For many guests, the ideal Hokkaido itinerary is simple: base yourself in Sapporo and add a special day trip to Otaru. From the perspective of our Susukino staff, we see this pattern every winter. Guests leave their hotel in the morning, spend the day at the Otaru Canal, and return to Sapporo in the evening to relax and warm up in their rooms.

This staff blog introduces an easy-to-follow Otaru day trip plan from Sapporo, with English support, especially recommended for those staying near Susukino, Odori, or Sapporo Station.

1. Access to Otaru from Sapporo

Otaru is one of the most convenient day trips from Sapporo. From Sapporo Station, frequent JR trains run along the coast, and you can reach Otaru in approximately 30-45 minutes on express or local trains. Many visitors staying in the Susukino or Odori areas walk or take the subway to Sapporo Station, then transfer to a train and arrive in Otaru before noon.

The trip is short and easy, so there’s no need to change hotels. You can use Sapporo as your base for sightseeing in Otaru and return to your Susukino hotel that evening.

2. Recommended Activities in Otaru (Especially in Winter)

The most famous tourist attraction is the Otaru Canal. This picturesque waterway is lined with historic brick and stone warehouses. In winter, snow piles up on the roofs and sidewalks, creating one of Japan’s most iconic canal views. Many of the warehouses have been converted into cafes, restaurants, and shops, so you can take photos, warm yourself with a hot drink, and enjoy the atmosphere.

From the canal, it’s an easy walk to Sakaimachi Street, Otaru’s main shopping street. Here, you can enjoy the following activities:

Glass Studios and Workshops

Music box shops, including the famous Otaru Music Box Museum

Dessert cafes and small bakeries

If you’re visiting in early February, don’t miss the Otaru Snow Light Path. Snow candles and lanterns decorate the canal and old railroad tracks, transforming Otaru into a soft, romantic nightscape. For many couples, this is the highlight of their winter trip to Otaru.

3. Sample Itinerary: Otaru by Day, Susukino by Night

At THC Sapporo, we recommend creating a simple itinerary based on the season.

Morning: Depart from your hotel in Susukino, Odori, or Sapporo Station and take the train to Otaru.

Afternoon: Stroll along the Otaru Canal and down Sakaimachi Street. Enjoy glass shops, music boxes, and sushi and seafood.

Evening (Winter) – If you time it right, you can enjoy the Otaru Snow Light Path and the canal illuminated at night while you stay.

Evening – Return to Sapporo by train and return to your Susukino hotel. Leave your shopping in your room, grab some ramen or soup curry nearby, and escape the cold for a relaxing evening.

This plan is light and stress-free, as your luggage will be stored in Sapporo. Enjoy the quiet, historic side of Otaru during the day, and return to Sapporo’s cityscape in Susukino at night.

4. Why Stay in the Susukino Area

For guests looking to enjoy sightseeing in Otaru, Sapporo’s nightlife, and stay comfortable late into the night, the benefits of staying in the Susukino area are clear.

Easy access to Sapporo Station means you can catch the morning train to Otaru.

After returning home, there are many restaurants and bars within walking distance.

It’s convenient for returning home late on cold winter nights.

Our staff is based in Susukino, where they watch the flow every winter. Enjoy the Otaru Canal and snow lights in the afternoon, then return to Sapporo for a warm, relaxing evening. If you’re planning your first day trip from Sapporo to Otaru, choosing a hotel in the Susukino-Odori-Sapporo Station triangle is one of the easiest ways to make your entire trip smoother and more comfortable.

It is also possible to make an outcall from Otaru!
We will come to your hotel promptly.
It may take some time depending on snow and road conditions.
Please contact our staff for more details.