Port default image

Otaru, Japan

In 1880, the first railroad line on the island of Hokkaido connected Sapporo, the prefectural capital, with the important port city of Otaru. Indeed, for most of the 19th and much of the 20th centuries, Otaru outshone Sapporo in importance. The city was home to a thriving herring fleet. Ships regularly plied the waters between the port and the then Japanese island of Sakhalin. Coal was mined in the hills, and Otaru even won a reputation for producing fine music boxes. It was the island's industrial heart. Closure of coal mine in Hokkaido and downturn in demand of coal initiated a long decline that lasted into the 1950s. But Otaru survived - and has thrived. Japanese travelers discovered the city, drawn to its winter sports, its fine sushi, and its historic architecture. Otaru seemed like a portrait frozen in time. Today, international travelers have flocked to experience Otaru's charms - including the scenic beauty of Hokkaido's rugged west coast and its nearby national parks.

The vast wealth accumulated by Otaru's herring tycoons is displayed at their so-called "Herring Mansions." One, the Nishin Goten, built in 1897, amply illustrates the state of 19th century society: the sumptuous ground floor housed the family while as many as 120 workers lived in squalor upstairs.

Points of Interest

  • Former Aoyama Villa
  • Otaru Canal
  • Yoichi Nikka Whisky Distillery
  • Sapporo
  • Jozankei Hot Springs
  • Cape Kamui
  • Otaru-shi Nishin Goden (herring mansion)

More about Otaru, Japan Points of Interest

  • Former Aoyama Villa -

    The finest of all "Herring Mansions" is the Former Aoyama Villa, built in 1924 with a 18 rooms.

  • Otaru Canal -

    Otaru Canal is lined with restored stone warehouses that are home to restaurants and shops.

  • Yoichi Nikka Whisky Distillery -

    Founded in 1934, the distillery crafts a smokey malt whiskey using ultra traditional Scottish methods of distillation.

  • Sapporo -

    The capital of Hokkiado was host city for the 1972 Winter Olympic Games. The heart of Sapporo is mile-long Odori Park.

  • Jozankei Hot Springs -

    The hot springs had been known by Ainu people (indigenous people in the island of Hokkaido) through ages and a monk first found an inn in 1866. A spa and health resorts soon followed.

  • Cape Kamui -

    A rope-lined path travels to Cape Kamui Lighthouse for dramatic views of the Hokkaido coast

  • Otaru-shi Nishin Goden (herring mansion) -

    .

8 Excursions

Already Booked Your Cruise? Reserve excursions in Cruise Personalizer
Special Child Pricing Available! Children age 12 and younger, savings up to 50%.

Sapporo Highlights & Odori Street On Your Own

6 hours | Otaru | QOT-105 Q O T - 1 0 5

Moderate Activity

From $159.95

Average Guest Rating

Jozankei Onsen

5.5 hours | Otaru | QOT-130 Q O T - 1 3 0

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $184.95

Average Guest Rating

定山渓温泉(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

5.5 hours | Otaru | QOT-134 Q O T - 1 3 4

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $184.95

Average Guest Rating

Escorted in English: Sapporo On Your Own

6 hours | Otaru | QOT-185 Q O T - 1 8 5

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From $139.95

Average Guest Rating

札幌自由観光(日本語添乗員付き)(Escorted in Japanese)

6 hours | Otaru | QOT-189 Q O T - 1 8 9

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From $139.95

Average Guest Rating

Highlights of Otaru

4.5 hours | Otaru | QOT-200 Q O T - 2 0 0

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From $149.95

Average Guest Rating

旧青山別邸と天狗山ロープウェイ(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

4.5 hours | Otaru | QOT-204 Q O T - 2 0 4

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From $129.95

Average Guest Rating

積丹半島と神威岬ウォーキング(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)

6.25 hours | Otaru | QOT-384 Q O T - 3 8 4

Strenuous Activity, Includes meal

From $174.95

Average Guest Rating