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Otaru

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Otaru

4 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Otaru, Japan

Updated September 7, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Otaru

Kitaichi Hall.

Otaru, Japan

Kitaichi Hall

A gorgeous, nostalgic café housed in a lofty old warehouse, lit only by petroleum lamps.

The opulent second floor.

Otaru, Japan

Otaru Orgel Museum

This dazzling three-story shop showcases the art and history of music boxes, a popular novelty in Japan.

The site of Temiya Line, 1880-1985.

Otaru, Japan

Former Temiya Line Railroad

This abandoned railroad got a new life as a scenic promenade cutting through the city of Otaru.

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Otaru Herring Palace

Otaru, Japan

Otaru Herring Palace

A nouveau-riche hilltop “palace” that once provided lodging to more than a hundred fishermen.

Are we missing something unusual?

The petroglyphs (picture taken from the site’s official booklet).

Yoichi, Japan

Fugoppe Cave Petroglyphs

One of the only two archaeological sites in Japan to feature petroglyphs, which some believe to be a long-lost writing system of the gods.

7 miles from Otaru

Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo Clock Tower

Japan’s oldest clock tower has been called one of the country’s most disappointing attractions.

20 miles from Otaru

Salmon Roe, the restaurant’s specialty

Sapporo, Japan

Hachikyo

This exacting restaurant will charge a fine for every grain of rice you've left behind.

20 miles from Otaru

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Explore Otaru, Japan

Museums 2

History & Culture 2

Trains 1

History 1

Fishing 1

Glass 1

Music Box 1

Buildings 1

Railroads 1

Cafe 1

Factories 1

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Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.

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