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Otaru

Hokkaido

Make Otaru Your Snow Base!

Experience Hokkaido’s World-Class Powder & Vibrant Après-Ski Scene

Why do skiers stay in Otaru?

Access to world-class slopes and the allure of the après-ski scene.

Ride a New Resort Every Day

If you want to experience Hokkaido’s legendary "Japow," basing yourself in Otaru is the smartest way to travel.

While Otaru is a historic port city, it is within a one- to two-hour drive of an array of major ski resorts boasting some of the world's finest powder snow. The greatest advantage of basing your ski trip in Otaru is the unparalleled convenience of being able to freely choose which mountain to ski each day based on the weather, wind direction, and snow conditions.

 

Top Ski Resorts Just 1–2 Hours Away!

Basing yourself in Otaru gives you seamless day-trip access to a wide range of world-class resorts via rent-a-car or resort shuttle.

Otaru Access Map

​​Niseko United (Annupuri & Grand Hirafu)

  • Travel time: Approx. 1 hr 30 mins – 1 hr 45 mins by car or ski bus

  • Highlights: The world-famous mecca of "JAPOW." Easily doable as a day trip from Otaru.

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Rusutsu Resort

  • Travel time: Approx. 1 hr 30 mins – 1 hr 45 mins by car

  • Highlights: Massive terrain spread across three mountains with premium powder. Offers something for everyone, from pristine groomers to world-class tree runs.

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Kiroro Resort

  • Travel time: Approx. 40–50 mins by car or local bus

  • Highlights: Renowned for deep snow and ultra-dry powder. Staying in Otaru gives you the best head start to score first tracks in the morning.

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Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort

  • Travel time: Approx. 30–40 mins by car (Direct ski buses available from Otaru Station)

  • Highlights: Incredible snow quality and huge snowfall just on Otaru's doorstep. A must-include mountain for any Otaru-based itinerary.

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Sapporo Teine

  • Travel time: Approx. 40–50 mins by car (via expressway)

  • Highlights: A legendary mountain that hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics. Features steep terrain, epic tree runs, and ocean views over Ishikari Bay.

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Otaru Tenguyama Ski Resort

  • Travel time: Just 15 mins by car or local bus from central Otaru

  • Highlights: Breathtaking ocean and harbor views. Experience night skiing as you carve down toward the sparkling lights of Otaru city.

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Other Ski Resorts in Otaru​ Link​​

A Foodie’s Paradise

Whenever hunger calls, Otaru’s lively food scene is ready to answer. The city is overflowing with an abundance of options found at local Japanese/Western-style restaurants, yatai food stalls, and hole-in-the-wall eateries hidden in the alleyways off main streets.

Back-alley Otaru City
Robata Otaru

Of course, bordering the ocean, it should come as no surprise that sushi and other seafood dishes are a must-have while in Otaru. Ankake Yakisoba, a local specialty, is also highly recommended if you’re in the mood for noodles.


For a good drink, you’re in for a treat. Otaru has a lively bar scene and many wineries, breweries and sake distilleries to choose from. Or, hop on the train and head over to the birthplace of Nikka Whisky at their Yoichi distillery for a tour of the facilities and a taste of their world-class whiskey where it all started.

Yakisoba Otaru
Sushi&Wine Otaru
Kaisen Otaru

What to Do in Otaru?

In winter, night cruises along the canal are a very popular way to see the city sights, especially during illumination events. This can likewise be enjoyed via a rickshaw ride in the day or night, which is accompanied by great commentary on Otaru by your local guide. Winter activities like snowshoeing, snow-tubing and cross-country skiing are also available.

Rickshaw Otaru
Canal Illumination Otaru City

Or, if you’re looking for refuge from the cold, check out one of the history or art museums for a look back in time at Otaru’s unique and lengthy past. Learn of the area’s history as an international trading and financial hub during the Edo period, the lifestyle of Hokkaido’s native Ainu people, and much more! 

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The Old Aoyama Villa is a symbol of herring fishing. It took 6 years to be built more than 100 years ago at a huge amount of money by the Aoyama family who was one of the leading herring fishing tycoons. It is another fantastic way to see first-hand how the fishing industry, primarily dealing with herring, was an integral part of life for many who called the port town of Otaru home.

The Old Aoyama Villa
The Old Aoyama Villa Interior

Located just a short walk from Otaru Station, Otaru Sankaku Market is well known  with visitors for its Kaisendon (seafood bowls), but it's also popular to buy crabs and have them boiled or grilled and eaten inside the market. In addition to dining and shopping, you can also experience Otaru's traditional food culture and lifestyle.

Sankaku Market
Otaru Sankaku Market

Tanaka Sake Brewery's wooden store, a historic building in Otaru City, was built in 1927. Old signs and ledgers are on display inside the store, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of the time it was built. The store is open all year round and offers tours of the sake brewery and sake tastings. For those who can't drink alcohol, you can also try amazake and black bean tea.

Tanaka Sake Brewery
Tanaka Sake Brewery

Otaru Ski Resort

There are three ski areas in Otaru, which can all accommodate all levels of skiers/snowboarders and all with amazing ocean views from the mountains.

The first of the three is the Asarigawa Onsen Ski Area. As the name suggests, it is conveniently located near the hot springs of Otaru and has a little of something for everyone with beginner/family-friendly courses and ski schools to advanced slopes that will put even the most experienced skier’s skills to the test.

Next up is Snow Cruise Onze. It has a similar spread of slopes to the Asarigawa Onsen Ski Area, but is especially famous for night skiing. 

Like to other two, the third and final area, the Tenguyama Ski Resort, offers stunning views, a range of courses, and a rental shop. However, this resort also boasts the Tengu no Kabe slope; a steep run for high-level skiers looking to catch some serious speed.

 

Snow Cruise Onze -> https://onze.jp/

Asari Ski Resort -> https://asari-ski.com/en/​​​

Otaru Tenguyama Ski Resort -> https://tenguyama.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp/en/winter/

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Tenguyama Ski Resort
Snowshoeing Otaru

Otaru Snow Light Path

This is a special event, held yearly in February, where the city streets and waterways are lined with candles encased in glass, snow and ice. Experience the warm glow of thousands of candle’s dancing flames as they shine light on the snow-capped city.​

Canal and candle Otaru City

Visit Otaru Website: https://www.visit-otaru-en.info/

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