Otaru beach
Otaru Beach is the most popular beach for vacationers in Hokkaido. It is also sometimes called Dream Beach, because this coast is the best place for parties and for Japanese students from nearby universities. Otaru is located in a 15-minute trip from Sapporo Station, which also gives it a special attraction along with developed infrastructure and opportunities for interesting leisure time at sea and on the shore.
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Beach description
Otaru Beach is a favorite beach holiday destination for youth (both the Japanese themselves and tourists). The total length of this coast with dark gray sand is about 1 km with a width of up to 60 m.
- The sea here is warm and clean, but not clear.
- You can swim from late June to August, which makes the bathing season on Otaru beach the longest in Hokkaido. At this time, the coast is very crowded, and sometimes it is difficult to find a free space on the coast if you do not arrive here early.
- Holidays on Otaru Beach are not recommended for those who seek privacy and a relaxed atmosphere. There is always noise and fun, and in the evening colorful fireworks illuminate the sky above the beach.
- In summer coastal parties are held every weekend from sunset to dawn.
A concert venue is located on one of the outskirts of the beach, where parties are usually held by famous groups and popular DJs. Often you can see announcements in a beach bar about who and when will perform at the beach concert venue.
When is the best time to go?
If in the north of Japan, in Hokkaido, the weather in January-February is quite wintery, in the southern islands the temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees even in the cold season. In summer, the rainy season comes in Japan, when the humidity becomes almost one hundred percent, and the thermometer is at 30 to 40 degrees. Therefore, the best time to travel to Japan – is late spring or early autumn.
Video: Beach Otaru
Infrastructure
The conditions for relaxing on Otaru Beach are very comfortable. Coming here, you do not have to worry about where and how you can have fun.
There are many restaurants and beach bars on the coast they offer a wide selection of dishes and drinks on the menu, including the traditional "zest" of local cuisine. Many establishments are available for visiting almost around the clock. Beach bars usually have changing rooms and showers.
There is an extensive paid parking area near the coast. On the beach, vacationers can rent sun loungers and banana boats. You can stay at the hotels Otaru or Sapporo (Kotoni Green (about 11 km from the beach).
Weather in Otaru
Best hotels of Otaru
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- the easiest way to get to the beach by public transport is from Hoshioki station by train, going to Sapporo station. Travel time takes about 15 minutes. You can also take the bus from Hoshioki Bus Station, travel time is only 10 minutes. Buses to the beach depart regularly from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and back from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. In summer, even a free tourist bus runs from here.
- Otaru is an interesting Japanese city, you should definitely take time for exploring it and enjoying the sights, in addition to relaxing on the "Dream Beach". You need to take a walk in the evening along the Otaru city canal, which is lit by old street lamps and is a symbol of the city. It is also worth going on an excursion to Nishin Goten, an old wooden mansion that once belonged to a local tycoon of the fishing industry (as the name of the building reminds of “Herring's Palace”).
- Having a rest in Otaru, you should try the beer and buy a traditional souvenir from these places, for example, a music box as a present in the local market.
- Those who are looking for a more secluded holiday destination with more picturesque landscapes should visit Ranshima < / strong>.