If you are planning to visit Hokkaido and Sapporo is already on your schedule, you should not miss the opportunity to check out also Otaru. Located just a 40-minute train ride from Sapporo, the small harbour city is a good destination for a one-day tip. In this article, we list recommended places in Otaru. 

1. Otaru General Museum

Bullet trains are something that basically everyone travelling in Japan is fascinated about, but what were the trains like in the old times and how did the country’s extensive train network develop? By visiting Otaru General Museum you can find out more about the history of Hokkaido’s train network!

Inside the museum, there are displays that highlight the development of the area’s rail system. Also, in addition to the history of trains, on the second floor there is Science Exhibition Room which offers lots of fun things to do especially for children.

However, the most fascinating thing about the museum is the outdoor exhibition. There are trains from different eras in on display, and you can even go into the trains to experience what it was like to ride a train in the past! 



You can walk in the trains, and there are also rooms like this that make it feel even more real!



The outdoor exhibition is closed during the winter. However, if you feel like learning more about the history of Otaru, you should visit also the more centrally-located museum at the Canal Building that introduces the history and nature of Otaru. Both Otaru General Museum and the Canal Building are part of Otaru Museum.

More information:
http://www.city.otaru.lg.jp.e.go.hp.transer.com/simin/sisetu/museum/
http://www.city.otaru.lg.jp.e.go.hp.transer.com/simin/sisetu/museum/sisetu_photo.html

2. Otaru Aquarium

What could be a better place to learn more about sea creatures than Otaru, located at the seaside? Otaru Aquarium is the biggest aquarium in Hokkaido and one of the oldest in Japan. It exhibits 5,000 sea creatures of 250 different species. There are also dolphin shows, and Marine Mammals Park outside has penguins and seals!



Also the corals are beautiful. Would you like to take a photo like this?



More information:
http://otaru-aq.jp/page-2236/

3. Otaru Canal




The most well-known attraction in Otaru is without a doubt Otaru Canal. It was once an important route for shipping and you can still see the warehouses along the canal that remind of the past. Part of the canal was restored in the 1980s and today it is considered to be a symbol of the city. How about taking a walk at the idyllic sidewalk of the canal?

4. Handicrafts at Sakaimachi Street

Since Sakaimachi Street is located close to the Otaru Canal, it is practical to go there before or after a stroll at the canal. It is a merchant street with a lot of shops selling glass, ceramics, and music boxes - all of these are crafts that Otaru is famous for. Also, there are seafood shops lined up at the street.





Even if you were not interesting in buying anything, going from shop to shop in order to admire the handicrafts is a good way to get to know the local artwork.