Hanana’s Winter Food Trip: Otaru’s Snowy Streets, Seafood, and Sweets

2026年11月12日

This guide is based on official information and our own research, checked on November 12, 2026. Dates and hours may change, so please check the official website before you go.

Written by Hanana, with photo notes from Hanakiki

Hi, I’m Hanana! Otaru is a port city about 40 minutes from Sapporo. Its stone warehouses along the canal, old Western-style buildings, and glass workshops tell the story of its days as a busy trading port. In winter, snow covers everything, and in February, the town glows with thousands of candles during the Snow Light Path festival. And there’s fresh seafood and sweets around every corner.

At a glance

Where: Otaru, Hokkaido
When: Snowy from December to March; Snow Light Path from February 6 to 13, 2027
Access: About 35–45 minutes from Sapporo Station by JR train to Otaru Station

What to eat & try

Seafood

Otaru faces the Sea of Japan, and its markets and restaurants serve the seafood Hokkaido is famous for.

Kaisendon: A bowl of rice topped with sea urchin, salmon roe, crab, scallops, and more. At some places, you can choose your own toppings.
Sushi: Otaru has a well-known sushi street with many sushi restaurants side by side.
Visit a morning market: Near Otaru Station, a small market has stalls selling seafood and restaurants that open early.

Sweets

Otaru’s main street, Sakaimachi-dori, is lined with confectionery shops, many in historic buildings. Look for cream puffs, cheesecakes, and soft-serve made with Hokkaido milk. Many shops have cafés inside where you can rest and warm up.

Things to try

Make your own glass: Otaru is famous for glassmaking, which started with glass fishing floats and oil lamps. At some workshops, you can try glass blowing or decorate a glass with sandblasting.
Listen to music boxes: Otaru is known for music boxes, and several shops along Sakaimachi-dori, some in historic stone buildings, display thousands of them. Some places let you build your own.

What to see

Otaru Canal

The canal was completed in 1923, and its old stone warehouses are now shops and restaurants. Old-fashioned street lamps along the walkway light up at dusk. With snow on the warehouses’ roofs, it’s the most famous winter view in Otaru.

Otaru Snow Light Path

For about a week each February, the town holds the Snow Light Path (Otaru Yuki Akari no Michi). Volunteers and residents place candles in snow lanterns and small snow sculptures along the canal and old railway line. The soft candlelight on the snow creates a gentle, warm atmosphere.

Lights in the snow on a winter night in Otaru (Photo: Pexels)

Hanakiki’s photo spot

Hanakiki’s camera note: Stand on Asakusa Bridge at the start of the canal walkway. From here, you can frame the stone warehouses, the old-fashioned street lamps, and the canal in one shot. It’s a popular spot, so be patient and let others take their turn. During the Snow Light Path, shoot just after sunset, while there’s still a little blue in the sky.

Event info

Otaru Snow Light Path 2027: February 6 – 13, 2027. Hours and venues will be announced later.
Canal street lamps: Light up every evening at dusk.

Official websites

Otaru Snow Light Path 2027 (Otaru Tourism Association): https://otaru.gr.jp/event/yukiakari2027
Otaru Tourism Association: https://otaru.gr.jp/

Please check the official website for the latest information before you go.

Travel tips

Snow and ice: Sidewalks are slippery. Wear boots with grip and walk slowly.
Combine with Sapporo: Otaru is an easy day trip from Sapporo. Go in the afternoon and stay for the evening lights.
Sit on the right side of the train: On the way from Sapporo, the train runs along the sea. Sit on the right side for ocean views.
Seafood is seasonal: Some toppings, like sea urchin, are less available in winter. Ask what’s in season.