When people think of winter in Hokkaido, skiing often comes to mind, but Otaru is widely regarded as one of the most romantic winter destinations in Japan. Snow-covered canals, European-style streets, charming glassware shops, and an impressive concentration of local cuisine make Otaru a perfect place to explore, even with just one day.
This one-day Otaru itinerary is ideal for travelers visiting between January and February, especially those combining skiing with a side trip from Sapporo. From must-try local food to iconic winter scenery, everything is covered, remember to book popular restaurants in advance!
Ichiba Shokudo Ajidokoro Takeda 
Source: OpenRice Website
🍽️Breakfast｜Ajidokoro Takeda (Sankaku Market)
Your first stop in Otaru should be Sankaku Market. Ajidokoro Takeda is a highly popular local eatery specializing in fresh seafood delivered directly from Hokkaido.
Must-try: Uni & Salmon Roe Seafood Bowl Starting your day with a generous bowl of fresh seafood is pure bliss. After breakfast, take time to explore the market and pick up seafood souvenir！
Source: OpenRice Website
Source: Official Website
🧊Shopping Must-Visit｜Sakaimachi Street & Kitaichi Glass
After breakfast, stroll along Sakaimachi Street.
In winter, snow blankets the streets and European-style buildings, creating a scene unique to Otaru.
Highlights
Kitaichi Glass: Glass craftsmanship and a magical oil-lamp café
Otaru Music Box Museum: A classic souvenir stop
Hokkaido-only sweets, cheese, and chocolates
Plan around 1.5–2 hours for shopping and photos.
Sushi dokoro Saika 
Source: OpenRice Website
🍣Lunch｜Sushi dokoro Saika
Otaru is known as the “City of Sushi,” and Sushi-dokoro Saika is a favorite among locals. Sushi chefs from Otaru prepare each piece using the freshest seasonal seafood.
Recommended Lunch: Shio Course ¥5,500 Featuring uni, scallops, and sweet shrimp, this course offers excellent value. Private-style table seating makes it suitable for families and group dining.
Source: Official Website
❄️Photo Spot｜Otaru Canal
In the evening, head to the iconic Otaru Canal. Snow-covered stone warehouses and gas lamps create postcard-perfect scenery. If visiting in mid-February, you may catch the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival (Feb 7–14, 2026), when handmade snow lanterns illuminate the canal, creating a magical winter scene unique to Otaru and truly worth seeing in person.
It’s recommended to visit during the day for snowy scenery, then return at night to enjoy the lantern, capturing two completely different atmospheres in one day✨
Jingisukan Otaru Bettei 
Source: OpenRice Website
🌙Dinner Option 1｜Genghis Khan Otaru Bette
On cold winter nights, nothing beats Hokkaido’s signature Genghis Khan lamb BBQ. This hidden gem has been featured on TV and recommended by celebrities.
Must-try: Icelandic Ancient-Breed Lamb ¥1,100 Only about 1% of this rare lamb is available worldwide. Freshly cut daily, tender, and odor-free. In addition to lamb BBQ, seafood bowls and shabu-shabu are also available.
Kamawanu 
Source: Official Website
🌙Dinner Option 2｜Kamawanu
For a lighter meal or if lamb isn’t your preference, choose Kamawanu, a cozy izakaya run by a mother and son.
The restaurant features handmade dishes using Hokkaido ingredients and carefully selected sake. The all-you-can-drink menu even includes “Takaragawa” sake from Otaru’s historic Tanaka Sake Brewery.
Recommended dishes: seasonal sashimi and seafood pressed sushi rolls.Ideal for travelers who want to dine at a relaxed pace, unwind, and enjoy a warm, homey atmosphere.
🚃 Getting Around Otaru
Sapporo → Otaru: Approx. 35 minutes by JR
Easy stopover from ski resorts such as Niseko or Rusutsu
City travel: Mostly walkable with limited bus use
Tip: Remember ear non-slip winter boots, roads are often icy from January to February.
※Note: Unauthorized cancellations may cause inconvenience to other customers and the restaurant. If you are unable to attend as scheduled, please be sure to cancel your reservation in advance.