The Atlas Obscura Guide To Otaru

4 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Otaru, Japan

Updated September 7, 2023

Unusual Attractions in Otaru

Otaru, Japan

Kitaichi Hall

A gorgeous, nostalgic café housed in a lofty old warehouse, lit only by petroleum lamps.

Otaru, Japan

Otaru Orgel Museum

This dazzling three-story shop showcases the art and history of music boxes, a popular novelty in Japan.

Otaru, Japan

Former Temiya Line Railroad

This abandoned railroad got a new life as a scenic promenade cutting through the city of Otaru.

Otaru, Japan

Otaru Herring Palace

A nouveau-riche hilltop “palace” that once provided lodging to more than a hundred fishermen.

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The petroglyphs (picture taken from the site’s official booklet).

Yoichi, Japan

Fugoppe Cave Petroglyphs

One of the only two archaeological sites in Japan to feature petroglyphs, which some believe to be a long-lost writing system of the gods.

7 miles from Otaru

Sapporo, Japan

Hachikyo

This exacting restaurant will charge a fine for every grain of rice you've left behind.

20 miles from Otaru

Sapporo, Japan

Moerenuma Park

This futuristic public park includes large sculptures and an artificial geyser.

22 miles from Otaru

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itachchan

wants to go to Kitaichi Hall

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wants to go to Kitaichi Hall

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has been to Otaru Orgel Museum

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wants to go to Otaru Orgel Museum

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Otaru

4 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Otaru, Japan

Updated September 7, 2023

Unusual Attractions in Otaru

Otaru, Japan

Kitaichi Hall

Otaru, Japan

Otaru Orgel Museum

Otaru, Japan

Former Temiya Line Railroad

Otaru, Japan

Otaru Herring Palace

Yoichi, Japan

Fugoppe Cave Petroglyphs

Sapporo, Japan

Hachikyo

Sapporo, Japan

Moerenuma Park

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Hidden Japan: Sado Island, Nara & Kyoto

Explore a different side of Japan.

Explore Otaru, Japan

Otaru Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Otaru Activity

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.