The Ultimate Hokkaido Family Road Trip
Stays from
Stays from
Otaru
Itinerary
Otaru
Day 1
28 hoursFrom Airport to Seaside - A Charming Day in Otaru
Start your trip off by heading to the picturesque port town of Otaru - one of Hokkaido's most charming destinations. Enjoy a scenic drive to Otaru, where historic streets, canals, fresh seafood, and famous desserts await. Spend the afternoon strolling along the iconic Otaru Canal, exploring beautifully preserved historic buildings, visiting the nostalgic Music Box Museum, and walking the former railway tracks that have become one of the city's most photographed spots. No visit to Otaru is complete without indulging in incredibly fresh seafood at the local market and treating yourself to Hokkaido's famous cheesecake at LeTAO. End the day with a delicious wagyu dinner before checking into your hotel and soaking in Otaru's slower, romantic atmosphere.
1. New Chitose Airport
Bibi, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0012, Japan
Grab your first meal in Hokkaido, whether it's a bowl of authentic ramen, fresh seafood, or one of the airport's many local eateries. Pick up your rental car and begin your road trip. From the airport, it's about a 1-hour drive to Otaru, making it an easy and scenic first destination.
2. Sankaku Market
Japan, 〒047-0032 Hokkaido, Otaru, Inaho, 3-chōme−10−１６ 三角市場内
One of the best places in Otaru to enjoy fresh Hokkaido seafood. Famous for seafood rice bowls packed with uni, crab, salmon roe, scallops, and fresh sashimi.
3. Former Japanese National Railways, Temiya line
1-chōme-7-14 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan
A preserved section of railway that once transported goods from Otaru Port. Today it's a peaceful walking path surrounded by historic buildings.
4. Otaru Canal
5 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007, Japan
Otaru's most iconic landmark, lined with historic stone warehouses that date back to the city's prosperous port days. Beautiful both during the day and in the evening when the gas lamps illuminate the canal.
5. LeTAO Main Store
7-16 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan
Home of Hokkaido's famous Double Fromage Cheesecake. The flagship store offers exclusive desserts and a café where you can enjoy freshly made cakes.
6. Otaru Music Box Museum
4-1 Sumiyoshichō, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0015, Japan
A beautiful European-style building filled with thousands of handcrafted music boxes. You can even customize your own music box as a memorable souvenir.
7. Wagyu Kurosawa Main Store
1-chōme-11-10 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan
A highly rated restaurant specializing in premium Japanese wagyu. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
8. GRIDS PREMIUM Hotel Otaru
1-chōme-3-13 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032, Japan
Modern hotel in a convenient location near Otaru Canal and Sakaimachi Street. Easy walking distance to most attractions. Features a relaxing public bath, making it a great place to unwind after exploring the city.