What is the history of Otaru Japan?

Otaro was recognized as a village by the Bakufu in 1865, and in 1880 the first railway line in Hokkaido opened with daily service between Otaro and Sapporo. An Imperial Decree in July 1899 designated Otaru as an open port for trade with the United States and Great Britain.

Is Otaru worth visiting?

Otaro is a small port city near Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido in Japan. Visiting Otaro is one of the best things you can do on your trip to Hokkaido. Famous for its canal and preserved brick warehouses, Otaro attracts many visitors throughout the year.

What are the interesting facts about Otaru?

Its name is a corruption of the Ainu word otarunai, meaning sandy beach. Otaru developed as a modern city in the late 19th century. With a good natural harbor, it is now the second most important seaport after Hakodate and the largest industrial and commercial city on the west coast of Hokkaido.

History