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Otaru / 8 photo spots

8 Instagram spots around Otaru

Otaru on Hokkaidō combines a canal, former trading buildings and a coastal mountain viewpoint. The historic streets and waterfront make a good starting point.

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Photo spots on the map

0 of 8 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.

Current viewOtaruApproximate overview without a marker

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Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.

Otaru Canal

Former warehouses line Otaru Canal. Frame the water and buildings together from the path, or use the canal’s curve to lead the eye into the scene.

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Sakaimachi Street

Sakaimachi is a former merchant street with preserved buildings and shops. Photograph along the street to connect several façades, taking care not to obstruct people walking past.

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Former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch

The Bank of Japan’s former Otaru branch houses a museum. Use the building’s exterior as an architectural subject and check the museum’s rules before photographing exhibits.

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Otaru Music Box Museum

The Otaru Music Box Museum is associated with the shops and museums near Sakaimachi. Frame the entrance as part of its street setting; ask about photography before making images inside.

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Former Temiya Railway Line

Part of the former Temiya Line is preserved as a walking route. Use the rails as leading lines and stay within the preserved visitor area.

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Otaru Railway Museum

Otaru’s railway museum occupies the site of a former railway terminus. If photography is allowed, use the historic trains as a subject and include some of their surroundings.

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Mount Tengu viewpoint

Mount Tengu offers a view over Otaru and Ishikari Bay. Check the ropeway’s current operation before visiting, and use a wide frame to include both city and coast.

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Otaru Kihinkan, Former Aoyama Villa

Otaru Kihinkan is a former villa connected to the region’s herring industry. Photograph the exterior from an allowed position, and follow the property’s current photography rules.

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Sources for these photo spots