Otaru Canal - Hokkaido, Japan

Otaru is small city and Otaru Canal mostly is in your trip plan. 
It is not far from Sapporo and easy to go. 
The weather is very hot and sunshine in summer, should bring umbrella and eyeglasses. Otaru Canal at night or in the winter seems to be more beautiful and romantic. 
In fact, there is not much to see around Otaru Canal but it is good to take for a walk and take some photo around here.

Access

1. From Sapporo station; take train to JR Otaru station (JR Semi Rapid Ishikari Liner/ Rapid Airport line), 30-40 minutes from Sapporo station. 
Fare is 640 yen for unreserved seat of Rapid Airport Line and JR Semi Rapid.
Fare is 950 yen for reserved seat of Rapid Airport Line.

2. From New Chitose Airport; take train to Sapporo Station (JR Rapid Airport Line) and interchange to Otaru Station. If you take JR Rapid Airport Line, no need to interchange the train but the train will make a brief stop at Sapporo station for 4 minutes before depart to Otaru station.


From JR Otaru station, go straight (follow the red line in the map) and turn right (approximately 1 km., 15-20 minutes from station). Otaru Canal is near Canal Plaza. 

Small shopping near canal.

Information Center and Laox (Tax free Shop) are very close to Otaru Canal.

There are seats for taking a break in front of Information Center.