Otaru Park is a historic park that opened in the Meiji era. The location is on the hill of central Otaru city, and this park is close to the city hall, courts, and cultural facilities.
On the other hand, cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, wisteria flowers in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn will delight your eyes. It is also a promenade so you can walk lightly.
Table of Contents
About Otaru Park
Otaru is a historical city in Hokkaido. The Otaru Park was opened in 1900 (Meiji 33). Therefore, it conveys the construction style of the park at that time. It’s a prosperous area, surrounded by many restaurants, historic buildings, steles, and statues.
You will be greeted by an old garden when you enter the park. Meanwhile, you rarely feel the Japanese atmosphere in parks in Hokkaido.
Otaru Park Observatory
Take a break at the observatory called Miharashi Dai.
Since it is a park located on a hill, you can enjoy the view of Otaru city and the harbour along with the cherry blossoms. As one of the “Otaru Eight Famous Places,” it is a scenic spot overlooking the city of Otaru. Cloudless blue sky and sea! You can see the peninsula over there and the ships leaving the port offshore. I was fascinated by this scenery for a while.
Cherry Blossom
In addition to the Japanese garden and the city and harbour view, there are about 7,000 azaleas, 900 cherry trees, and 50 species such as chestnuts, oaks.
In Otaru Park, you can see the double-flowered cherry blossoms that bloom in pink all over the park in May. And the double-flowered cherry blossoms alongside the slope leading to the square in front of the Kensei Tower. It’s beautiful.
Otaru Park is famous for the azalea, which is the flower of the city of Otaru. However, many tourists visit cherry blossoms every year because Sakurayama and Someyoshi Yoshino cherry trees are unique to Hokkaido. Moreover, there are many spectacular cherry blossom views in Hokkaido. [Click Here] Be sure to wear enough clothes in spring Hokkaido [Click Here]
Children’s Kingdom Zone
There was an area called “Kodomo no Kuni”(Children’s Kingdom). It included power playsets such as Ferris wheels and flower cups, and there were also small animals.
Kodomo no Kuni was closed in 2006.
After that, it developed as “Kodomo no Kuni Zone”(Children’s Kingdom Zone). In addition to flower cups, there is a colourful playground such as slides, swings, and jungle gyms.
Also, there is a maze for young children. You will hear some parents try to guide their kids out.
So if you are travelling with kids, please stop by.
Information
Fee: free
Parking Lot: free
Address: 5 Chome-3 Hanazono, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0024
How To Get Here
I like to take the bus to Otaru Park because I need the energy to walk in the park.
By Walk
About 15 minutes on foot from JR Otaru Station.
By Bus
From Otaru Sta. Mae takes Chuo Bus. Get off at the bus stop “Hanazono Koen Dori” and walk for about 5 minutes.
By Car
About 15 minutes by car from JR Otaru Station.
Conclusion
In short, Otaru Park is a good spot for days out with kids. But, visitors to the park for the first time will be amazed at its size and undulations. This park is part of a small mountain, so you need to be physically fit to take a walk.
The charm of Otaru is not only the canal but the history. Many people end up sightseeing in Otaru only near the canal, but that’s not the only good thing about Otaru. Experience the history and culture of Hokkaido at Otaru Park.
