Have a fantastic night on your trip! 17 must-visit Izakayas in Otaru

Otaru, a town known for its history and romance, is one of Hokkaido’s leading tourist destinations. The iconic canal and the nostalgic scenery of old warehouses captivate not only Japanese visitors but also tourists from abroad. In this charming, nostalgic setting, Otaru boasts many carefully curated izakayas. Here, you can savor local gourmet dishes unique to Hokkaido and Otaru, allowing you to forget the time and enjoy an exceptional evening. This time, we’ve carefully selected popular izakayas that are especially beloved by locals and highly recommended for tourists as well.

1. Wakadori Jidai Naruto

Naruto is an izakaya famous for its deep-fried half young chicken. It’s a popular spot among a wide range of generations in Otaru and is always bustling with energy. Their specialty “deep-fried half young chicken” is made by soaking bone-in meat in salt and pepper overnight, then deep-frying it twice, resulting in a crispy outside and juicy, tender inside. It’s quite hefty, but pairs wonderfully with white rice or beer.

In addition to that, they offer a rich variety of Japanese-style dishes including seafood, tempura, and eel. Of course, being a port town, you can also enjoy sushi and sashimi. They also have monthly discount days known as “Zangi Day” and “Tori Day,” so check their website if you're curious.

2. Gatsuya Shimazaki

Gatsuya Shimazaki, an izakaya known for its fresh seafood dishes, is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Otaru Station. Housed in an old traditional row house, this is one of Otaru’s most historic establishments, in business for over 80 years since its founding in 1935. It has a cozy U-shaped counter with only 10 seats, so it quickly fills up with patrons.

The highlight here is the fresh seafood unique to Otaru. Crab, tuna, and a pork loin dish called “chap” are particularly recommended. The “Grilled Red Snow Crab” is made using fresh, unfrozen crab for an exceptional taste. The chap consists of a thick pork loin block grilled whole and sliced — a top contender alongside the seafood menu.

This is a nostalgic izakaya run by a female owner. Many regulars come to enjoy a chat, so you might get a pleasant chance to interact with the locals.

3. Kasube

Located about 10 minutes on foot from Otaru Station, “Kasube” is an izakaya with a retro exterior. Inside, you’ll find a distinctive atmosphere decorated with items like a fireplace and an old wooden fishing boat. It’s known that Yujiro Ishihara, who spent his childhood in Otaru, visited many times, and the place displays many of his photos and autographs.

A recommended dish at this izakaya is the “Troika Hot Pot.” Served in a square pot with ingredients like shrimp, scallops, and bamboo shoots, it’s enjoyed by mixing with the soft-boiled egg placed on top. There’s also a variety of fresh sashimi and snacks that pair well with alcohol.

A nostalgic izakaya reminiscent of Hokkaido’s pioneering days, “Kasube” is worth visiting even if you’re not a fan of Yujiro.

4. Sakadokoro Fujirin

Sakadokoro Fujirin is a great izakaya for those looking to enjoy high-quality alcohol in Otaru. Once you pass through the yellow noren curtain, you’ll find rows upon rows of sake and shochu — a dream space for liquor lovers. Their selection of sake is especially outstanding, including many rare types!

As for food, the main offering is oden. Being in Otaru, their specialty is assorted fish cakes. Besides oden, there’s also plenty of seafood such as sashimi and grilled fish. You’ll even find local favorites like zangi (fried chicken). With delicious oden and seafood, your drinks will taste even better.

5. Hanagokoro Otaru Branch

Near the Otaru Canal stands a refined building housing the izakaya “Hanagokoro.” Fittingly so, as the building is the former Yasuda Bank, which is a designated historic structure by the city of Otaru. The grand atmosphere of the bank era still lingers within the izakaya. In the center of the restaurant, a large cherry blossom tree is placed in the open atrium space, allowing guests to enjoy food and drinks while gazing at the blossoms.

A recommended dish here is “Hanagokoro’s Temari Sushi.” These small, adorable sushi balls are especially popular with women. The “Domestic Wagyu Sukiyaki and Hokkaido Seafood Course” includes plenty of domestic Wagyu beef and seafood from Hokkaido, along with all-you-can-drink options. Reservations are required, so be sure to check in advance. Another top pick is the “Seafood Hitsumabushi,” served with rich sea urchin soy sauce, showcasing the marine delights of Otaru.

Closed in June 2020.

6. Shirokuma Shokudo

Shirokuma Shokudo is a beloved local gem located near the northern end of the Otaru Canal. It’s just a 3-minute walk from the NISHIKIMACHI bus stop of the Hokkaido Chuo Bus line. A picture of a polar bear is painted on the shop curtain, sure to bring a smile to visitors. Beyond the curtain, the signboards and decor are full of polar bear-themed items.

Depending on the day’s catch, the fresh red snow crab sashimi served here is superb. The flesh is thick and melts in your mouth with sweetness. The grilled crab shell with miso, made by torching red snow crab shoulder meat, creates an exquisite flavor and aroma.

Interestingly, this place doesn’t have a printed appetizer menu. Instead, the owner engages with customers through conversation and serves snacks suited to their drinks and preferences. They also serve “Crane’s Bouquet,” a highball that gained attention in the NHK drama Massan. Be sure to give it a try.

7. Shotoku Taishi

Shotoku Taishi is an izakaya located about a 10-minute walk from the Otaru arcade shopping street. Look for the large signboard and lanterns written in thick black characters—this is a sushi and seafood restaurant.

Its biggest appeal is its incredible cost performance! You can enjoy a lot of food for a reasonable price, making it a casual go-to izakaya in Otaru. Even with affordable pricing, the dishes are fresh and tasty. The chef and hostess are known for their discerning eye—trusted even by local Otaru fishermen.

The chirashi sushi is so generously portioned you might think it’s meant for two! They also serve many delicious and affordable snacks that pair well with alcohol, such as cod milt ponzu, sea urchin, and zangi (fried chicken).

8. Otaru Poseidon

Located on Sakaimachi Street in the tourist district, “Otaru Poseidon” is an izakaya also recommended for lunchtime. If you sit at the counter, you can watch your “Seafood Robatayaki” grilled right before your eyes. The restaurant also features a kids’ space, making it easy for families with children to stop by.

This restaurant has been selected two years in a row for the “This is What I Want to Eat Award” hosted by the Hokkaido Shimbun, and they offer a wide variety of seafood rice bowls featuring fresh ingredients. With the “Omakase Don,” you can even have an original seafood bowl made with your choice of toppings.

The “Seafood Robatayaki” is a powerful dish that grills fresh seafood selected from the day’s ingredients. Enjoy original seafood bowls, robatayaki, and many other enticing seafood dishes.

9. Hokkai Aburiyaki Ungasouko

Standing right in front of the Otaru Canal, “Hokkai Aburiyaki Ungasouko” is an izakaya renovated from a former grain warehouse dating back to when Otaru was the logistics hub of Hokkaido. The old warehouse atmosphere remains inside, allowing you to feel the historic romance. Warm lighting creates a cozy ambiance, and you’re greeted with a Japanese drum performance upon entering.

As the name suggests, the main attraction is grilled seafood and mountain fare. In addition to grilled dishes, the restaurant offers a wide range of seafood items. You can also enjoy meats like Genghis Khan and wild game.

The drink menu features local sake and beer from Otaru, wines, shochu, and cocktails—all produced in Hokkaido! This izakaya is perfect for comparing the flavors of Hokkaido’s seafood and mountain produce, along with local drinks.

10. Rakuten

Located just a 4-minute walk from Otaru Station, the hidden izakaya “Rakuten” is bustling with not only tourists but also locals. The stylish white-themed exterior gives way to a warm, homey atmosphere once you step inside.

Recommended dishes include oden and yakitori. Rakuten serves unique oden varieties you won’t often see elsewhere, such as their original “Fresh Seaweed” oden, squid tempura oden, and tuna oden. The “Foie Gras Daikon” is a secret popular dish among the locals.

Their yakitori also features rare cuts like “sori” (oyster muscle), so be sure to give it a try. They also offer seasonal specialties using fresh, in-season ingredients. This izakaya offers a delightful variety of delicious dishes.

11. Tachinomi Kakuregura (Sakesho Takano)

Sakesho Takano is a liquor shop that mainly carries local sake. On the second floor of the shop is “Tachinomi Kakuregura,” where you can sample around 100 kinds of carefully selected sake and authentic shochu, handpicked by the owner who proudly sells only what he personally wants to drink.

This izakaya operates as a membership-only venue, but anyone with proper drinking etiquette and manners can become a member. First, you get a ticket from the owner, then choose your preferred drink from the fridge and hand it to the owner.

While sake and shochu are the main offerings, there are also liqueurs and plum wines, all reasonably priced. Snacks that pair perfectly with each drink, curated by the knowledgeable owner, are also available. Relax with a drink and enjoy conversations with the owner and fellow guests at this hidden retreat for sake lovers.

12. Hoshinoan Kazeno-iro

About 10 minutes from Otaru Station, you’ll find a house-style building with a green fence and red accents. This is “Hoshinoan Kazeno-iro,” a hidden gem perfect for enjoying Otaru nights.

The interior is decorated with antique items and old books, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere that recalls a bygone era. Outside is a retro-style garden, and on weekends they host a “Hoppy Garden,” offering a special garden-only menu.

The highlight here is the “Sanrei Hoppy,” a chilled drink made with three icy-cold components: the glass, the alcohol, and the soda — no ice, so the flavor stays strong. They also serve “Otaru Highball” and “Shitamachi Shochu Highball,” all focused on being chilled without dilution. You can even enjoy lukewarm sake served with Edo-period utensils.

The menu includes a variety of dishes that pair well with drinks, such as their popular stewed beef tripe and century egg tofu. Savor these original drinks and dishes in the retro ambiance that only this izakaya can offer.

13. Orange otaru

Tucked away down a narrow alley off Chuo Street, this house-style izakaya features an orange-themed exterior with brown accents. Inside, there are both solid wood counter seats and table seating. Upstairs, there’s a hidden space designed like a secret base inside a large tree stump — an interior sure to spark excitement.

Just like the warm orange exterior, the lighting inside gives off a cozy glow, making it a great spot for a date. Drinks include chic options like sangria made with fruit-infused ice and original cocktails using fresh fruit.

The food menu is equally impressive. Popular choices include sea urchin pasta and tomato pasta with shrimp that’s tender enough to eat shell and all. The chef’s specialty “Homemade Roast Beef with Hokkaido Beef” offers tender meat perfectly matched with rich gravy sauce. They also serve prosciutto, salmon carpaccio, and other dishes that pair wonderfully with drinks. They are also open for lunch, so it’s worth visiting for a midday peek.

14. Otaru Soko No.1

Along the Otaru Canal, many shops retain the old warehouse charm, and “Otaru Soko No.1” is one of them. Like its neighbors, the brick-style exterior reflects the retro vibe of Otaru’s shipping port era.

Inside, you’ll find a beer pub within the Otaru Beer Brewery. Upon entering the solid, imposing doorway, you’ll be greeted by two large beer tanks in the center of the spacious hall. These are actual “brew kettles” still in use today.

Seating surrounds the central tanks, allowing guests to fully immerse in the brewery ambiance while enjoying their drinks. There’s also a terrace outside, perfect for sipping beer while taking in the canal view on nice days.

Authentic German-style Otaru beer comes in three types: Pilsner, Dunkel, and Weiss. They also offer rare beers like strawberry and banana beer. Naturally, the food is German-inspired to pair with the beer.

Enjoy classic German snacks like sausages, potatoes, pork schnitzel, and pretzels that bring out the best in the beer. For those wanting a more filling meal, seafood paella and pizza are also recommended.

15. Western-Style Izakaya Tai-mu

Inside “Renga Yokocho,” a famous Otaru food stall village filled with sushi shops, oden stands, and other various eateries, you’ll find “Western-Style Izakaya Tai-mu.” With its warm brown wooden exterior, it’s a cozy izakaya where even solo female guests can drop in with ease. Despite being in a stall village, this is a rare izakaya that specializes in cheese and wine.

Their signature dish is “Raclette Cheese.” Cheese is melted using a special machine and then spread hot over French bread. It’s irresistibly delicious even for those who aren’t huge fans of cheese.

Drink options include wine, beer, whiskey, and sours — all generously available. Perfect for those who want to enjoy a grown-up evening with hot raclette cheese and a drink.

16. Aozora Zenibako 3-Chome

Located in the Zenibako district, which borders Sapporo City, “Gyoza Chaya Aozora Zenibako 3-Chome” opened in 2004 after converting an old traditional house. The retro building features a sign with blue letters on a white base. The interior retains the warmth of the old home, creating a nostalgic and relaxing space.

Their handmade gyoza, crafted from scratch, are so popular they often attract lines! The specialty jumbo gyoza are impressively large, but just the right size to bite into. With thick, chewy skins and meat juices that burst out when bitten, they’re incredibly juicy. And of course, they pair perfectly with beer and other drinks.

17. Ore no Jingisukan

Featured on TV and in magazines, this is one of Otaru’s most talked-about izakayas. Located along the tourist route of the Otaru Canal, its affordable prices and lively atmosphere make it a bustling spot. While its name emphasizes Jingisukan (grilled lamb), it also offers a variety of seafood and other dishes.

They procure fresh vegetables directly from partnered farms, and also serve fresh lamb and Wagyu beef, allowing guests to enjoy high-quality ingredients at a reasonable price. Seafood is also freshly sourced from the Otaru Market.

In summer, they offer a limited-time cold soba topped with plentiful garnishes — perfect as a finishing dish. With a kids’ space available, it’s also great for families.

◎ Summary

Each izakaya is unique in its own way, yet they all perfectly reflect the charm of Otaru’s port-town atmosphere. With different concepts, vibes, and specialties, we hope this guide helps you find the izakaya that best suits your preferences and purpose.

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Have a fantastic night on your trip! 17 must-visit Izakayas in Otaru