Otaru Canal in Winter in Winter: Best Season, Illumination, Access & What to Wear

Overview

Otaru Canal, lined with stone warehouses and gas lamps, takes on an even more nostalgic look when covered in snow. In winter, the Blue Canal (Ao no Unga) lights the canal side in blue, and strolls at dusk are popular.

Address: 5 Minato-machi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007
Official website: https://otaru.gr.jp/shop/otarucanal

Area weather

OtaruWeather and what to wear in Otaru →

Tours & tickets for this areaPR

PRKlookOtaru, Cape Kamui & Shiroi Koibito Park Day Tour from SapporoA day tour from Sapporo visiting Otaru Canal, Cape Kamui, Shiroi Koibito Park and more. In winter the route may change depending on road conditionsView on Klook
PRKlookCape Kamui, Otaru & Shiroi Koibito Park 1-Day Tour from SapporoIncludes Otaru Canal (from the bus window) and a stroll along Sakaimachi-dori. The winter plan includes snow play at Bibai Snow LandView on Klook

Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonThe winter Blue Canal lights usually run November 1 – January 31

November

December

January

February

Whether there is snow depends on each year’s weather. In February the Otaru Snow Light Path is held, and during that period the gas lamps are lit from 15:00

Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.

Highlights

Along the gently curving 1,140 m canal stand 63 gas lamps and rows of warehouses. The foot of Asakusa Bridge is the classic spot for canal photos, and during the twilight time about 15–20 minutes after sunset, you can enjoy a beautiful scene where the blue of the sky and the lights come together.

📷 Best views

Asakusabashi Gaien

The classic spot for canal photos. A tourist information center is nearby

Chuo Bridge

A bridge connecting with Chuo-dori from Otaru Station. The canal cruise dock is also nearby

North Canal

A section that keeps the original 40 m width. Moored boats and warehouses convey the feel of a port town

Illumination

Illumination & winter lights

Period: Gas lamps year-round. The winter Blue Canal usually runs November 1 – January 31

Gas lamps along the canal walkway are lit from sunset to midnight (24:00), and the warehouses are illuminated from sunset to 22:30 (year-round)

Tips

Tips for travelers

✓The twilight time 15–20 minutes after sunset, when the blue sky and gas lamps come together, is the best time for photos
✓Winter sidewalks are slippery with packed snow and ice, so take small steps

Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop: Otaru Station (JR Hakodate Main Line)About 10 min on foot

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Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures: January normals for Otaru: high -0.5°C, low -5.8°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
What to wear & bring: The sea wind makes it feel colder, so bring a hat, gloves, a scarf and warm clothing. Sidewalks ice over, so wear shoes with grip

☁ Hokkaido weather by month

January February March April May June July August September October November December

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Otaru Canal in WinterPR

PRSee more places to stay near Otaru Canal in Winter on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Otaru

February

Otaru Snow Light Path

Hokkaido ・ Otaru

Usually about one week in early to mid-February (around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival)

2027: Feb 6 – Feb 13

July

Otaru Ushio Festival

Hokkaido ・ Otaru

Usually Friday to Sunday in late July (3 days, with a grand fireworks display on the final night)

See all events →

Attractions

Attractions in Otaru

Aquarium

Otaru Aquarium

Hokkaido ・ Otaru / Shukutsu

Located on the coast at Shukutsu in Otaru, this aquarium consists of an indoor main building and the outdoor "Marine Mammal Park," built by partitioning off part of the Sea of Japan. It operates with different dates and hours in winter, and closes from late November to early December and from late February to mid-March.

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Winter Scenery