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Updated by Joanna James on Mar 16, 2024
Headline for Top 7 kid's attractions in Otaru - The adults will love it too!
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Joanna James Joanna James
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Top 7 kid's attractions in Otaru - The adults will love it too!

As one of Japan's most breath-taking and underrated tourist hotspots, there's much to do and discover on a trip to Otaru, especially if you are travelling with the little ones. Here are some of the top tourist activities to enjoy in the city.

1

Take Part in the Sapporo Snow Festival

As one of the world's biggest and most popular snow festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival is arguably the most anticipated local event in Otaru. Having hosted the event since 1950, the festival is perhaps best known for the stunning ice sculpture displays that are specially crafted for the occasion. A wide array of winter-based activities is also available during the festival as well as a plethora of local sweetmeats and culinary offerings.

2

Discover Mount Zao

As one of the area's most active volcanoes, travelling up Mount Zao is a must-experience highlight for first-time visitors. The easiest way to reach the venue is by the ropeway which has been put in place to allow visitors to witness the splendour of the area's natural beauty. Tourists based at Grand Park Otaru or any of the countless other Hokkaido accommodation providers in the area will find that they are within close range of the location.

3

Pick Up Skiing

Those who are fortunate enough to be vacationing in Otaru should also make the most of the holiday by signing up for ski lessons and picking up this exhilarating winter sport. The Manza Onsen located in the Gunma Prefecture is deemed one of the finest skiing hubs in of Japan and the 1800 altitude venue is the perfect way to pick up this exciting sporting activity. Free from crowds, the area is ideal for beginner skiers to practice their skills and sign up for lessons with professional instructors. What's more, learning how to ski in Otaru is a great transferable skill the visitors can use to enjoy skiing in other ski destinations around the world.

4

Sail on a Frozen Sea Cruise

Setting sail on an Ice Breaker Cruise is a once in a lifetime opportunity to set adrift on a frozen ocean and experience the beauty of the southern fringes of the northern hemisphere. The seascape one passes by on this cruise not only includes spectacular sights of local wildlife and birds hunting for prey but also large chunks of ice floating across frozen waters. Watching the cruise vessel create a path through the ice while cracking it is another unique experience visitors can encounter during the journey.

5

Wine and Dine in a Snow House

Eat Japanese food in a Kamakura snow house Kamakura Snow Festival to dig into some tasty treats inside the confines of a snow house. Held during the first months of the year, this festival held in the Tochigi Prefecture town allows visitors to enjoy a meal inside the Kamakura snow house which is made entirely out of snow. Japanese dishes grace the menu of this engaging snow restaurant which pops up once a year to the delight of many a diner.

6

Enjoy an Open-Air Bath

Often described as the best way to wind down after a day of skiing, hiking or sightseeing, soaking your tired bones in the warm folds of an open-air hot spring is one of the most relaxing activities available in Otaru. A wide range of hot spring inns lines the area where visitors can have their pick of venues to enjoy an open-air bath with mountain views all around. Steaming hot spring water relaxes weary muscles and rejuvenates the body with its warmth.

7

Tour the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum

Spend your holiday in Otaru in a meaningful way by delving deeper into sea ice at the illustrious Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum. Occupying pride of place at the summit of Mount Tento, arguably one of the most captivating sights in all of Hokkaido, the museum is home to a host of sea creatures as well as mammoth boulders of ice from the sea. The interactive point of interest also allows visitors to experience the phenomenon known as drift ice for themselves with a true to life simulation.