01 Otaru Canal

A symbol of Otaru that supports the development of the city and is protected by its citizens

　Otaru Canal attracts many visitors to Otaru. Did you know that this symbolic scenery has been preserved by the people of the town?

​​​

　About 100 years ago, Otaru's harbor was always jammed with many ships transporting goods from Hokkaido to Honshu. The Otaru Canal was built to relieve the congestion. It was completed in 1923. Small boats called barges came and went along the canal, and many cargoes were carried from offshore vessels to warehouses along the coast, where they were processed. Otaru had become the largest economic city in northern Japan, and the canal was a hot and lively logistics hub.

​​​

　As time went by and new wharves were built, the canal, which had been active until the mid-Showa period, gradually lost its role.

​​

　After more than ten years of discussion, the canal was restored to its half-aspect and remains to this day.

 The beautiful Otaru Canal, with its cobblestones and gaslights, is an irreplaceable place that has been carefully preserved by the people of this town.

​

　Why don't you enjoy strolling along the canal while thinking about the canal that has been tossed about by the times?

The Otaru Canal is characterized by its gentle curvature along the coastline. The northern half of the canal remains the same width as it was in those days, and visitors can feel a trace of its former glory. A canal cruise offers a boat ride along the canal, which changes its expression from season to season.

#Otaru Canal Walking Path #North Canal and Warehouses #Otaru Canal Cruise #Rickshaw Ebisuya Otaru #Otaru Snow Light Path