Otaru: Rickshaw Tour Along Canal, Old Post Office & Marina
Otaru canal rickshaw ride with old post office stop
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.
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.
Traveler reviews
Ratings come from travelers who booked this exact experience. We never edit or filter them.
Read all the reviews ›
30m–2h
Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1 — 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
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?
Secure checkout on Viator
Do you need help planning your next activity? 
