Romantic Otaru in Hokkaido

This trip spans popular destinations in Hokkaido, including Otaru, Sapporo, and Lake Toya, making it perfect for hotel enthusiasts or those who enjoy staying in different atmospheres each night! Whether it's a stroll along the Otaru Canal, savoring local delicacies in the old streets, relaxing in hot springs, exploring trendy and classic cuisines in Sapporo, or enjoying the natural scenery by Lake Toya, the variety of accommodations is impressive. Each hotel has its unique highlights—large baths, ocean views, hot springs, direct access to shopping malls, or a mix of retro and modern designs—allowing you to pick based on your mood!

Recommended Hotels and Attractions

Otaru Canal Torifuto Hotel
Address: 5-7, Ironai 1-chome
Located near the Otaru Canal, this hotel is within walking distance of old street attractions and food areas, offering great convenience. Its main highlight is the public bath, which, despite occasional crowding, is of good quality and provides a refreshing experience. The breakfast is exquisite and delicious. The front desk offers services in both English and Chinese, making it convenient for international travelers. While there are minor concerns about space and cleanliness, the overall reviews are positive, especially for those who love canal-side walks.

Otaru Castle Hotel
Address: Shukutsu 3-282
Situated on a small hill near the Otaru Aquarium, this hotel boasts sea-view rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the strait and snow-capped mountains, especially enchanting in winter! A free shuttle bus connects the hotel to Otaru Station, ensuring hassle-free transportation. The quality of breakfast and dinner is high, making it suitable for couples or families. Some facilities are slightly dated, but the romantic ambiance and photo opportunities are exceptional.

Hotel Sonia Otaru
Address: 1 Chome-4-20 Ironai
Located directly across from the Otaru Canal, this hotel is conveniently within walking distance of the JR station and food streets. It features a rooftop open-air hot spring, with rooms specifically designed for women being particularly popular. The breakfast is renowned for its seafood rice bowls and coffee. While some rooms have older facilities, the grand lobby and canal snow views leave a lasting impression. The staff is friendly and fluent in English, making it a top choice for international travelers.

Grand Park Otaru
Address: Chikko 11-3
The hotel's biggest advantage is its direct connection to a large shopping mall, making it worry-free during rainy or snowy days. The rooms are more spacious than typical Japanese hotels, and both ocean-view and mountain-view rooms offer a relaxing atmosphere. It's ideal for independent travelers, families, and ski enthusiasts. The breakfast is abundant, and the staff is friendly. While some facilities are slightly aged, cleanliness is generally acceptable, and certain room types even feature capsule coffee machines as a bonus.

Otaru Grandbell Hotel
Address: 1-1 Sakaimachi
This newly opened hotel boasts a modern design and is conveniently located near shopping streets and the canal, making it perfect for shopping and sightseeing. The top floor features a large bath, open-air baths, a sauna, and a gym, offering plenty of relaxation options. With ample hairdryers and outlets, tech-savvy guests will appreciate the convenience. The hotel provides services in both English and Chinese, and the self-check-in process is efficient. Its prime location is a major highlight.

Relax Hotel & Bar Otaru and Hoshino Resorts OMO5 Otaru
These two hotels each have their unique charm. The former focuses on a cozy bar atmosphere, perfect for night owls, while OMO5, a high-end brand by Hoshino Resorts, offers diverse leisure spaces and local activities, ideal for travelers seeking quality accommodations and unique Hokkaido experiences.

Sapporo JR Hotel, Granbell Sapporo Hotel, JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo, Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo, etc.
Sapporo offers a wide range of accommodations, with hotels near JR Station being particularly convenient for city sightseeing or nightlife. Some hotels provide quiet environments and modern facilities, catering to various budgets and preferences, whether you're looking for cost-effective options or luxurious hot springs.

Lake Toya Nonokaze Resort
Located at the best scenic spot by Lake Toya, many lake-view rooms offer stunning views of morning mist and the lake, making it a top choice for a relaxing getaway in Hokkaido.

Transportation & Food Tips in Otaru, Hokkaido
Otaru Station is just a 10-15 minute walk from the canal shopping street. Restaurants and dessert shops along the canal are full of Hokkaido specialties: LeTAO cheesecake, Kitakaro cream puffs, and fresh seafood rice bowls at Sankaku Market are must-tries! In the afternoon, you can stroll to Shukutsu Panorama Viewpoint or take photos near the aquarium.

The city bus system in Otaru is very well-developed. During cold or snowy weather, remember to prepare hand warmers, hats, and gloves. Some hotels offer free shuttle buses, so check the schedule in advance. Most popular hotels have convenience stores nearby, making it easy to grab breakfast or instant noodles in a pinch.

Practical Tips
1. If you enjoy hot springs, make sure to bring suitable yukata (most hotels provide them).
2. For attractions like the canal shopping street, visit in the morning for fewer crowds and stunning canal snow views.
3. If you prefer sea-view rooms, specify your request in advance, as some room types are limited.
4. Winter roads can be slippery, so choose non-slip shoes and leave enough space in your luggage for souvenirs!
5. Hotel check-in times are generally late (often after 3:00 PM). If you arrive early, you can store your luggage first.