In Japan, Otaru is also called "the museum without a roof." This is a fitting appellation as Otaru today is lined with many historical structures. The area around the Otaru Canal is especially recommended, as a popular photo spot in itself, with its collection of historical buildings making picture-perfect scenery from whatever angle you snap.
The Otaru Canal Cruise is a great way to enjoy this area. This is a 40-minute boat ride visiting many unique spots that can only be seen from a boat. During this time, the captain explains the history of Otaru and its historic structures. It's guaranteed to leave you with many beautiful memories.
What exactly is the Otaru Canal Cruise?
It is a sightseeing activity that takes you by boat down the Otaru Canal and around the port to which it is connected. The Day Cruise provides good views of the buildings and their settings in the daytime. The lights from the buildings at night and 63 gas lamplights on the pathway running alongside the Otaru Canal, their lights flickering on its surface, create a romantic mood that can be enjoyed on a Night Cruise.
Night Cruise after the sun has gone down
Taking an Otaru Canal Cruise: Access
● When going by public transportation
Take the train bound for Otaru on the JR Hakodate Main Line and get off at Otaru Station. After walking about 10 minutes from Otaru Station towards the port, you will arrive at Chuo Bridge from where the boat departs.
● When going by car
When going by car take National Route No. 5 going in the direction of Otaru. Turn right at the intersection in front of Otaru Station and head towards the canal. From Sapporo, take the Sasson Expressway (toll), get off at the Otaru IC, and continue on Route 17 toward the canal. Since there is no parking lot for the Otaru Canal Cruise, please use a nearby coin parking lot.
How do you buy a ticket for the Otaru Canal Cruise?
The first thing we have to do is buy a ticket. Tickets can be purchased at the Otaru Canal Chuo Bridge ticket office located on the Chuo Bridge of the Otaru Canal. Look at the timetable and buy a ticket for the desired departure time.
The boarding fee is 1,500 yen for adults and 500 yen for children for the Day Cruise, and 1,800 yen for adults and 500 yen for children for the Night Cruise. Brochures are available in Japanese, multilingual (English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional)), and Korean.
Departure schedules are posted on a board in front of the ticket office. If seats are available, you can purchase a ticket and board that day. If you want to purchase a same-day ticket, be sure to purchase it 15 minutes before the departure time of each cruise. Y…
