Highlights of Otaru

Otaru Cultural Heritage: Explore Otaru's cultural heritage on a scenic motorcoach tour. Begin your day with a visit to the former Aoyama Villa also called the Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion). These lavish two-story wooden structures date back to the herring fishing boom of the Meiji and Taisho eras (1868-1926). Admire their lacquered floors, whitewashed walls, zelkova corridors, and intricately adorned sliding doors, featuring works by renowned painters and calligraphers of that time.

Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway: Next, head to the Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway, just 15 minutes from downtown. A 30-person gondola whisks you from the mountaintop to the mountain foot in four minutes. Admire the miniature city view and panoramic vistas of Otaru Port, Ishikari Bay, and, on clear days, Mt. Shokanbetsu and the Shakotan Peninsula.

Otaru Canal:Continue your exploration at the Otaru Canal and Shopping District, symbolizing Otaru City's history. This historic mile-long canal offers a nostalgic glimpse of the past and unique shopping and dining experiences, with preserved store warehouses from the Meiji Period (1868-1912).