CONTENTS
Contents List
ATTRACTIONS
Attractions of Otaru
Otaru’s Long-Established Gourmet
Otaru is home to many renowned shops with over 100 years of history. From Kameju’s fragrant freshly baked bread to “Usuyoke Shinko,” a rice cake shop dating back to the Ansei era, you’ll find local specialties that have been loved for generations.
Scenic Views of Otaru
From Otaru’s symbol, Mount Tengu, the view changes with time: in the morning you may catch a sea of clouds, and at night a sparkling cityscape. The breathtaking scenery from the 532.4m summit will stay with you forever.
Otaru Nightlife
Alleys and food stalls brim with Otaru’s unique gourmet delights, lighting up the night. Whether alone or with friends, enjoy Otaru’s nightlife in your own style.
Winter Otaru and Powder Snow
The hushed snowscape along the canal, and the world-class powder snow that draws skiers from across the globe. Winter brings a romantic townscape and activities you can enjoy only in this season.
For a Safe Winter Visit
In winter the roads in Otaru freeze and become very slippery. Snow cleared from the streets piles up along the roadside, and the boundary between sidewalk and road becomes hard to see. Please watch your step and stay aware of your surroundings as you explore.
You can also find more information
about Otaru here!
MANNER
A good trip starts with good manners.
Do not stop on the railway tracks.
For a safe journey without accidents, never stop on the tracks.
Do not enter private property without permission.
To respect the lives of residents, never trespass on private land.
Do not park in prohibited areas.
Follow traffic rules and use designated parking lots.
Do not litter on roads or private property.
Take your trash home or dispose of it in designated areas.
Do not block traffic when taking photos on the road.
For safety, take pictures from places that do not obstruct others.
Do not climb or slide on roadside snow piles.
To prevent falling into the road or dashing out from behind vehicles, never climb the snow piles along the roadside.
Do not walk on the road, even where the sidewalk is narrow.
Even where snow has narrowed the sidewalk, stay off the road and walk in single file.
Do not ski or snowboard on public roads.
Sliding on roads or sidewalks is extremely dangerous. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at designated ski resorts.
Three Reasons Why Manners Are
Important to Enjoy Otaru
01To enjoy together with locals
By respecting manners, you will be welcomed by locals, leading to natural exchanges and conversations. As a result, your journey becomes warmer and more memorable.
02For safety and peace of mind
Being mindful of manners helps avoid accidents and troubles, allowing both travelers and residents to feel at ease. Only when safety is ensured can you truly enjoy Otaru’s charm.
03Experiencing Japanese Culture
Through etiquette, manners, and thoughtfulness, you can experience Japan’s unique “spirit of harmony” and culture, making your journey more valuable and memorable.
TRAVELER’S VOICE
Introducing Travelers’ SNS Posts
@sumibi_club
@Zoebitalk
@jiangyou.media
OTARU MANNER QUIZ
Otaru Manners Quiz
Start here. These are the manners that matter in Otaru all year round.
Before you set out into winter Otaru. The basics for enjoying a town of snow and ice safely.
A step deeper into winter know-how. Clear this and you are an Otaru winter expert.
INITIATIVES
Otaru City’s Initiatives
Otaru City and its partners are working to keep the town safe and comfortable to walk. Here is some information you may find useful during your trip.
Track buses in real time
Hokkaido Chuo Bus provides fare, route and timetable search, plus real-time information showing where each bus is right now. Multilingual translation displays are also installed on board. Available in English, Korean and Chinese (Traditional and Simplified).
Otaru Next 100
Marking the 100th anniversary of the Otaru Canal, this project connects the city’s history to its next century. The awareness poster “Check Otaru Manners, Ninja Style!” and the music video “One Sea, One Town” are now available.
