tabelog
Ajidokoro Takeda is a casual restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood from Otaru. In addition to seafood bowls, they offer set meals with fish dishes accompanied by rice and soup. The restaurant has 100 seats, including tatami seating where you can dine after removing your shoes.
The popular item at Ajidokoro Takeda is the "ANA Special Bowl," featuring four types of luxurious seafood: sea urchin, salmon roe, crab, and salmon. What surprised me was that despite the compact bowl, it contained a generous amount of rice, making it very filling.
Of course, the seafood toppings are also substantial in quantity. The salmon roe was particularly fresh, sweet to the taste. This luxurious seafood combination and generous portion for 3,300 yen is reasonably priced, which adds to its popularity.
Across from the restaurant is a seafood sales area where you can buy Otaru specialties like sea urchin at affordable prices. If you're interested, be sure to check it out after your meal.
- Address: 3-10-16 Inaho, Otaru City, Hokkaido (Inside Sankaku Market)
- Business Hours: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0134229652
- Official Website: http://otaru-takeda.com/aji_new.html
Sankaku-tei
Source:Official website
Sankaku-tei, also located within Sankaku Market, is another lunch-recommended restaurant where you can enjoy luxurious seafood bowls. It boasts top-class popularity within Sankaku Market. The restaurant interior is small-scale with a clean atmosphere, and includes a large table for 8 people.
The popular menu item at Sankaku-tei is the "Choose Your Seafood Bowl." You can select 3 or 5 types of seafood from 10 varieties to top your bowl. The selectable seafood includes luxurious options like salmon roe, crab, tuna (lean), and salmon.
I paid an additional 500 yen to add spot prawns as a topping. Although it cost extra, I was completely satisfied with my lunch as three large spot prawns that practically overflowed from the bowl were added.
For those wanting an even more luxurious bowl, I also recommend the "Colorful Bowl," which features all 10 types of premium seafood generously topped.
- Address: 3-10-16 Inaho, Otaru City, Hokkaido (Inside Sankaku Market)
- Business Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 08057249212
- Official Website: https://www.sankakutei.com/
1:00PM: Explore "Art-Related Spots," One of Otaru's Charms
From the afternoon, enjoy the arts, which is one of Otaru's attractions. Otaru has traditionally flourished in glasswork, with many shops and workshops handling beautiful glass crafts.
Additionally, Otaru Music Box, which collects exquisite music boxes, is a popular store with locations throughout Hokkaido and nationwide. After lunch, move to Sakaimachi Street, where art-related spots are gathered.
Otaru Music Box Museum
Source:Google Maps
Otaru Music Box Museum is a shop selling exquisite and beautiful music boxes. There's the main music box store in Sakaimachi and an Antique Museum in a nearby annex.
Inside the main store, countless music boxes of various shapes are displayed. There are many reasonably priced items available, so why not find a favorite and make a purchase?
In the museum annex, you can see valuable antique music boxes and mechanical dolls/performance dolls from Japan, Switzerland, Germany, and other countries.
What I particularly enjoyed was the musical performance by music boxes and dolls synchronized with a real pipe organ, which can be heard once every hour. Listening to the music box and doll performances made me feel childlike again and even romantic.
Be sure to check out both locations and experience the charm of music boxes that perfectly match Otaru's nostalgic atmosphere.
- Address: 6-13 Sakaimachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0134343915
- Official Website: https://www.otaru-orgel.co.jp/
Kitaichi Glass Building No. 3
Source:Tabelog
Kitaichi Glass Building is a beautiful glass shop on Sakaimachi Street. The building is a historic warehouse containing glass shops handling numerous glass products and a restaurant & café.
The Kitaichi Glass buildings are constructed in a row of three. Building No. 3 features a café & restaurant corner illuminated by 167 oil lamps.
The mystical lighting creates a very romantic atmosphere, making it an extremely popular spot. You might want to take a short break while enjoying their signature "Special Royal Milk Tea."
Additionally, the two adjacent buildings display and sell a wide variety of glass products including accessories, lamps, tableware, and glass pens.
There are also craft pieces that can be called works of art, so be sure to take time to appreciate them carefully.
- Address: 7-26 Sakaimachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0134331993
- Official Website: https://kitaichiglass.co.jp/kitaichihall/
Otaru Art Base
Source:Wikipedia
Otaru Art Base is an area where four museums gather, including Western art museums and stained glass museums. The four facilities utilize buildings that are important to Otaru's history, such as magnificent bank buildings constructed in the early 20th century.
If you've also visited Music Box and Kitaichi Glass, I recommend purchasing a ticket for one of the four museums to enjoy it in a short time.
What I enjoyed most was the "Stained Glass Museum," which collects beautiful stained glass works. Many pieces created in 19th and 20th century Britain are displayed.
I was moved by the history of these artworks that have been carefully preserved in Otaru, a trading city where glasswork flourishes.
Of course, you can also purchase a common ticket that allows access to all four facilities. Adjust your time according to your preferences while enjoying Otaru's art spots.
- Address: 1-2-17 Ironai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0134311033
- Official Website: https://www.nitorihd.co.jp/otaru-art-base/
3:30PM: Enjoy Exquisite Japanese Sake at a Brewery Instead of Afternoon Snacks
Source:Official website
When 3:30PM arrives, instead of afternoon sweets, why not enjoy sake tasting and selecting Japanese sake at an Otaru brewery?
Tanaka Sake Brewery is a long-established Otaru brewery with over 100 years of history. At their main store, located about a 10-minute walk from Otaru Art Base, they sell a wide variety of Japanese sake and offer sake tastings.
Additionally, at Kikkogura, located about a 10-minute walk away in a different location, you can take brewery tours to see Japanese sake production.
Tanaka Sake Brewery's main store is a traditional Japanese wooden building constructed in the 1920s. In the beautifully aged interior, you can sample 10-15 varieties of Japanese sake.
The production tours at Kikkogura are available year-round. After a 15-minute tour, you can taste "Takaragawa," the signature brand that Tanaka Sake Brewery takes pride in. If you're interested in the tour, be sure to make a reservation through their official website.
(Main Store Information)
- Address: 3-2-5 Ironai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 9:05 AM - 5:55 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0134230390
- Official Website: https://tanakashuzo.com/about/company/
Enjoying Otaru's Famous Sweets Shop "LeTAO" is Also Recommended
Source:Official website
In addition to Tanaka Sake Brewery, trying the nationally famous Otaru sweets shop "LeTAO" is also recommended. The main store of Western confectionery LeTAO is located on Sakaimachi Street, where you can purchase takeout sweets or use their café.
At the main store, you can purchase all products from LeTAO's extensive lineup currently being sold. Among these, we especially recommend the hugely popular "Double Fromage." This cheesecake is LeTAO's signature item, made with smooth fresh cream from Hokkaido.
It features two layers - rare cheesecake and baked cheesecake - allowing you to fully taste the rich umami and flavor of cheese and cream.
At the main store's café, you can also enjoy "Fresh Double Fromage" made with fresh cream rather than frozen. Be sure to check out this incredibly delicious cheesecake that will move you to tears.
- Address: 7-16 Sakaimachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Café last order 5:30 PM)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0120-468-825
- Official Website: https://www.letao-brand.jp/
4:30PM: Check Otaru's Tourist Spots While Heading to Dinner Location
When 4:30PM arrives, move to a spot to enjoy dinner. Moving from Tanaka Sake Brewery, you'll pass through Sakaimachi Street where you enjoyed the music box museum and Kitaichi Glass in the afternoon. Take this opportunity before dinner to check out tourist spots and do some gift shopping.
Sakaimachi Street
Source:Tripadvisor
Sakaimachi Street is Otaru's most bustling shopping street. It's located a 5-minute walk from Otaru Canal and about a 25-minute walk from JR Otaru Station. Sushi restaurants and shops selling sweets and miscellaneous goods are gathered here.
Historic buildings constructed from the 19th to mid-20th century line Sakaimachi Street. Many stores are renovated old warehouses, and just walking around allows you to feel the charm of Otaru, a historic city.
In addition to the popular shops you've already visited like the music box museum, Kitaichi Glass, and LeTAO main store, there are many shops and cafés handling stylish glass accessories.
Starting with oil lamps and glass floats used in fishing, Otaru has a very thriving glass craft industry. Be sure to check out various glass goods beyond Kitaichi Glass as travel memories. You can also purchase sweets perfect as souvenirs.
- Address: 6-11 Sakaimachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (varies by store)
- Closed: Varies by store
- Phone Number: 0134271133
- Official Website: https://otaru-sakaimachi.com/
Otaru Steam Clock
Source:Google Maps
Also check out the beautiful, intricately crafted Otaru Steam Clock in front of the music box main store that we introduced earlier.
Created by Raymond Saunders, the clockmaker who made the world's first steam clock, it has become a popular photography spot in Otaru due to its beautiful appearance and classic atmosphere.
Listen to the melody that plays every 15 minutes here and take photos. The clock stands 5.5 meters tall, with a shining bronze design that is very classical and beautiful. The melody played by steam whistles while emitting steam is somehow nostalgic and very soothing.
The Music Box main store also sells miniature music boxes shaped like the steam clock. If you couldn't thoroughly check the store interior earlier, taking another careful look around is also recommended.
- Address: 4 Sumiyoshi-cho, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: None
- Official Website: https://www.otaru-orgel.co.jp/steam-clock
5:30PM: Savoring Exquisite Seafood Cuisine in Otaru
At 5:30PM, head to dinner to enjoy exquisite Otaru gourmet cuisine. You enjoyed casual seafood bowls for lunch, so in the evening, be sure to enjoy authentic hand-pressed sushi. Among the Otaru sushi restaurants with their unique history and cooking methods, I'll introduce two popular establishments.
Otaru Sushi Restaurant Street
Source:Google Maps
Take dinner at Otaru Sushi Restaurant Street. Otaru Sushi Restaurant Street is a food street located near Hanazono Ginza Shopping Street. Approximately 15 sushi restaurants serving exquisite Otaru seafood line the street, ranging from casual eateries to high-end sushi restaurants.
Otaru gathers abundant northern seafood caught from the nearby Ishikari Bay. There's a history of sushi chefs gathering from all over Japan to prepare sushi that showcases this fresh seafood. Otaru sushi is characterized by larger seafood compared to Tokyo (the birthplace of sushi) and a preparation style that emphasizes the natural flavor of the seafood with minimal seasoning.
nakamura sushi
Source:Official website
nakamura sushi is a sushi restaurant that serves high-quality sushi. The interior has only 7 counter seats, creating a quiet atmosphere where you can relax. Sit at the counter and enjoy Otaru seafood sushi carefully prepared right before your eyes.
The appeal of nakamura sushi is that you can enjoy high-quality sushi at reasonable prices unique to Otaru. The botan shrimp is so fresh it has a bouncing texture, and when you taste it, surprisingly rich umami spreads in your mouth. The sea urchin, abalone, and toro are also of unquestionable quality and flavor.
You can enjoy such luxurious premium seafood in such quality and variety, and the dinner "omakase course" is approximately 8,000 yen. This is unimaginably reasonable compared to Tokyo prices.
The staff consists of only 2 people including the chef, but they provide attentive service. English support is available, making it a secretly popular restaurant among foreign travelers.
- Address: 1-21 Yamada-cho, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Phone Number: 0134266566
- Official Homepage: https://otaru-sushinakamura.com/about.html
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otaru_sushinakamura
OTARU MASAZUSHI Mainstore
Source:Official website
OTARU MASAZUSHI Mainstore is a long-established sushi restaurant that has been operating for nearly 80 years on Otaru Sushi Restaurant Street. The restaurant spans from the 1st to 4th floors of the building, offering counter seats on the 1st floor as well as table seats and private rooms.
At OTARU MASAZUSHI, you can enjoy Otaru sushi in various styles, featuring fresh seafood gathered from Ishikari Bay and throughout Hokkaido. Sushi can be ordered as courses, individual pieces, or sets with soup and side dishes.
What impressed me most was the incredibly sweet and chewy Hokkaido Yakumo scallops. Since sea urchin is also available from Hokkaido's Pacific side even outside the peak summer season, I was able to enjoy very fresh, odorless sea urchin when I visited in autumn.
This is a very popular restaurant that is often crowded. For those who want to stick to their travel schedule, I recommend making a reservation before visiting.
- Address: 1-1-1 Hanazono, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone Number: 0134641101
- Official Homepage: https://en.masazushi.co.jp/
6:30PM: Sightseeing the Beautiful Streets of Otaru Illuminated by Gas Lamps
At 6:30PM, explore the beautiful nighttime streets of retro Otaru illuminated by gas lamps. The nighttime Otaru Canal is an extremely popular spot that everyone who travels to Otaru must visit. Those with time to spare can also enjoy drinks and nighttime gourmet food at Yatai Village after fully enjoying the canal.
Otaru Canal
When you come to Otaru, you absolutely must visit the beautifully illuminated nighttime Otaru Canal.
The Otaru Canal you also visited during the day is the symbolic canal flowing through Otaru City. It stretches for 1 km and is characterized by its gentle curves. At nighttime, 63 gas lamps installed along the stone-paved walkway are lit.
The unique warm light of the gas lamps illuminates the stone warehouse buildings, and the light reflects and sparkles on the water surface. It's famous as a spot where you can experience a retro and romantic atmosphere, and so many people come to Otaru just for this scenery.
When I actually saw it myself, I felt like I had entered a nostalgic dream world and was deeply moved.
As the highlight of this Otaru sightseeing experience, take your time with photography and strolling to enjoy the nighttime Otaru Canal.
Otaru Canal Boat LLC
Source:Official website
At night on the Otaru Canal, we also recommend the cruise experience where you can enjoy the gas lamp-lit scenery from a boat. This enchanting boat ride makes for a perfect addition to your one day trip itinerary from Sapporo to Otaru.
At Otaru Canal Boat LLC, you can take a leisurely cruise along the Otaru Canal with a guide for about 40 minutes. The guide will give you an enjoyable explanation of Otaru's history, and English audio guides are also available.
The scenery viewed from the boat has gas lamps and lights from buildings shining on the water surface right in front of your eyes, creating an even more fantastical atmosphere than from ground level. The Otaru history that the guide tells becomes even more interesting when you listen while looking at the old buildings that were actually used.
The Otaru Canal at night gets very cold, so those taking the cruise during chilly seasons should wear proper warm clothing.
- Address: 5-4 Minatomachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Business hours: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Regular holidays: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 0134311733
- Official website: https://otaru.cc/
Otaru Yatai Village - Renga Yokocho & Roman Yokocho
Source:Google Maps
Otaru Yatai Village is an area where food stalls with a retro atmosphere gather, making it an essential stop on your one day trip itinerary from Sapporo to Otaru. There are two areas called Renga Yokocho and Roman Yokocho. There are many casual establishments such as izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and bars where you can easily drop by, and it's a spot that many local people also visit.
Renga Yokocho has about 13 stores. In Renga Yokocho, I went to the popular Genghis Khan restaurant "Jinpei" and enjoyed high-quality lamb meat that was tender and had no gamey smell. Grilling vegetables in the fat from cooking the meat and drinking beer together is the best.
Roman Yokocho
In Roman Yokocho, about 6 establishments including bars and sushi restaurants are operating. Within both Renga Yokocho and Roman Yokocho, you can sit at a table at your favorite store and order menu items from other stores to be delivered to you.
I drank at the yakitori restaurant "Yukitori" in Roman Yokocho while having nigiri sushi delivered from a sushi restaurant. I was able to casually enjoy flavors from various stores in the lively atmosphere and had a very enjoyable night.
Before returning to Sapporo, let's fully enjoy Otaru's night at the yatai village bustling with local people and tourists.
- Address: 1-4-15 Inaho, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Business hours: Varies by store
- Regular holidays: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 09087062211
- Official website: http://otaruyataimura.jp/
Optional timing: Train back to Sapporo
After fully enjoying the Otaru Canal and completing your wonderful one day trip itinerary from Sapporo to Otaru, return to Sapporo by train. Use the JR Hakodate Main Line, same as when you came.
Until around 7 PM, the Rapid Airport service from Otaru to Sapporo runs on the JR Hakodate Main Line. Using the Rapid Airport, you can arrive in Sapporo for 800 yen in about 35 minutes.
However, to properly enjoy Otaru's beautiful night, it's recommended to stay longer in the evening. With local trains, trains run until around 11 PM so you can return to Sapporo. The travel time is also about 45 minutes, which isn't that long. The fare is 800 yen, same as the rapid service.
Let's return to Sapporo on a late train while being careful not to miss the last train.
If you want to enjoy exquisite cuisine in Sapporo as well, it's recommended to have local people guide you to recommended restaurants
When you return to Sapporo from Otaru after your successful one day trip itinerary from Sapporo to Otaru, please join a tour where you can enjoy food and drinks, and savor the charm of Hokkaido gourmet that differs from city to city.
On the Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour, you can visit 3 izakaya, bars, and restaurants in Sapporo with a local guide.
What we definitely want you to enjoy in Sapporo is Sapporo's specialty miso ramen. Miso-flavored ramen is a very popular Japanese gourmet food that was born in Sapporo. In Japan, ramen is often eaten at the end of a night of enjoying drinks, and on this tour as well, you usually go to a ramen restaurant recommended by the guide as the third stop.
Please try the Sapporo miso ramen, which becomes even more delicious after drinking alcohol.
- Meeting point: Under the giant NIKKA sign outside Susukino Station, 4-1 Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
- Tour area: Susukino
- Start time: 6:00 PM