Hafen
Otaru

Explore three of Otaru’s must-see destinations: a lavish historical residence, the summit of lofty Mt. Tengu, and the shops occupying the restored warehouses along Otaru Canal.

Visit the former Aoyoma Villa, a lavish home built in the 1920s for the Aoyoma family, who controlled much of the lucrative herring fishing industry. As you meander through the exquisite interior, be sure to notice the details and craftsmanship that took a crew of 40 men six years to complete.

Ride an aerial tram to the summit of Mt. Tengu, a lofty peak that has become the symbol of Otaru. The sights along the way will be spectacular, perhaps only eclipsed by those from the observation deck at the top of the mountain. There is no better vantage point to view sprawling Otaru, the Shakotan Peninsula and the mountain range beyond.

Head to Otaru Canal, which was first used for shipping in the 1920s. When modern dock facilities were built, the canals became obsolete until a few decades ago when the entire area was transformed into an historical shopping and dining district. During a little over 1 hour of free time here, you might stroll the promenade along the canal, browse the one-of-a-kind shops in the restored warehouses, or explore a bit on your own.

Meander through a luxurious mansion built by a fabulously wealthy family in the 1920s and then enjoy free time shopping in the historical district around Otaru Canal.

A scenic drive takes you to the former Aoyoma Villa, a lavish home built in the 1920s for the Aoyoma family, who controlled a large share of the lucrative herring fishing industry. As you meander through the exquisite interior, be sure to notice the details and craftsmanship that took a crew of 40 men six years to complete.

Various woods such as Japanese cedar, Bombay blackwood and rosewood were used throughout and set so precisely that joints weren’t needed. The hardware on the doors is extraordinarily intricate and was valued like jewelry at the time. One of Japan’s artistic masters and 10 of his disciples created the paintings and calligraphy on the sliding doors. Absolutely no expense was spared in constructing this private residence that today is a registered cultural landmark.

Not far away, you will find the Otaru Canal, which was first used for shipping in the 1920s. When modern dock facilities were built, the canals became obsolete until a few decades ago when the entire area was transformed into an historical shopping and dining district. Enjoy approximately 45 minutes of free time here, to browse the one-of-a-kind shops in the restored warehouses.

Visit Otaru’s most popular attractions, which range from a whisky distillery to a lavish historic residence to a restored shopping district along Otaru Canal.

Enjoy a leisurely drive to the Nikka distillery in Yochi, which produces a rich, peaty malt whisky. The whisky gets its distinct aroma and body from direct-heating distillation, in which the pot stills are heated with finely powdered natural coal. While touring this Yochi landmark, you will learn about Nikka’s rare distilling process and founder Masataka Taketsuru’s passion for whisky. And of course, you’ll get to taste the product.

Lunch will be served at a restaurant next to the former Aoyoma Villa (Herring Mansion). A short walk will then take you to the main residence, a lavish home built in the 1920s for the Aoyoma family, who controlled much of the lucrative herring fishing industry. As you meander through the exquisite interior, be sure to notice the craftsmanship that took a crew of 40 men six years to complete.

Not far away, you will find the Otaru Canal, which was first used for shipping in the 1920s. When modern dock facilities were built, the canals became obsolete until a few decades ago when the entire area was transformed into a historical shopping and dining district. During a little over 1 hour of free time here, you might stroll the promenade along the canal, browse the one-of-a-kind shops in the restored warehouses, or explore a bit on your own.