Otaru Canal is a 1,140 meter-long canal located in Hokkaido. The canal was created between the original coastline and land reclaimed offshore. It was completed in 1923. Although the canal used to be a place where many ships were unloaded by hand, the area declined after WWII. Later, half of the canal was filled in and a walking path and gas lamps were put in place to transform it to the current canal. A number of warehouses made of bricks and Sapporo freestones still remain on both sides of Otaru Canal, leaving it looking, in some parts, like it was like back then. At present these warehouses are reused as restaurants, etc.

The best dating spot
Otaru Canal has its own nostalgic atmosphere even during the daytime. When gas lamps light up the canal at dusk, you can enjoy a romantic view.
Every February, the canal is used as the main venue for the “Otaru Snow Light Path Festival” where candles in glass floats are floated down the canal. Every year about 500 thousand people visit this event to enjoy fantastical townscapes lit up by the candles.
Besides the canal, Asakusabashi-Gaien park is also famous as a photo spot. Scenic cruises down the Otaru Canal are available with an advance reservation. You will truly enjoy strolling around the area.

Access
It is recommended to take a public transportation to go to Otaru Canal. It takes eight minutes on foot to get there from JR Otaru station. You may want to drop by the Canal Plaza or Otaru Museum that are located near the canal.