Originally named Otarunai ("River of Sands") from the native Ainu
language, it was renamed Otaru when development of Hokkaido started
in ernest. Located approximately 30 km west of Sapporo on
the northern tip of Hokkaido's Shiribeshi district on the Sea of Japan
side, it is a harbor and port facility city. During the development
of Hokkaido, Otaru experienced a boom
as one of the only port facilities in this region and also as a herring
fishing area. During this boom period many of the places
to visit were constructed. Now Otaru has approximately 146,297
people and was designated as a city on August 1st 1922.
Otaru is also known for it’s large variety of fresh, high quality
seafood. As such the many Sushi bars (especially on Sushiya street
near JR Otaru Station) and local restaurants have become popular for
their generous and delicious servings. Other products produced in Otaru
include wine, noodles and beer.
Located on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido, Otaru
covers some 243.13 km2 and stretches around a small section of Ishikari
Bay. Otaru is a very hilly city
and is surrounded on the three sides by mountains, while the fourth
side faces out toward Ishikari Bay.
The main train station is located almost in the center of the town
and provides easy access to the attractive canal district. This canal
runs for a part way through Otaru city and is lined with Western-style
buildings from the late Meiji period. There are also gas powered lamps
that are lit at night giving a very romantic feel to this area. Within
the canal district there are some museums, many of the famous Otaru
glass factories, restaurants and shopping
markets.
In front of and west of the main train station, Otaru offers a covered
mall area and various shopping department stores. Also a huge new shopping
complex has been constructed at Otaru Chikko Station. This complex
houses a cinema, the Hilton Hotel and a large variety of stores. In
font of the complex there is also a marina haboring some of Otaru’s
fishing fleet.
Otaru is usually reached via Sapporo City. The JR Airport Express
runs from New Chitose Airport via Sapporo to Otaru. The Journey is
approximately 70 min. from Chitose or about 40 min. from Sapporo on
an express train. There are also buses departing from Sapporo Station.
It takes about one hour by express bus. A one-way journey from Sapporo
costs ¥620 and ¥1 740 direct from New Chitose Airterminal.
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FEATURE ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Rating:
Hotel Address:
Kita 5 Jo, Nishi 7 Chome Chuoku Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Location:
Hokkaido - Sapporo
The Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo is idylically located adjacent to the botanical gardens to the south and Hokkaido University to the north. The Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo provides for excellent transport access to both Otaru and Shin-Chitose Airport....More
FEATURE BAR | RESTAURANT
For great meals, friendly staff and good drinks head down to Little Village Kitchen, Susukino, Sapporo .
South 3, West 4, Chuo-ku. Kamiya Bldg. 6F....More
FEATURE ARTIST
Living in Sapporo, I’m a member of Punk/Hardcore bands “Trash” and “green!” Also helping with other bands such as “Unseen” “Hawaian6” and “Fuck You Heroes” in various capacities.
In 2003 formed the loud rock band “The End of Horizon” performed as lead guitar and vocalist. The band played various live shows, live venues and performances.
札幌にて「Trash Box」「green!」等のPunk/Hardcoreバンドにメンバーとして所属し、「Unseen」「Hawaian6」「Fuck You Hereos」等、国内外問わず様々なアーティストと共演を果たす。....More
English
30 km west of 
city
and is surrounded on the three sides by mountains, while the fourth
side faces out toward Ishikari Bay. 
of Otaru’s
fishing fleet. 
