OTARU

Otaru is 23 mi/ 37 km northwest of Sapporo on the western side of Hokkaido. It has become a popular tourism destination in recent years due to it's compact downtown area built around a picturesque canal with Victorian style street lamps, a street dedicated to sushi, and an arts and crafts scene headlined by the Otaru Music Box Museum.

The main downtown hub, Sakaimachi Street, is 1 mi / 1.6 km away from the cruise port. There you will find well preserved buildings with gift stores and food shops. Your ship will likely offer shuttles, but if not, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll or take a taxi.

You may wish to travel to the city of Sapporo, which is accessible via public transport. From the Otaru Train Station, you can ride the JR Hakodate Line or the JR Rapid Airport Line, and either line will get you to Sapporo in 30-45 minutes.

TIP: For whisky lovers, head to the neighboring town of Yoichi to visit the Nikka Whisky Distillery. They distill award winning single malt Scotch Whiskeys, and it is accessible via local train or taxi.

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PORT FAST FACTS

DOCKED OR TENDERED?

Docked.
TERMINAL BUILDING OR PIER?

Pier ashore with information tents.
WIFI AVAILABLE?

Not upon most recent visit.
PUBLIC RESTROOMS ASHORE?

Not upon most recent visit.
TOURIST INFORMATION?

Yes.
MAPS AVAILABLE?

Yes.
TAXIs / PUBLIC TRANSPORT?

Taxis were available last visit. No immediate public transport, but the Otaru Train Station is located downtown.
ATMs / MONEY EXCHANGE?

Not on most recent visit.