Otaru is a Hokkaido gem that is renowned for its impressive examples of Western architecture, built during the 19th century when it flourished as an international trading port.
Its extensive canals have earned it the nickname of the Venice of Japan.
This city attracts tourists throughout the year who visit to walk the canals and enjoy its music boxes, glass crafts, and delicious seafood delicacies.
So if you’re planning a Hokkaido trip and are keen on finding an alternative to Sapporo, I’ve got five awesome hotels that are the perfect base for getting to know Otaru.
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5 Best Hotels in Otaru
This refined city with its historic and walkable city center is perfect for a weekend break.
Treat yourself to a stay at one of Otaru’s lovely hotels with great hospitality and delicious cuisine.
I’ve rounded up five of Otaru’s very best hotels that provide great access to everything the city has to offer.
1. Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal
| Location | 047-0031 Hokkaido, Otaru, Ironai 1-5-7, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Okadama Airport (20 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Nishin Goten (2.8 miles) |
Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal is a three-star hotel that is just meters from Otaru Station.
It offers great-value accommodation with guest rooms that sleep up to four guests.
The Western and Japanese-style rooms are air-conditioned with ensuite facilities, a desk, fridge, kettle, and free Wi-Fi.
There are great city views, with some rooms overlooking the canal.
More photos on expedia.com
The hotel serves a massive buffet breakfast every day with 50 different Japanese and Western food items to choose from.
Other facilities at the hotel include the Kumaji no Yu public onsen, a coin-operated laundry, and vending machines.
Private parking is also available for an additional charge.
2. Hotel Nord Otaru
| Location | 047-0031 Hokkaido, Otaru, Ironai 1-4-16 , Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Okadama Airport (20 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Otaru City Art Museum (500 meters) |
You’ll find the Hotel Nord Otaru on Otaru Canal Boulevard, just a short walk from Otaru Station.
This premium hotel, with striking European architecture, is known regionally for its four-star accommodation and breathtaking city, canal, and mountain views.
The rooms and suites at the hotel accommodate up to six guests in air-conditioned, ensuite rooms that have air purifiers, complimentary Yukata robes, and free Wi-Fi.
More photos on expedia.com
A refrigerator and kettle are also provided.
The Nord Otaru Hotel has two restaurants. Sizzle, on the second floor, serves a buffet breakfast and lunch daily, while Bar Duomo Rosso, on the top floor, is open late.
Other amenities at the hotel include free luggage storage and vending machines.
3. Asari Classe Hotel
| Location | 047-0154 Hokkaido, Otaru, Asarigawa Onsen 2-676, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Okadama Airport (17 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Otaru Museum (5 miles) |
The Asari Classe Hotel is a popular destination for visitors to the Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort which is just 10 minutes away.
This expansive resort hotel, which is getting new rooms this year, has an indoor and outdoor public onsen, an indoor pool, a sauna, hot tubs, and a spa with massages.
If that’s not enough relaxation and recreation for you, there are also indoor tennis courts, squash courts, and table tennis.
The palatial guest rooms and suites sleep up to nine guests and off amazing mountain views.
More photos on expedia.com
All rooms are air-conditioned and ensuite, with Yukata robes, green tea, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi.
A buffet breakfast is served daily at Fuushi, one of the Asari Classe Hotel’s many restaurants.
Japanese cuisine is served at Koushi, and Sylphid serves international dishes and a child-friendly menu.
The hotel lobby also hosts free concerts every month.
4. Authent Hotel Otaru
| Location | 047-0032 Hokkaido, Otaru, Inaho 2-15-1, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Okadama Airport (20 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Hanazono Park (600 meters) |
This central business hotel is a great option for a break in the heart of Otaru.
It’s just a few minutes walk from the Otaru Canal, Otaru Orgel Museum Main Building, and Hanazono Park.
Authent Hotel Otaru offers twin, triple, and quadruple rooms, suitable for a family.
All rooms are air-conditioned with a private bathroom, fridge, TV, and tea-making facilities. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
There are several restaurants serving breakfast and other meals.
More photos on expedia.com
Irifune serves Japanese cuisine, Kaio serves Teppanyaki, and Casablanca serves Western food.
After exploring Otaru, you can unwind and relax in the sauna or public onsen.
Other amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, vending machines, and a gift shop selling local souvenirs.
5. Hotel Neu Schloss Otaru
| Location | 047-0047 Hokkaido, Otaru, Shukutsu 3-282, Japan |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Nearest airport | Okadama Airport (21 miles) |
| Nearby landmark | Nishin Goten (650 meters) |
This charming European-style hotel is located within the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park with breathtaking ocean views.
You can get to the hotel by taking the complimentary shuttle from JR Otaru station.
The Hotel Neu Schloss Otaru offers rooms that can accommodate up to five guests.
More photos on booking.com
The rooms are tastefully furnished with nightwear, TV, tea-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi provided.
There is a magnificent Rotenburo (outdoor) hot spring bath that overlooks the ocean.
The Blau Kuste restaurant serves fine French cuisine, and guests can enjoy drinks until late at Bar Perle.
Other services available include luggage storage, photocopying, and a free computer station for guests.
Rounding Up
Comfortable hotels with great food make it easy to explore Otaru at your own pace.
When you visit this picturesque city, be sure to enjoy the amazing panorama from the Mt. Tengu Ropeway that offers a view of the Shakotan Peninsula.
Pull your itinerary together and book one of these outstanding Otaru hotels for an amazing trip to one of Hokkaido’s finest cities.
