Welcome to Otaru Oto, your home away from home in Otaru.
We invite you to stay, relax and explore Otaru, Hokkaido and beyond.
Discover the beauty of every season.
About Otaru Oto
Hi there! I’m Aron 👋 and I own this cosy property. I’ve called Japan home for over 20 years. I absolutely love Otaru, Hokkaido, and Japan as a whole.Otaru Oto has been a labour of love which took well over a year of blood, sweat and tears to get to where it is today. Many elements in the house have been lovingly hand-made and every design element has been carefully considered. It is my only short-term rental property, so it holds a very special place in my heart."Oto" (音) means sound — my hope is that this home captures the true spirit and rhythm of Otaru, serving as your cosy home-away-from-home as you explore our beautiful city and beyond.
Stay
Otaru Oto is a just a 15 minute walk from the main Otaru station. We are on the 'quiet' side, up the hill, meaning that you are an easy stroll down to the sites, but that you can also completely relax away from the tourists once your day is over.Otaru Oto is a cosy 2 bedroom, self contained, detached house combining hardwood floors and traditional Japanese tatami. It comfortably sleeps 4, however if your group is larger we can accommodate up to 6 upon request. There is both a western style room with beds and a tatami room with soft futons. Every room features brand-new, high-powered heaters and air-conditioning units.Our cosy tatami lounge features a projector and 100" projector screen, fully equipped with a Firestick and of course high-speed internet. Comfy beanbags and a Kotatsu (heated table) mean fun movie nights are always on the cards!Both the extendable dining table and kitchen are hand-built and fully equipped with gas stove and microwave. A fridge freezer, rice cooker, kettle etc. are also included, as well as all the cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery you could need.There is a modern washlet toilet and compact shower room including a washing machine, meaning you are all set for long stays!Everything you could want to know about staying in the property is available for download in a handy PDF below.
Explore
Otaru and Hokkaido have so much to offer! Having lived and traveled in Japan extensively for over 20 years, I can honestly say that there is nowhere quite like Otaru. It is unique and famous for its gas-lit canals and renaissance revival, art deco, and Western-style brick warehouses. Its history of being one of Japan's wealthiest and most prominent international trade port cities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries earned Otaru the nickname "Wall Street of the North".From European design elements, civil engineering projects, and decorative items such as English stained-glass windows, glassware and music boxes, there are treasures to be found on every corner.FOOD! Where to even begin?! Of course being in Hokkaido and on the coast, Otaru's seafood is unrivaled and to finish your meal you are spoilt for choice when it comes to desserts made from dairy from those pampered cows! From world famous cheesecake to soft-serve ice-cream, your indulgences are forgiven!Globe-trotters and Japanese natives alike flock to Otaru in every season...In Winter, of course Hokkaido is best known for its #JAPOW; light fluffy piles of powder-snow unlike anywhere else in Japan / the world. In Otaru there are resorts right in town on our doorstep but you also have easy access to some of the best resorts in the country:* Sapporo Kokusai - 30mins drive
* Kiroro - 40mins drive / shuttle bus
* Kutchan - 60mins drive / 75mins train
* Niseko - 75mins drive / 90mins train
* Rusutsu - 90mins driveSummers are much milder up north, meaning Otaru is a great escape from the oppressive heat and humidity of Tokyo and the south. Being on the coast means that there are many beautiful beaches and dramatic coastal landscapes to explore and relax at. Summer is in fact Otaru's peak tourist season.And then of course being surrounded by nature means that the changing faces of the flora and fauna - sakura (Spring cherry blossom) and koyo (Autumn leaves) - are another big draw to the area.Please find nearby recommendations available for download in a handy PDF and Google My Maps link, below.
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