Otaru Overview
Otaru is a city and port in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan, northwest of Sapporo. The city faces Ishikari Bay and the Sea of Japan, and has long served as the main port of the bay. With its many historical buildings, Otaru is a popular tourist destination. Because it is a 25-minute drive from Sapporo, it has grown as a commuter town. As of July 31, 2023, the city had an estimated population of 107,432 and a population density of 441 persons per km². The total area is 243.83 km2 (94.14 sq mi). Although it is the largest city in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, the subprefecture's capital is the more centrally located Kutchan.
Otaru Key Statistics
Population131706
Area244 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés52 / 23 / 33
Practical Essentials for Otaru
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Otaru.
Visit ↗Getting Around Otaru
Otaru Main Station & Rail Lines
小樽 (Otaru)
Train Travel to Otaru
Otaru is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Otaru
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Otaru
Cover Your Trip to Otaru
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Otaru
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Otaru downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Otaru.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Otaru Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Otaru.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Otaru.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Otaru
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Otaru
¥3,400,000*est
Median household income / year
78*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Otaru
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Otaru
When was Otaru founded?
Otaru was founded on October 1, 1899.
How old is Otaru?
Otaru is roughly 127 years old.
What is the population of Otaru?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 131,706.
What is the land area of Otaru?
Otaru covers roughly 244 km².
What is the main railway station in Otaru?
The primary hub is 小樽 (Otaru).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Otaru?
The city has roughly 52 parks, 23 museums and 33 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Otaru expensive to live?
Otaru is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Otaru?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Otaru?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Otaru has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Otaru?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Otaru?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Otaru?
Otaru hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Otaru?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Otaru?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Otaru?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Otaru?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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