Otaru

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Otaru, Port city in Hokkaido, Japan

The developed area of Otaru extends along Ishikari Bay with steep slopes leading to the sea, creating distinct neighborhoods called Hill Town.

The city gained prominence in 1880 when the first railway line in Hokkaido connected Otaru to Sapporo, establishing it as a major transportation hub.

The Otaru Canal features Victorian-style street lamps and former stone warehouses that now contain art galleries, shops, and glass-making studios.

Direct train connections run frequently between Otaru and Sapporo, with the journey taking 30 minutes on the Hakodate Main Line.

The city receives an average of 6.6 meters of snow from November to March, transforming the canal district into a winter landscape.

Location: Shiribeshi Subprefecture

Inception: October 1, 1899

Shares border with: Yoichi, Akaigawa, Sapporo, Ishikari

Website: https://city.otaru.lg.jp

GPS coordinates: 43.19072,140.99436

Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:20

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