Things to do in Otaru

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Visit Otaru

Otaru Attractions

Smaller cities have a charm about them you won't find in their larger counterparts. Jot down all the fun and exciting things to do in Otaru before you head away so you can see as much as possible during your vacation. You'll soon learn that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better!

Find out what makes Otaru tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Look into our {58 fun activities in Otaru fun activities in Otaru}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Browse things to do in Otaru by interest

Tours & day trips

Private & custom tours

History & culture

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Recommended things to do in Otaru

Number of things to do	58
Things to do from	$5
Cheapest thing to do	Sapporo: JR Tower Observatory Admission Ticket
Top 5 things to do	Otaru Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide Private Wheel Pottery Experience with One Drink Otaru Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide Otaru: Private Otaru Sightseeing Tour by Rickshaw Otaru Rickshaw Tour
Under $25	eSIM: Airalo Japan Package Sapporo: JR Tower Observatory Admission Ticket
With kids	Otaru Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide Private Wheel Pottery Experience with One Drink Otaru Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide Otaru Rickshaw Tour Sapporo Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide

What to do in Otaru

Free Things to Do in Otaru

Some say the best things in life are free. Be sure to visit the following around Otaru:

Otaru City Art Museum - Chat to the friendly staff and learn all about the unique collections on display at this museum.

Otaru Kihinkan - Get to grips with some of the intriguing history of the area through this attraction.

Nichigin-dōri - This lively location is popular with both visitors and locals.

Rinyu Morning Market - Organize a visit and find out the significance of this place to the local community.

Tomioka Catholic Church - Whatever your beliefs, this place will inspire a sense of reverence in you.

Otamoi Beach - Play some games with the young ones or simply kick back and enjoy the sun at this pretty coastal spot.

Ironaifuto Park - Revitalize your mind, body and soul by spending a bit of time in nature.

Things to Do in Otaru with Kids

There's fun for all the family no matter where you wander in Otaru. Here are a few family friendly experiences to enjoy together that promise to make your escape memorable:

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Otaru? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Otaru on a sunny day?

These popular activities are the perfect excuse to escape your hotel and take advantage of the weather:

Are there cheap things to do in Otaru?

A Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Platform Admission Ticket promises a great time without costing a fortune.

What can you do in Otaru for free?

Your getaway in Otaru won’t cost an arm and a leg with free attractions like these to keep you busy:

Otaru Music Box Museum
Rinyu Morning Market
Otaru Dream Beach
Sakaimachi Street

Discover the most popular places to visit in Otaru

Odori Park

4.5/5(156 reviews)

Sapporo’s main thoroughfare has been transformed into a long municipal park, also the city’s premier venue for festivals throughout the year.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

4.5/5(133 reviews)

During your trip to Sapporo, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Tanukikoji Shopping Street. Wander around the gardens or experience the area's festivals.

Hokkaido University

4.5/5(42 reviews)

Enjoy a day in the life of Sapporo’s university students and professors while wandering the tree-lined avenues and riverfront walks of this elegant campus.

Otaru Canal

4.5/5(118 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Otaru Canal during your travels in Otaru. Visit the shops in this walkable area, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Sapporo Dome

4.5/5(30 reviews)

Watch the excitement of baseball and soccer games, shop, eat or climb to an observation deck for panoramic views of Sapporo and its surroundings.

Jozankei Hot Spring

4.5/5(8 reviews)

You can take time to visit Jozankei Hot Spring during your travels to Sapporo. Discover the lively festivals and shops in this walkable area.

Nakajima Park

4.5/5(33 reviews)

Visit this popular city park to walk among the trees, admire outdoor sculptures and historical architecture or simply relax by the pond.

Hokkaido Shrine

4/5(38 reviews)

Emperor Meiji and three nature gods are honored in a monumental Shinto building that is the centerpiece of Sapporo’s religious life.

Sapporo JR Tower

4.5/5(121 reviews)

During your visit to Sapporo, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Sapporo JR Tower. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its lively festivals.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Otaru

You can see beautiful sunrise just after the festival

Zenibako

Check out the beaches during your time in Zenibako. Hop around the Otaru area on the metro at Zenibako Station to see top sights like Otaru Dream Beach and Zenibako Beach.

See our Where To Stay guide