The Otaru Canal is a 1,140 meter long canal located in Otaru ( Otaru-shi is a city and port in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaido) , Japan. The canal was built for land reclamation within the island from the very coast. The construction was completed in 1923.
In February, the canal becomes the main venue for the Otaru Winter Lights Festival, when thousands of floating candles are fired down the canal.
The canal, decorated with Victorian-style street lamps, is one of Otaru’s main attractions.The city attracts a large number of tourists from Japan and from other countries.
Access : Coordinates: / From Tokyo: By plane 1 hour 30 minutes from Haneda Airport to Shin-Chitose Airport and 1 hour 11 minutes from the airport to Station / The Otaru Canal is a ten minute walk or a two minute bus ride down the main road from Otaru Station.
Highlights :
- You can sail on the Otaru Canal on a pleasure boat – you need to book in advance for this.
- You can also visit Canal Plaza or Otaru Museum, which are located near the canal.
- Part of the canal was beautifully restored in the 1980s, while warehouses were transformed into museums, shops and restaurants.
Activities : sightseeing / photo opportunities / Otaru is also famous for the typical Japanese dish – sushi. / The canal is a great place for a stroll both during the day.
Go next : Sakaymati Street, well preserved from merchant times / Ski resort on Tenguyama , Otaru is an important ski resort. Part of this hilly city lies on the low slopes of Tenguyama / Asakusabashi-Gayenne Park./ the cliffs at Omotai attract many tourists
