There’s a certain charm that surrounds Otaru in Hokkaido, Japan, that makes this port city a must to visit. Steeped in rich history, Otaru is home to many beautiful architectural marvels located along the picturesque canal such as Hotel Nord Otaru and award-winning Unwind Hotel & Bar. Both of which are all restored and re-purposed buildings that have been around since World War 1. But there’s more to its old-world charm and snow that’s worth mentioning about.
Once the sun sets and temperatures take a deep plunge, you’ll want to hole up in a warm place preferably with alcoholic beverage to help warm your insides. Here is a list of 5 bars in Otaru that’ll do just the trick.
1. Bar Duomo Rosso (Hotel Nord Otaru)
Located along the bank of the Otaru Canal sits the elegant, historical hotel, Hotel Nord Otaru and within, one of Otaru’s most highly-acclaimed cocktail bar lounges, Duomo Rosso. The bar offers a stunning myriad of creative tipples from house signatures to familiar favourites. Guests can sip in style whilst gazing out onto the Otaru Port and canal.
Address: Hotel Nord Otaru, Japan, 〒047-0031 Hokkaido, Otaru, Ironai, 1 Chome−4−16 ホテルノルド小樽 7F
Opening Hours: 8PM – 11PM (Daily)
Contact: +81 134-24-0500
2. Bar Ignis (Unwind Hotel & Bar)
Located within the award-winning, Unwind Hotel & Bar’s Otaru outpost, Bar Ignis is a stylish cocktail bar that specialises in Japanese whiskies and wine. Sure, cocktails and spirits are available too but surely you won’t want to turn down their unlimited free wine happy hour that goes on every day from 5 PM to 6.30 PM.
Address: 1 Chome-8-番25号 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan
Opening Hours: 7PM – 11.30PM (Daily)
Contact: +81 134-64-5810
3. Otaru Beer Otaru Warehouse No.1
Situated along a row of shophouses over at the Otaru Canal, Otaru Warehouse No. 1 brewery and pub is a bonafide beer brewery that brews their own unique brand of Bavarian-style beer using traditional methods. The heavy-stone exterior of the microbrewery sorely lacks a sense of appeal but once you step inside you’ll find yourself transported into craft beer paradise. Their house-brand Otaru beer can be had pretty much anywhere but being able to enjoy it at its source carries a certain novelty about it.
Address: Japan, 〒047-0007 Hokkaido, Otaru, 港町5−4 小樽運河倉庫
Opening Hours: 11AM – 11PM (Daily)
Contact: +81 134-21-2323
4. TAKI’S BAR
Nothing like a nip of good quality Scotch to help combat the cold. If you’re looking to escape the grip of Hokkaido’s unforgiving cold, make it a point to hit up Taki’s Bar. Camouflaged in powdery snow, look out for the empty bottles of Japanese whisky displayed out front. Inside, the vibe is welcoming, warm (literally) and the bar’s curated list of local and imported whiskies will blow your mind.
Address: 2 Chome-14-10 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032, Japan
Contact: +81 134-26-6820
5. Tanaka Sake Brewery
Located at the centre of Otaru, this long-time sake brewery is something of a heritage gem, a highly-treasured gem among the locals and the only one of its kind in the city. Tours are often organised for tourists, giving them an insight into their elaborate sake-making process along with a sake sampling experience at the end of the tour. At the store, visitors are able to enjoy free sake-tastings which include locally brewed sake and approximately 10 different varieties of seasonal sakes.
Address: 2-2 Nobukacho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0016, Japan
Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM (Daily)
Contact: +81 134-21-2390
Read our guide to Japan’s nightlife.
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