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.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Otaru
Otaru Canal
8.8/10 (2,075 reviews)
Stroll along Otaru Canal's historic waterway, lined with beautifully preserved stone warehouses from 1923. Evening visits reveal a magical scene as vintage gas lamps illuminate the curved pathway.
Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway
8.4/10 (111 reviews)
Glide to Mt. Tengu's Michelin-starred summit for panoramic views of Otaru City and Ishikari Bay. Experience one of Hokkaido's finest nightscapes or enjoy winter skiing on this versatile mountain retreat.
Otaru Music Box Museum
8.6/10 (450 reviews)
Japan's largest music box museum houses over 3,000 varieties amid nostalgic wooden floors and melodic sounds. Create your own personalised music box as a unique souvenir in one of their popular workshops.
Shin Nihonkai Ferry
7.4/10 (85 reviews)
Explore the waterfront in Otaru with a trip to Shin Nihonkai Ferry. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Asarigawa Hot Spring
7.8/10 (70 reviews)
Nestled in Otaru's mountains, Asarigawa Onsen offers mineral-rich therapeutic baths. Soak in outdoor pools amid seasonal beauty, then retreat to a traditional ryokan for authentic Japanese hospitality.
Otaru Aquarium
8.2/10 (178 reviews)
Otaru Aquarium displays 5,000 marine creatures native to Hokkaido's northern seas. Enjoy the winter Penguin Walk or see sea lions at the Marine Mammal Park.
Ski Village Asari
7.6/10 (24 reviews)
Glide down Asari Ski Resort's nine diverse courses with the Sea of Japan as your backdrop. After conquering the slopes, soothe tired muscles in the natural hot springs of adjacent Asarigawa Onsen village.
Snow Cruise Onze
7.0/10 (29 reviews)
Hit the slopes in Hariusu with a visit to Snow Cruise Onze. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
What to do in Otaru
Colored Hokkaido: Furano Flower&Biei Blue Pond From Sapporo
"Hotel itself was fine but the parking was a nightmare, the car park has room for about 10 cars total which was not nearly enough
When we showed up we were sent to a car park with no maximum charge, thankfully a more senior member of staff helped us find a car park with a 1000 yen per day cap on the charge and was very helpful
Still not sure id recommend if you ha e a car, but was very nice if you are not using the car park"
"Overall, the hotel was very clean. The room was spacious (over 30 m²) and comfortably accommodated the three of us. The staff dressed casually rather than wearing uniforms, which gave the hotel a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone was friendly and provided excellent service. We did not have breakfast or dinner at the hotel, so we are unable to comment on the food."
"not sure if the property is old but the room just smelled like cigarettes and it made my allergies act up pretty badly while i was staying there. While the view was excellent but i didn't get to enjoyed it much as my allergies was in overdrive. As soon as i moved on to the next hotel, all was well again. I'm sorry, I wish i get to enjoy it more but i just didn't had a great experience here."
"The reception counter was not staffed throughout the day, hence need to check in within stipulated timing. Staff at the reception was helpful to set up the extra bed, which we had requested in our reservation, when the room attendant did not get it done prior to our check-in. Location is in a quiet residential area but walkable to town area where most of the shops and restaurants are located."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Choose Expedia to organise your next big escape simply and all in one convenient place. Our insider tip for bagging a great deal on an Otaru retreat? Bundle your accommodation, airfares and/or car hire into a package holiday. Then add some exciting tours and activities. Most bookings also have flexible cancellation policies, so there's no need to stress if you have to switch up your travel agenda. Round-the-clock help with amending and cancelling your trip is available via our Customer Service Portal link.
When is the best time of year to holiday in Otaru?
Otaru is a popular place in May, September and October. If you're not into large crowds and prefer a more relaxed pace, lock in your getaway for December, January and February. To get an idea of what type of weather you can experience, the average daytime temperature in January, the coolest time of year in Otaru, is -6ºC. The warmest period here is July, when temperatures are around 19ºC.
What are the top hotels for my holiday in Otaru?
Many travellers opt to stay at Tabist THE GREEN OTARU in Zenibako. If it's your first trip to Otaru, you'll feel welcome here.
How do I get a cheap holiday to Otaru?
Find flights that fit your schedule, add a hotel to your booking and see how much you save with an Otaru holiday. It's as simple as that! From flights and hotels to tours and hire cars, Expedia is where your cheap holiday begins. And with more than 400 partner airlines and 321,000 hotels globally to select from, you'll never be short of choice. Learn more about how you can save money on your next holiday when you bundle your flight and hotel bookings with Expedia.
What is the best area to stay in when on holiday in Otaru?
If you plan to check out Asarigawa Hot Spring, maximise your time sightseeing and stay close by. It's one of the top attractions in Otaru.
Do I need a visa for my Otaru holiday?
Look up the latest rules on official government websites. Your nationality and whether you're visiting for business, leisure or study will determine if you require a visa for Otaru. Get familiar with the application process, including the required documentation, turnaround times and fees. Finalise your application well in advance to allow sufficient time for processing. Some visas can take many weeks or even months to obtain, depending on the country.
What should I wear on my Otaru holiday?
Do a little research into the types of things people in Otaru wear, and consider browsing style blogs for some fashion inspiration. Try to create a versatile wardrobe filled with pieces that suit your destination and showcase your personal style. Be sure to look at the local weather forecast so you can pack accordingly. The warmest time of year in Otaru is July, with average daily temperatures of 19ºC. If you're visiting during the coolest month of January, the mercury hovers around -6ºC during the day.
What does an Expedia Otaru holiday include?
Hotels, flights and a reliable car for all your road trip adventures. Simply mix and match your favourite bundle and gain access to great discounts. Once you've made your booking, add on some tours and activities and watch your savings grow. When it comes to crafting your Otaru trip, you're in charge! Explore a large range of property types and select one that fits your travel needs. The most popular holiday rentals here are apartments and private holiday homes. With Expedia, you can easily tailor your Otaru escape however you like.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Otaru holidays?
Your bank balance shouldn't get in the way of taking a holiday, so Expedia has devised a solution to help. Thanks to our partnership with online lender Klarna, it's easier than ever to book a terrific getaway without draining your savings. Klarna offers flexible payment options at checkout that take the stress out of budgeting for your trip. Check out these flexible payment options:
Pay monthly holidays: If paying across multiple transactions sounds right for you, Klarna can help. Paying in easy monthly instalments will make your holiday dreams possible.
No-deposit holidays: Hitting the "book now" button is much easier with this option. With no deposit required for your holiday, you can Book Now, Pay Later and start working on your travel itinerary.
Can I choose my airline with an Otaru Expedia holiday?
You can, and with over 400 airlines to choose from worldwide, it's all about choice. Scroll through the available options and see which airline best suits your budget and needs.