'''Otaru''' (___M) is a port city in Hokkaido, Japan.

Get in

By train

Otaru is a major station on the '''JR Hakodate Line''' from Sapporo, with very frequent train runs. At a cost of ¥620, there are at least five trains per hour; the fastest service, the '''Airport Rapid''', reaches Otaru in 30 minutes. The complete journey on the Airport Rapid from New Chitose Airport to Otaru takes 70 minutes.

By car

Otaru is 25 minutes away from Sapporo by car.

By ferry

Otaru is one of Hokkaido's key ferry ports, and the closest to Sapporo. Shin-Nihonkai Ferry (06-6348-1120) operates a daily service between Sapporo and Niigata (18 hours, \6,200+) and between Sapporo and Maizuru near Kyoto (20 hours, \9,600+). Both services are overnight, and private cabins are available for a higher fare (the base fare buys sleeping space on the floor).

Get around

See

  • Otaru Canal. The canal was completed in 1923. The canal has been developed as a walkway. It is lit at night by gas lamps and walkway lights. Located 10 minutes walk from Otaru Station.

    Do

    Buy

    '''Kitaichi Glass'''- hand made crystal is one of the famous handmade crystal in Japan which can be bought as a good souvenir

    Eat

    Otaru is famous for its Sushi in Japan. In fact the best in Japan- mainly because of supply of good quality fish and Otaru being a fishing district. Sushi in Otaru are expensive, but worth having it.

    Drink

    The locally-brewed [http://www.otarubeer.com/ Otaru beer].

    Sleep

  • Otarunai Backpackers' Hostel MorinoKi. ioi 4-15. 0 min on foot from JR Minami-Otaru station. 81-134232175. ttp://backpackers-hostel.infotaru.net/. PM. 0AM. 400 JPY. Top notch hostel, with a laid back owner and interesting decoration - but you're gonna have to be OK with dogs to stay here.

    Otaru Hilton right next to Otaru Chikko Station and the factory outlet is another place to stay. Oataru Chikko is just two stops west of Otaru on the Sapporo-Otaru rail line and conveniently situated in the middle to travel around Sapporo and Otaru area

    Get out