rovostays·

Food & drink · Otaru

Top 7 food & drink things to do in Otaru

Otaru on a fork. Walking food tours through the markets, cooking classes with local chefs, tasting flights at the bars worth your time, and a couple of long lunches that double as the day's plan.

  1. Otaru: Local Izakaya Bar Hopping in the Historic Canal Town, Otaru1

    1. Otaru: Local Izakaya Bar Hopping in the Historic Canal Town

    · 2 hours

    Discover Otaru’s authentic izakaya culture on a 2-hour guided bar hopping experience through this historic canal town. Led by a local English-speaking guide, explore atmospheric backstreets and lantern-lit lanes while visiting two izakayas selected to match your preferences that evening. At each stop, enjoy a ¥1,500 food and drink credit (¥3,000 total), giving you the freedom to order what interests you most. Along the way, your guide shares cultural insights, simple etiquette tips, and local context that turn casual drinks into a meaningful introduction to Hokkaido’s social traditions. Whether you enjoy alcohol or prefer soft drinks, this relaxed and flexible tour offers a genuine glimpse into everyday life in Otaru. 2-hour guided bar hopping tour in Otaru’s historic canal district Visit two izakayas tailored to your tastes ¥1,500 food and drink credit per venue (¥3,000 total) Suitable for guests aged 20+, with non-drinkers welcome

  2. Otaru Merchant Spirit Onigiri Class with a Seafood Expert, Otaru2

    2. Otaru Merchant Spirit Onigiri Class with a Seafood Expert

    · 3 hours

    Set within the deeply nostalgic atmosphere of Otaru Central Market, this special culinary experience connects you with the ""indomitable spirit"" of the women who once supported the local economy, carrying heavy tin cans on their backs. With the hustle and bustle of the market as your background music, an Otaru-based seafood expert will provide careful instruction on making exquisite Onigiri using local ingredients. The exquisite hand pressure that brings out the full flavor of the rice and the techniques to make the most of the ingredients are lifelong skills you can recreate at home. The highlight of the experience is the social time after cooking. Savor your freshly pressed Onigiri while listening to stories about the history of predecessors who lived resiliently in nature's harshness, and deep food culture known only to locals. Enjoy a rich, immersive moment that goes beyond a simple cooking class, connecting you deeply with the origins of Otaru’s ""food"" and ""people.""

  3. Otaru Tanaka Sake Brewing Private Tour, Otaru3

    3. Otaru Tanaka Sake Brewing Private Tour

    · 3 hours

    In 2024, ""Traditional Sake Brewing"" in Japan was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition honors unique brewing techniques using koji mold and the rich culture surrounding them. Otaru’s Tanaka Sake Brewery, home to the historic ""Kikkogura"" building, is a rare establishment where visitors can observe sake brewing year-round. On this special tour, you will step behind the scenes into areas normally off-limits to experience traditional brewing firsthand. You will observe the meticulous work of the Toji (master brewer) and the process up close, witnessing the skill and passion behind the craft. Through expert explanations of ingredients and methods, you will gain a deeper understanding of the art of sake. The tour concludes with tasting freshly brewed sake. Savor the aromas and flavors as you appreciate the allure of brewing. Create unforgettable memories with this experience where living Japanese tradition and culture come alive.

  1. Hokkaido Dream Full Ball Park Guide Tour with Game Ticket Option, Otaru4

    4. Hokkaido Dream Full Ball Park Guide Tour with Game Ticket Option

    Hokkaido Ballpark F Village is one of Japan’s most exciting new sports destinations, built around ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, home of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. More than just a baseball stadium, it blends sports, food, architecture, and fan culture in a modern setting that is enjoyable even on non-game days. This private guided tour lets you experience the ballpark in a way that matches your interests. Depending on the date, you can choose a stadium tour plan or a game-day option with tickets, guiding, and private car transfer. Plans are available for both small and large groups, including a premium balcony suite option for select dates. Whether you want to explore the venue itself or enjoy a live game with comfortable transport and local support, this tour offers a flexible and memorable Hokkaido baseball experience. Please note that all bookings are subject to availability and final confirmation. The tour end time may vary slightly depending on when the baseball game ends.

  2. Otaru Kihinkan Admission Ticket, Otaru5

    5. Otaru Kihinkan Admission Ticket

    · 3 hours

    Otaru Kihankan (The old Aoyama Villa) is the luxurious Japanese-style villa in the past. If visitors come here, don't miss the restaurant inside because there are many delicious foods and the great view of Japanese old villa with four seasons. Visitors can fully enjoy the luxury of "seeing" and "tasting" when coming here.

  3. Private Customizable walking Tour in Otaru, Otaru6

    6. Private Customizable walking Tour in Otaru

    5.0· 6 reviews· 4 hours

    This tour will visit Otaru, once the distribution center of Hokkaido.Otaru is a town that became a popular tourist destination thanks to Japanese movies. On the Otaru Canal Walking Tour, we will stop at facilities of interest to our guests for an extraordinary experience.For example, you can stroll through the retro streets in the Sakai-machi shopping district and enjoy Otaru's famous glass and music boxes. You can also enjoy delicious food. Please let your guide know if there is any restaurant you would like to visit! Our nationally certified guides will be happy to show you around.

  4. Otaru Private 4hr Walking Tour: Tailored for You, Otaru7

    7. Otaru Private 4hr Walking Tour: Tailored for You

    5.0· 2 reviews· 4 hours

    Discover the unique charm of Otaru, Hokkaido’s historic northern gateway. Once a bustling port linking Hokkaido to mainland Japan, this town boasts beautifully preserved buildings over 100 years old. Your knowledgeable English-speaking guide will take you to picture-perfect photo spots, popular attractions, hidden gems, and secret historical corners often missed by visitors. Explore vibrant Sankaku Market, serene Temiya Line Trail, the stately former Bank of Japan building, sunlit Otaru Canal, and Sakaimachi Street with artisan glass studios and sweet shops. This private walking tour is tailored to your interests, offering a comfortable, unique experience—like exploring with a local friend. ・Visit well-known and hidden spots alike. ・Customizable itinerary based on your preferences. ・Insightful commentary on history, culture, and photography. ・Engage your senses—from lively markets to glass art and sweets. ・Perfect for cruise guests or small groups seeking a relaxed, crowd-free tour.

Top places to visit in Otaru

See all 2

More in Otaru

Other things to do

Food & drink in other destinations

Top food & drink elsewhere

Same category, different cities — hand-picked food & drink experiences across Japan.

Stay elsewhere

Places to stay in other destinations

Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments across our network.

See more

Places to see in other destinations

Hand-picked sights, neighbourhoods and landmarks across our destination network.

Visiting Otaru?

Stay with Rovostays

Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments — concierge always included.