Otaru is a historic port town on Japan’s western Hokkaido coast, a little north and west of Sapporo along Ishikari Bay. Once nicknamed the “Wall Street of the North” for its banking and trading wealth, Otaru is more famous today for its glassworks, delicate music boxes, sake breweries and its scenic canal. Along with Mount Tengu, the canal and other landmarks along the span from Sapporo to the Shakotan Peninsula to the west are all reachable through curated Princess® excursions to Otaru.

Key takeaways

Otaru’s historic canal, lined with brick warehouses and gas lamps, is the town’s signature sight.

Mount Tengu’s ropeway (an aerial gondola) climbs to panoramic views of Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay.

One guided excursion can combine the canal, historic mansions and a mountaintop view in a single day.

Stroll the historic Otaru Canal

Otaru Canal recalls the city’s heyday as a thriving trading port. Completed in 1923, the canal is lined with brick and stone warehouses that once stored goods arriving by ship. Many buildings have since been converted into restaurants, shops and other businesses. Gas lamps line the waterfront promenade, adding to the historic atmosphere.

A knowledgeable local guide hosts you on the Best of Otaru excursion, during which you’ll visit the Shin-Nantaru Market and Sumiyoshi Shrine, Otaru’s main Shinto shrine, founded in 1868. Otaru’s profitable herring industry produced opulent “herring mansions,” and you’ll tour one of the finest, the Former Aoyama Villa. Built in the 1920s, this two-story home resembles a miniature Japanese castle, with lacquered floors and corridors of zelkova wood. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll get to experience the panoramic views from the Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway, an aerial cable gondola that takes you up to the observation deck on Mount Tengu. 

Afterward, enjoy free time in the Canal District, browsing nearby shops and harbor scenery before returning to the ship.

Still canal mirroring fiery yellow and purple clouds at sunset, flanked by a paved walkway and ivy-covered stone buildings.
Stroll cobblestone pathways glowing under golden sunset skies along Otaru Canal.
A group of people stands on the deck of a cruise ship, enjoying the view of the open sea. The wooden deck and railing are visible, with the ship's wake trailing behind. The setting sun casts a warm glow over the scene, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere.

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Take in the view from Mount Tengu

Mount Tengu rises 1,745 feet (532 meters) above Otaru to the southwest, providing a panoramic view of the city and surrounding coastline. As noted above, the journey to the summit begins with a four-minute ropeway ride up the mountainside, offering increasingly expansive vistas as the gondola climbs.

From the summit, guests can look out across Otaru Port, the city and the broad waters of Ishikari Bay, and on a clear day as far as the Shakotan Peninsula. The view is ranked among Hokkaido’s three great night views, but by day the panorama shows off Otaru’s position between the mountains and sea.

Princess Cruises guests can experience the mountain as part of the Best of Otaru excursion, combining the summit views with other highlights of this historic port city.

High-angle view overlooking a dense coastal city, port harbor and vast blue ocean framed by bright green treetops in the foreground.
Ascend Mount Tengu for sweeping views of Otaru Port meeting the horizon.

Learn about herring and Ainu trade history in Yoichi

For history and culture buffs, the long fishing and trading heritage of Hokkaido comes into focus at the Old Fukuhara Gyoba, a preserved herring-fishing family compound. Its historic buildings provide a glimpse into the working life of the families and laborers who participated in the region’s once-thriving herring industry.

Another important stop is the Old Shimoyoichi Unjyoya, a merchant trading house built in 1853. It is the only surviving building of its type in Hokkaido and once served as a center for commerce, including trade with the indigenous Ainu people. The preserved structure offers insight into the trading networks that shaped the region during the tumultuous 19th century in Japan.

The Princess Cruises Historical Yoichi and Otaru excursion also visits the Otaru City Museum, located near the canal in a former warehouse dating to 1893. The museum explores Otaru’s development and maritime heritage, providing additional context for the city’s rise as an important commercial port.

Historic gray stone building with prominent red roof peaks, a tall concrete smokestack and manicured evergreen trees under a moody, overcast sky.
Discover the rustic stone architecture anchoring Hokkaido's rich trading history.

Take a day trip to Sapporo

About an hour from Otaru by vehicle, Sapporo (Hokkaido’s capital) offers multiple sites and activities to experience during a day ashore. The scenic drive provides a transition from Otaru’s historic port setting to the broad streets and urban landmarks of Japan’s northern metropolis.

Among Sapporo’s best-known sights is the Sapporo Clock Tower, an Important Cultural Asset and enduring symbol of the city. Nearby, Odori Park stretches for approximately a mile through downtown, creating a lush green corridor surrounded by city buildings. The Sapporo TV Tower rises at the eastern end of the park and provides another recognizable feature of the skyline.

The city’s sporting heritage comes into focus at Okurayama Ski Jump Hill, which hosted ski jumping events during the 1972 Winter Olympics. Princess Cruises guests can combine these highlights and have time for independent exploration on the Sapporo Sightseeing and Odori Street on Your Own excursion, which takes you to and from Sapporo via air-conditioned motorcoach. The excursion also stops at the Sapporo Outer Wholesale Market, which supplies local restaurants. Lunch isn’t included, so it’s a good place to sample fresh local dishes and snacks.

Low-angle shot looking up at a classic wooden clock tower framed by vibrant green tree leaves under a cloudy blue sky.
Stand beneath the legendary Sapporo Clock Tower framed by lush summer canopies.

Hike the dramatic coastline of Cape Kamui

The Princess Cruises Cape Kamui Scenic Walk excursion takes you beyond Otaru to explore the rugged coastline of Hokkaido’s Shakotan Peninsula. A scenic motorcoach journey of approximately one hour and 45 minutes passes through mountainous terrain and coastal landscapes before arriving at Cape Kamui, one of the peninsula’s most photographed natural attractions.

At the cape, you’ll hike the designated trails at the peninsula’s northwest edge, overlooking the Sea of Japan. It’s about a 30-minute walk each way from the parking area to the lighthouse over undulating ground. The Cape Kamui Lighthouse is perched near the tip of the 262-foot (80-meter) headland. You can enjoy panoramic views of dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops and brilliant blue waters stretching toward the horizon. Offshore stands Kamui-Iwa, a distinctive rock formation associated with local legends.

Following the hike, you’ll enjoy a traditional seafood lunch at a local restaurant. The Shakotan coast is known for its fresh sea urchin, which may be served depending on the season and weather. The tour combines Hokkaido’s dramatic coastal scenery with an active outdoor experience away from the city, making it a good fit for guests who enjoy more active excursions.

Otaru is not well known outside of Hokkaido, which makes a shore day even more rewarding and special for those who visit. The canal, Mount Tengu, the Cape and the interesting and scenic excursions offered make this area truly special.

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Narrow green ridge trail winding along a steep mountain headland surrounded on both sides by clear blue sea under a wide cloudy sky.
Trek the dramatic ridge of Cape Kamui jutting far into deep turquoise waters.

Things to do in Otaru FAQs