With over 120 sushi restaurants in a city of just 100,000 people, Otaru boasts some of the freshest and highest quality seafood in the country. With over 770 dining options, it's a food lover's paradise.
POWDER8 offers a unique combination of private ski/snowboard lessons and guided tours to explore Otaru's many attractions. Discover more in our featured articles.
Otaru, a bustling port city in the 1890s, played a crucial role in Hokkaido's development and international trade, particularly in coal. As the fishing industry, especially herring, boomed, the city's glass industry flourished, producing oil lamps to compensate for the lack of electricity and glass floats for fishing gear.
These utilitarian glass objects, combined with Otaru's nostalgic atmosphere, have drawn both tourists and artists to the city. Over time, a thriving art scene has emerged, featuring exquisite, contemporary designs alongside heartwarming, traditional pieces.
Otaru is now home to numerous glass workshops offering hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to create their own one-of-a-kind glassware, including wine glasses.
The streets of Otaru are lined with shops showcasing a dazzling array of glassware. The refined designs, characterized by their luminous quality and subtle color palettes, are truly inspiring.
I've had the pleasure of owning a glass from Kitaichi Glass, a renowned Otaru shop, for over 30 years. Its distinctive design, combined with the tactile warmth of a handmade piece, has made it a cherished part of my daily life.
In Japan, when people think of crabs, king crabs often come to mind. While they are widely popular, they are exclusively caught in Hokkaido and are best enjoyed during the winter when they are at their freshest. This highlights a unique aspect of Japanese cuisine: the art of preparing a single main ingredient in multiple ways to elevate its flavor. Although it may be uncommon elsewhere, the freshest king crabs can even be served as sashimi.
To bring out the crab's rich flavors, it is often grilled over charcoal, imparting a smoky aroma and sweet taste.
Another popular way to enjoy king crab is in shabushabu, where the fresh crab is dipped into boiling broth to savor its delicate sweetness.
During the colder months, it's often a centerpiece of hot pot dishes, where it absorbs the flavors of other ingredients, creating a truly unforgettable taste sensation. The meal is often concluded with a satisfying porridge or noodles cooked in the flavorful broth.
Experience the ultimate relaxation in one of the over 20 hot spring facilities in the Otaru area, beloved by both locals and tourists. The snowy landscape surrounding Otaru makes outdoor bathing a truly unforgettable experience. Hoheikyo Onsen is a must-visit for a day trip.
Boasting one of Japan's largest open-air baths that can comfortably fit up to 200 people, this onsen offers an unparalleled bathing experience. The vast, snow-covered landscape, designed by a skilled landscape architect, provides a stunning backdrop for relaxation.
The magical, illuminated landscape at night is truly a sight to behold. It offers a serene escape that will soothe both your mind and body.
Have you ever tried grilling Genghis Khan inside an igloo? At Hoheikyo Onsen, this unique winter experience is possible. Our massive igloo, one of the largest in Japan, is the perfect setting to savor the flavors of Hokkaido. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you won't want to miss.
A must-see event during your visit is the enchanting "Yuki Touro" snow lantern festival at Jozankei Shrine, where the soft glow of candles illuminates the snowy landscape.The gentle glow of candles, diffused through the snow, creates a breathtaking winter wonderland. It's a perfect fusion of art and nature. This year's festival is scheduled as follows. We invite you to visit and experience the magic for yourself. A glimpse of the YouTube video will give you a taste of what awaits.
Have you ever wondered what it's like to create something truly unique with your own hands? Pottery offers that opportunity. From the moment you knead the clay, you'll feel a sense of peace and creativity. It's a chance to express yourself in a way that's entirely your own.
The soft, pliable nature of clay requires focused attention as you mold it into shape. This meditative process helps to clear your mind and reduce stress.
Imagine the satisfaction of using a mug you've made yourself every morning, or displaying a beautiful bowl on your shelf. Pottery offers a tangible way to connect with your loved ones through handmade gifts that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Pottery offers endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. If you find yourself captivated by it, you've discovered a hobby that can enrich your life for years to come.
Otaru is home to numerous pottery studios that offer hands-on workshops. If you'd like to participate in a pottery class, please make advance reservations. To request a pottery experience, specify "Pottery Experience Request" when booking your POWDER8 tour.
Oden, a beloved winter comfort food in Japan, is a simmered dish featuring a variety of ingredients such as fish paste products, meat, and vegetables in a flavorful dashi broth made from bonito flakes and kelp.
The taste and ingredients can vary greatly from region to region and even from restaurant to restaurant, making the search for your perfect bowl of oden a delightful culinary adventure.
A must-try in Otaru is the cod milt, which is at its peak during the winter months of December and January. The creamy, rich flavor of fresh cod milt is a delightful addition to the oden broth, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
One of the best things about oden is the ability to customize your bowl. You can order each ingredient separately, allowing you to experiment with a wide variety of flavors and textures. It's a great way to discover new foods and enjoy a truly personalized dining experience. And what better way to enjoy oden than with a cup of warm sake?
Japan stands out for its numerous ski resorts that offer night skiing, giving you the chance to ski from dawn till dusk. Beyond the ranked top3 beginner-friendly slopes, there’s a hidden gem that truly shines after dark.
Located near the Sea of Japan, the Sapporo area benefits from abundant snowfall. Cold currents flowing south from the Arctic Ocean evaporate, and the resulting moisture-laden air, carried by cold seasonal winds from Siberia, collides with the mountains adjacent to the coast from Otaru to Sapporo, resulting in heavy snowfall.
Thanks to these geographical conditions, ski resorts are easily accessible from Otaru and Sapporo, making it convenient for people to enjoy night skiing after work or school on weekdays, and maintaining high demand for night skiing even on weekends.
You can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and ocean, particularly during the twilight hours. The cityscape illuminated against the night sky is a sight to behold.
Of the many great options, two ski resorts truly stand out. "Snow Cruise Onze", known as the "mecca of night skiing", is a must-visit. With a slope that feels like it's taking you straight into the ocean, and an entirely LED-lit mountain for optimal visibility, it offers an incredible night skiing experience until 11 pm every night of the season.
POWDER8 offers a fantastic package: a full-day ski lesson with a guided tour, followed by a 2-3 hour cultural experience like pottery. The day culminates with an exhilarating 3-hour night skiing session at Onze. Or, if you prefer, you can check in, relax, and then head out for a thrilling evening of night skiing.
Our second recommendation is the iconic "Otaru Tengu Ski Resort", just a short 15-minute drive from Otaru. Renowned for its breathtaking night view, ranked among Hokkaido's top three, the resort offers a panoramic vista of Otaru's twinkling lights, cityscape, and Ishikari Bay, which has been awarded a Michelin Green Star. Imagine sipping on a local beer at the Tengu Cafe's window side table, taking in this magnificent scenery.