An unbeatable night view of warehouses and river scenery—Don’t miss the “Otaru Canal Cruise,” a must-do in Hokkaido!

There are a total of five types of boats for the Otaru Canal Cruise, each with varying seating capacities. Boarding is assigned randomly based on the dock where the boat is moored and your place in the queue. Each boat is staffed with a guide, though currently only Japanese-language guidance is available.

▲ Each Otaru Canal Cruise boat comes with a guide, but only Japanese commentary is currently offered.

▲ As the boat sways and glides over the water, you’re greeted by the unique summer breeze of Otaru and a breathtaking night view.

On the cruise, you can get up close to the warehouse buildings along the canal. Staff say the Otaru Canal has always been a popular photo spot for travelers and photographers, but they advise not to focus only on one side—head to both ends of the canal for completely different views.

▲ An old factory once used as the villain’s headquarters in the movie “Kamen Rider.”

Cruising under bridges, then heading toward the mouth of Otaru Port, you can enjoy the sunset glow if you go in the evening, or at night, gaze at the dark sea dotted with moored ships—including a “Ferrari of the seas” parked in a corner—offering a serene atmosphere that helps you unwind.

Finally, returning from Otaru Port to the canal, you’ll also pass by the “Shiroi Koibito” biscuit factory and the old factory once used as the villain’s lair in “Kamen Rider”—both are must-see landmarks along the way.

Otaru Canal Cruise
Ticket Prices: ¥1,500 for adults on daytime cruises, ¥1,800 for adults on evening cruises, ¥500 for children regardless of the time of day.