Otaru canal with river — Otaru Canal
Photo: Marina Wee

If you’re looking for a charming winter day trip from Sapporo, Otaru is the perfect destination—especially in February, when thick snow piles turn the historical port town into a white wonderland. Just a quick train ride away, Otaru offers a mix of canalside views, seafood, nostalgic streets, and desserts.

Here’s our 1-day travel itinerary in Otaru (with timestamps!) covering everything from Omakase lunch to souvenir shopping, Letao desserts, and a fried chicken takeaway, all while trudging through snow with camera-ready moments at every turn.

8:15 AM – Depart Sapporo Station to Otaru

The adventure began early in the morning as we hopped on a local train from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station. The journey is scenic, especially as the train glides along the coastline with sea views partially covered in snow. The ride took about 45 minutes to 1 hour, and even though it was snowing heavily, the train operated smoothly. We took the normal subway, as all the trains that required reserved seats are sol out, so stood through the train ride. It was so humid in the train, I’m sweating inside my coat.

How to get there:

JR Rapid Airport Line
Around 45 mins
¥750 one way
Trains run frequently every 15–30 mins
Tips: Do purchase the train tickets at the Sapporo station (or any stations) one-day before the trip for the reserved seats. The reserved seats tickets for those peak hours (i.e. 9AM) get sold out quickly.

By the time we arrived, the weather was a chilly 1.2°C, and the entire town was blanketed in thick white snow—it was absolutely spectacular.

9:30 AM – First Stop: Otaru Canal (小樽運河)

Otaru station front — Infront of Otaru Station
Photo: Marina Wee

Once we stepped out of Otaru Station, we followed the snow-lined sidewalks and headed straight to the iconic Otaru Canal, just a 10-minute walk away. Despite the cold, the view was worth every step—snow piled high on both sides of the water, stone buildings coated with frost, and a fairytale-like quietness in the air.

piles of snow at otaru — Piles of snow at Otaru
Photo: Marina Wee

We snapped photos non-stop. The mist, snow, and soft morning light made every shot postcard-worthy.

oatru canal at tourist photo spot — Otaru Canal
Photo: Marina Wee

Travel tip:

The best photo spots are along the South Canal Area near the warehouse buildings.
Come early to avoid crowds and catch soft light on the water.

11:00 AM – Omakase Lunch at Otaru Masazuchi (政寿司)

otaru masazuchi omakase store in front — Otaru Masazuchi store in front
Photo: Marina Wee

After soaking in the views, our stomachs led us to the highly recommended Otaru Masazuchi, just a short 10–15 minute walk from the canal. The route was easy to navigate despite the snow, and we found the restaurant without much trouble.

Assorted Sashimi at Otaru Masazuchi
Photo: Marina Wee

Uni at Otaru masazuchi — Uni at Otaru Masazuchi
Photo: Marina Wee

chef at otaru masazuchi — Chef at Otaru Masazuchi
Photo: Marina Wee

We had made a reservation in advance—a must for popular places in Hokkaido. Since most restaurants still prefer phone bookings and we don’t speak Japanese, we requested our hotel staff in Sapporo to help with the booking via email.

And it was so worth it.

What we had:

Premium Omakase Lunch Set
A variety of fresh sashimi, including creamy uni (sea urchin) and a “sperm-something” dish as an appetizer (likely shirako, cod milt—a delicacy!)
Grilled abalone
Served with warm hospitality by a friendly, lovely staff member

The flavors were divine, textures delicate, and the ambiance relaxed and welcoming.

Restaurant Info:

政寿司 (Masazuchi)
Lunch hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Reservations highly recommended
Best to call or ask your hotel concierge to help

12:30 PM – Strolling Through Sakaimachi Hondori Street (堺町本通り)

With full bellies and happy hearts, we headed to Sakaimachi Hondori Street, Otaru’s famous shopping street lined with boutiques, dessert shops, and souvenir stores. It’s an easy walk from Masazuchi and the canal.

Even with snowflakes falling, the walk was enjoyable. The pathway was slippery, though—many parts had salt sprinkled to melt the ice, ironically making it slicker. We actually saw at least 5 people fall that day!

So please wear good snow boots with grip!

Highlights Along the Street:

1. Character Stores Galore

Miffy store at Sakaimachi Hondori Street
Photo: Marina Wee

snoopy store at Sakaimachi Hondori Street — Snoopy Village store at Sakaimachi Hondori Street
Photo: Marina Wee

Hello Kitty store at Sakaimachi Hondori Street
Photo: Marina Wee

Miffy, Snoopy, Hello Kitty—adorable themed shops perfect for gifts
Limited edition Japan-themed merch available

2. LeTAO Shops Everywhere!

LeTao store at Otaru — LeTao at Otaru
Photo: Marina Wee

letao ice cream at otaru — LeTao ice-cream
Photo: Marina Wee

LeTAO is a must-visit Hokkaido dessert brand known for its cheesecakes
We had the Double Mixed Ice Cream (half vanilla, half cheese)
It was so good… we had another one at a different LeTAO branch near Otaru Station before we left

3. The ¥3,000 Melon Slice

slice of melon at otaru — Slice of melon at Otaru
Photo: Marina Wee

Yes, you read that right—a giant, juicy melon slice that costs ¥3,000
We shared it and savored every luxurious bite

4. Cream Puff Stop

Cream Puff at Kitakaro, Otaru
Photo: Marina Wee

Light, fluffy, filled with custard heaven
Great as a walking snack

2:30 PM – Otaru Music Box Museum (小樽オルゴール堂)

inside of otaru music box museum — Otaru Music Box Museum
Photo: Marina Wee

At the end of the street stands the Otaru Music Box Museum, a large and magical store filled with glass trinkets, music boxes, and decorative items. It’s one of Otaru’s most famous spots and popular with tour groups.

Unfortunately, it was way too crowded when we arrived, so we took a quick peek and left after 10 minutes.

Tip: Come earlier in the day or on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

3:00 PM – Slippery Return Walk + Cute Finds

Otaru Taishou Glass Museum
Photo: Marina Wee

Sakaimachi Hondori Street otaru syussemae plaza — Sakaimachi Hondori Street
Photo: Marina Wee

Walking back on the opposite side of the street gave us a chance to explore even more shops. Despite the beauty, it was still dangerously slippery in spots, so do walk cautiously and hold onto railings where available.

We found more local crafts, snacks, and quirky souvenirs on this side—including handblown glass items and warm gloves for last-minute purchases.

4:00 PM – Uni Bowl at Yoichiya-Otaru Unga Branch (余市屋)

Infront of Yoichiya-Otaru Unga Branch
Photo: Marina Wee

hlaf uni and crab meat bowl Yoichiya-Otaru Unga Branch — Half Uni and Crab Meat Bowl at Yoichiya-Otaru Unga Branch
Photo: Marina Wee

menu of Yoichiya-Otaru Unga Branch — Menu for Yoichiya-Otaru Unga Branch
Photo: Marina Wee

Just when I thought I couldn’t eat anymore, the man in our group felt hungry again, so we stopped at Yoichiya, known for its fresh Uni Don (Sea Urchin Rice Bowl).

Despite me only taking a few bites (still too full from lunch), the staff was incredibly accommodating. They served me hot tea even though I didn’t order a separate dish.

What to try:

Signature Uni Don
Served with a side of pickles and miso soup

Location: Easily spotted along the main Sakaimachi Street.

5:30 PM – Fried Chicken Takeaway at Naruto Main Shop (なると本店)

infront of naruto main shop in otaru — Infront of Naruto Main Store in Otaru
Photo: Marina Wee

Before heading back to Sapporo, we made one last essential stop—Naruto Main Shop, famous for its juicy, crispy fried chicken 🍗. Since we had a late supper reservation back in Sapporo, we took it away instead of dining in.

Menu of Naruto Main Store in Otaru fried chiken — Menu of Naruto Main Store in Otaru
Photo: Marina Wee

Half fried chicken from Naruto Main Store in Otaru
Photo: Marina Wee

The takeaway came neatly packed, and the smell was so tempting that we nearly opened it on the train!

Tip: Naruto’s chicken is a local favorite. Expect a queue or wait time, especially on weekends.

6:00 PM – Train Ride Back to Sapporo

Cup ice-cream and cheese cake slice from LeTao Otaru — Cup ice-cream and Cheese cake slice from LeTao Otaru
Photo: Marina Wee

We walked back slowly to Otaru Station, stopping for a final LeTAO ice cream. The sun had started to set, and the snow glowed softly under the streetlights—a beautiful end to a wonderful day.

The train ride back to Sapporo took around 1 hour, and by the time we reached, we still had time to freshen up before our 9 PM supper reservation.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Otaru in Winter

Otaru may be small, but it packs in culture, food, scenery, and charm. Whether you're here for omakase lunches, souvenir shopping, or just strolling along the canal in snowfall, it’s a destination that stays with you.

Reasons to visit Otaru:

Snow-covered historical charm
Iconic canal views
Mouthwatering Hokkaido seafood
Sweet tooth heaven (Letao, cream puffs, and premium melon!)
Tons of cute souvenirs and character goods
Friendly locals and warm hospitality

Travel Tips Recap:

Go during early February for peak snow and magical scenery
Make restaurant reservations in advance (ask your hotel for help)
Wear anti-slip snow boots
Layer up—it gets cold and slippery
Take the JR Rapid Line from Sapporo

Would I Return to Otaru?

Absolutely. Otaru felt like a winter postcard brought to life—filled with culinary treasures, cute finds, and snowy joy. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for a first visit, and even better the second time around.

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