Why Otaru is Hokkaido’s Underrated Foodie Town
TLDR
Otaru is Hokkaido’s hidden foodie gem, just 30 minutes from Sapporo by train.
Famous for fresh seafood sushi, particularly uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe).
Don’t miss Otaru Sushi Street, local markets, and canal-side eateries.
Beyond sushi, Otaru offers desserts, sake breweries, and dairy treats.
Smaller crowds than Sapporo or Hakodate make it perfect for authentic, slow travel.
Otaru: A Port Town With Culinary Soul
Once a bustling port city during the early 20th century, Otaru grew wealthy from herring fisheries and trade. Its food culture has deep roots in the sea, and today it’s regarded as one of Hokkaido’s best places to enjoy sushi, seafood bowls, and seasonal delicacies, all in a setting that’s far quieter than Sapporo or Hakodate.
1. Otaru Sushi Street — The City’s Culinary Heart
If there’s one stop you can’t miss, it’s Sushiya Dori (Otaru Sushi Street). Lined with more than 20 sushi shops, it offers everything from luxury omakase counters to casual conveyor belt restaurants.
What to Try:
Uni (sea urchin) — creamy and rich, freshly caught from Otaru’s cold waters.
Ikura (salmon roe) — glossy, briny, and bursting with flavor.
Hotate (scallops) — sweet and delicate.
Where to Go:
Masazushi – One of Otaru’s oldest and most respected sushi houses.
Sankaku Market stalls – Fresh, affordable seafood bowls near Otaru Station.
2. Seafood Beyond Sushi — Donburi and Street Eats
Otaru excels at kaisendon (seafood rice bowls). You’ll find them at local markets and even small eateries along the canal. Many restaurants let you customize toppings with crab, shrimp, uni, and ikura.
Where to Go:
Sankaku Market – Just steps from Otaru Station, popular for fresh, customizable bowls.
Canal-side izakayas – Ideal for evening seafood snacks with local sake.
3. Otaru’s Sweet Side — Pastries and Desserts
Otaru is as famous for desserts as it is for sushi. Thanks to its European-influenced past, the town is home to some of Hokkaido’s best patisseries.
Where to Go:
LeTAO – Known for double fromage cheesecake, a must-try souvenir.
Kitakaro – Renowned for cream puffs filled with Hokkaido dairy cream.
Rokkatei – Traditional Japanese sweets with a modern twist.
4. Breweries and Sake Culture
Otaru’s historic warehouses have been repurposed into sake breweries and craft beer halls. Sampling local brews alongside seafood is a foodie highlight.
Where to Go:
Tanaka Sake Brewery – Offers tastings and tours in a restored warehouse.
Otaru Beer – German-style beer brewed locally, often served in canal-side halls.
5. Why Otaru is Underrated Compared to Sapporo & Hakodate
While Sapporo and Hakodate often steal the spotlight, Otaru offers a more intimate, slower-paced food experience. The town’s walkable size, historical charm, and focus on artisanal quality make it stand out for travelers who want authenticity without large tourist crowds.
Insider Tips for Food Travellers
Visit Otaru as a day trip from Sapporo or stay overnight for a quieter experience.
For sushi, arrive early to avoid queues at popular counters.
Many shops are cash only, so bring yen.
Save room for dessert — Otaru is famous for dairy-based sweets.
Why Otaru Belongs on Your Food Map
From its sushi heritage to its sweet innovations, Otaru is a microcosm of Hokkaido’s food scene. It combines the freshness of the sea, the craft of patisseries, and the warmth of izakayas, all framed by a charming canal town atmosphere. For travellers chasing flavor, Otaru is proof that the best culinary journeys often happen off the beaten path.
References:
Japan Guide. “Otaru Travel Guide.” https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6700.html
ByFood. “What to Eat in Otaru.” https://www.byfood.com/blog/hokkaido/what-to-eat-in-otaru
Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel. “Otaru: Sushi and Food Culture.” https://hokkaido-treasure.com/otaru-sushi-food
LeTAO. “Double Fromage Cheesecake.” https://www.letao.jp
Tanaka Sake Brewery. “Official Website.” https://www.tanakashuzo.com
Otaru Beer. “Otaru Beer Brewery.” https://otarubeer.com
