🌸 Otaru One-Day Getaway from Sapporo

🌸 Otaru One-Day Getaway from Sapporo

💙 Romantic Canal × Retro Streets × Mount Tengu Night View

If you want to experience the perfect mix of seaside romance, historical charm, and breathtaking night views in just one day, this Otaru One-Day Trip from Sapporo is for you!
Only about an hour away, Otaru is a small port city filled with nostalgic beauty, delicious treats, and a cozy seaside vibe.

🚍 First Stop｜Travel from Sapporo to Otaru

🕗 8:30 – 9:30 AM

Start your day by taking the Chuo Bus “Express Otaru-go”, a direct bus from Sapporo to Otaru. The ride takes around 1 hour.

📍 Bus Stop: 5 minutes on foot from JR Sapporo Station, at the west side of the Nippon Life Insurance Sapporo Building.
💰 Fare: One-way ¥730 / Round trip ¥1,360
💡 You can pay with cash or IC cards such as Suica or Kitaca.

👉 Travel tip:
Take the route via Hokkaido University / Maruyama — it stops right at Otaru Station, the most convenient option for sightseeing.

🚤 Second Stop｜Otaru Canal Cruise

🕙 10:00 – 11:30 AM

A trip to Otaru isn’t complete without a canal cruise!
You’ll glide past the red-brick warehouses and stone bridges while soaking in the city’s peaceful atmosphere.

💰 Ticket prices:

Daytime Cruise: Adult ¥1,500 / Child ¥500

Night Cruise: Adult ¥1,800 / Child ¥500

📍 Boarding Point: Beside Chuo Bridge, about 10 minutes on foot from JR Otaru Station.

🌟 Cruise Highlights:

Eco-friendly boats powered by biodiesel

Onboard Japanese commentary by the captain

Beautiful retro-style wooden boat design

💡 Tips:
Arrive at least 15 minutes early for ticketing or boarding. During busy seasons, it’s best to book in advance to secure your spot.

🏬 Third Stop｜Sakaimachi Street Shopping & Local Delights

🕛 12:00 – 3:30 PM

Step into Otaru’s most famous street — Sakaimachi Street, a lively 1.3 km stretch lined with charming stone warehouses and vintage buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras.

You’ll find sweets, seafood, handmade crafts, and countless photo ops!

🍰 Must-try treats:

LeTAO Pâtisserie: Famous for its Double Fromage Cheesecake — creamy, rich, and unforgettable.

Kamaei Fish Cake Shop: A long-standing local favorite.

Seafood Rice Bowls & Sushi Restaurants: Perfect for lunch!

🎐 Fun Experiences:

Try your hand at glass-blowing or music box DIY workshops.

Explore unique souvenir shops and Hokkaido-made crafts.

📸 Photo Tip:
The combination of stone buildings and old-style street lamps makes every corner photo-worthy!

🌄 Fourth Stop｜Mount Tengu Ropeway & Night View

🕓 4:00 – 6:30 PM

As evening approaches, take the Mount Tengu Ropeway up to the summit for a panoramic view of Otaru city, Otaru Bay, and the Sea of Japan.

💰 Ropeway Fare: Adult ¥1,800 / Child ¥900
🚠 Frequency: Every 6–12 minutes

At the top, there are five observation decks, each offering a unique perspective. On a clear day, you can even see the Shakotan Peninsula and the Shokanbetsu Mountain Range.
When night falls, the twinkling city lights create one of the “Top
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