We took a late morning train from JR Sapporo Station to Otaru Station, arriving just in time for lunch. To fully maximize the daylight, we decided to skip lunch. In winter, the sun sets in Hokkaido as early as 4 PM, and many attractions, including the Otaru Aquarium, close earlier because of this limited daylight. So, after disembarking from the train, we immediately caught a bus to transport us to the Otaru Aquarium, eager to make the most of our visit.
The bus ride from Otaru Station to Otaru Aquarium took us approximately 20 minutes. Buses returning to Sapporo Station run every hour until sunset. Upon disembarking, we were immediately met with a powerful blizzard. The Otaru Aquarium proudly sits atop a hill to the northwest of Otaru City. It’s well-known that this area experiences winter blizzards frequently.
I remember jokingly telling Ayacchan that our winter trip in Hokkaido wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a blizzard.
Now, there’s your blizzard, Rei-san.
Ayacchan almost gave up. “Let’s just turn back and catch the next bus back to Otaru Station,” she said as we tried to shelter at a nearby bus stop.
“Let’s just wait for a moment. It will be over soon, I promise.” I reassured.
After a while, the blizzard had not stopped. It weakened, sure, but it had not stopped. The people we were with at the bus stop started to climb up the hill toward the aquarium’s entrance.
“Let’s go. Just be careful. I’ll be right behind you.” I told her.
We faced the blizzard head-on and climbed the hill for the next ten minutes. Once we arrived, we immediately went to the booth to purchase our tickets. We stepped inside, where an artificial fireplace warmly greeted us. We immediately nestled next to it, soaking in the warmth and comfort.
“Ahhhh. Kimochi!” (“Ahhh. It feels good!”) we said in unison.
We entered the aquarium where winter animals were waiting for us. Luckily, we arrived just in time for the Penguin Walk and the Dolphin show. (You may check out the Otaru Aquarium website for the show schedules)
The penguins walked gracefully in front of the crowd as if they were determined to entertain every human eye watching them. Their elegant movements were captivating, drawing everyone’s attention just a few centimeters away from where the audience stood.
The dolphins never failed to amaze us. They are known for their intelligence and ability to perform complex cognitive tasks, such as problem-solving, using tools, and engaging in intricate social interactions. All of these skills were showcased by these dolphins at the Otaru Aquarium. It’s a show that you must see!
We decided to take a cab back to the city, as we didn’t want to waste time waiting more than half an hour for the next bus. This decision allowed us to make the most of the remaining daylight since it was nearly 4 PM. The ride took about 15 minutes and cost us approximately 2,500 JPY. It’s worth noting that cabs in Hokkaido are much more affordable compared to those in Tokyo, and Osaka.
As we made our way north from Otaru Station, remnants of the blizzard still lingered around us. We took a moment to warm up inside a mall before continuing our walk. The stroll lasted about ten minutes and covered roughly five blocks. Ultimately, we arrived at Otaru’s most popular attraction: the Otaru Canal. This iconic waterway, known for its beautifully preserved warehouses and historical significance, has become a must-see destination for both visitors and locals.
At first, I found myself wondering, “What makes a canal so special that it attracts so many visitors?” But when I finally saw it with my own eyes, I understood why it was a must-see. The scene was nothing short of enchanting, reminiscent of a scene from a movie. The area was lined with vintage lamp posts, casting a warm, romantic glow across the water, while vibrant snow lanterns flickered alongside in the gentle breeze, a sign of the ongoing Otaru Light Festival.
There was an option to take a scenic boat cruise along the Canal for approximately 1,000 JPY per person. Unfortunately, due to the heavy snowfall during our visit, the service was suspended. Undeterred, we decided to explore the canal on foot. Strolling along the frozen banks, we marveled at the charming historical buildings lining the waterway and the flickering beauty of the snow lanterns. It turned out to be an unforgettable experience, allowing us to delve into the winter atmosphere at our own pace.
Otaru is truly beautiful during the winter months, with its streets blanketed in snow and twinkling lights illuminating the night. Ayacchan and I made a pact to revisit this beautiful city and explore its charm in different seasons, eager to see it in full bloom during spring, bask in the vibrant colors of autumn, and enjoy the warm days of summer. We can’t wait to experience everything Otaru has to offer throughout the year.