Otaru rickshaw tour: Otaru Canal, old post office & marina

Glide past the Otaru Canal and old warehouses from a rickshaw seat

You’ll roll through Otaru’s history on a rickshaw tour: past stone warehouses along the canal, inside an old post office creaking with stories, down quiet alleys and across a bridge where locals pause for photos. With a local guide steering you through each stop, it’s not just sightseeing. It’s feeling the city breathe around you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Otaru's historic canal and landmarks

• Pass by iconic Otaru scenery
• View north part of Otaru canal
• Visit inside old post office
• Pass by old rail tracks
• Pass through small alley
• See popular bridge over canal
• Stroll through Otaru Marina

The experience

We climbed into the rickshaw near Otaru Canal, legs dangling just above the street. I could smell something like roasted chestnuts from a stall nearby: maybe it was just my imagination, but it fit. Our driver, Sato-san, gave us this quick bow before pulling us forward. The wheels made this soft clacking sound over old stones as we drifted past those brick warehouses everyone photographs. I tried to wave at a couple walking their dog. They waved back but looked surprised, maybe tourists don’t usually wave here?

Sato-san pointed out some faded kanji on one warehouse wall and told us it used to store herring. He said it in English but then repeated part in Japanese for another couple behind us. I liked that he switched so easily. We stopped at the north end of the canal where things got quieter and you could hear gulls instead of scooters. There’s an old post office there with these heavy wooden doors (I pushed one open and it creaked so loud I jumped). Inside smelled faintly of paper and something sweet: like someone had just finished eating melon bread.

After that, we rolled along these rails that don’t go anywhere now: Sato-san called them “ghost tracks.” There’s a small alley lined with lanterns (the kind that look like they’ve been there forever), and then suddenly we were at this bridge everyone says is the best spot for photos. Honestly, I didn’t even take any because I was too busy staring at how the light hit the water. We ended up by Otaru Marina where you could see fishing boats bobbing around. A few guys were mending nets and laughing about something I couldn’t catch. The whole day felt like drifting through someone else’s memories. I still think about that view from the bridge sometimes, you know?

What’s included

Your day includes a guided rickshaw ride through Otaru’s historic canal district with stops inside the old post office and along scenic bridges and marina paths: all led by a local driver who shares stories as you go.

Options for this experience

5 options

Otaru 30minGuide in Japanese · 7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 13:00Lasts 30 minutes

Otaru 45minGuide in Japanese · 7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 13:00Lasts 45 minutes

Otaru 60minGuide in Japanese · 7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 13:00Lasts 1 hour

See 2 more options

Otaru 90minGuide in Japanese · 7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 13:00Lasts 1 hour 30 minutes

Otaru 120minGuide in Japanese · 7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 13:00Lasts 2 hours

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 13:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Infant (1 to 5 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideJapanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ebisuya

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Otaru's main landmarks without walking the whole port yourself. The rickshaw does the route while you take in the canal, the bridge views and the marina at a pace that lets you notice the old architecture.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

90 verified traveler reviews

5 ★88

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (1 to 5 years): free.

Is the Otaru Rickshaw Tour suitable for families?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap. Child rates apply for kids age 5 or under.

Are rickshaws wheelchair accessible in Otaru?

Yes, rickshaws are wheelchair and stroller friendly.

How many people fit in one rickshaw?

Each rickshaw fits up to 2 adults. Up to 2 children (age 5 or under) can ride on laps with 2 adults.

Can I request an English-speaking driver?

A multi-lingual driver may be available. Ask for your preferred language when booking.

What are some highlights of this Otaru tour?

You’ll see Otaru Canal, visit inside the old post office, pass old rail tracks and alleys, cross a famous bridge, and stroll through Otaru Marina.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup. Tours start at the rickshaw stand near Otaru Canal.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers. Those within their first 16 weeks of pregnancy are not permitted to ride.

If I’m larger or want more space, can I book my own rickshaw?

Yes. For comfort, you can book individual rickshaws if needed.