Otaru Canal

The Otaru Canal is one of the most famous landmarks in Otaru City, Hokkaido, Japan. Construction of the canal began in 1914 and it was officially completed and opened to navigation in 1923. Lining both sides of the canal are rows of red-brick warehouses, which once symbolized Otaru’s significance as a financial and economic hub in Hokkaido. Because of this, the city was once known as the “Wall Street of the North.” At that time, the canal was bustling with small barges used for loading and unloading goods.

However, with the decline of industrial development due to the impact of war, the canal gradually lost its original function. Half of the canal was eventually filled in and converted into a roadway.

Today, the remaining warehouse buildings have been revitalized and transformed into glass craft shops, specialty tea houses, restaurants, and large stores, exuding a strong retro charm. The canal itself is now open for sightseeing boat tours, attracting many visitors and making it one of Hokkaido’s popular tourist attractions.