Category: Otaru

I stayed at Dormy Inn Otaru and had breakfast the next morning.

Dormy Inn Otaru breakfast is one of the most popular features of this hotel.

It is known for its Hokkaido-style buffet, including fresh seafood and local dishes.

I arrived about 5 minutes before opening to avoid the crowd, and there was already a small line.

Dormy Inn Otaru Breakfast Buffet

The breakfast buffet offers a variety of Hokkaido dishes.

I had a seafood bowl with different toppings and a warm fish cake soup.

I couldn’t believe the all-you-can-eat salmon roe.

Everything was fresh and perfect for starting the day.

The restaurant also has a nice view of Mount Tengu, which made the experience even more special.

My Experience

I felt completely full after breakfast.

For some reason, I can always eat more than usual when I travel.

Spring is a great time to visit, as hotel prices are often lower than in winter.

This breakfast is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a local Hokkaido-style meal in Otaru.

After dinner in Otaru, I returned to Dormy Inn Otaru for the night.

This was part of my short trip to Otaru from Niseko.

This stay at Dormy Inn Otaru was not only about the location, but also about the experience inside the hotel.

Japanese-Style Room

I chose a Japanese-style room with tatami flooring.

Tatami rooms always feel relaxing and comfortable, which made the stay even more enjoyable.

Onsen Experience

After relaxing in the room, I headed to the onsen.

I really like the quiet walk through the long hallway to the bath area. It is somehow part of the travel experience.

The hotel has a natural hot spring, and the bath was excellent.

It was not crowded, so I could fully relax.

One surprising thing was how smooth my hair felt after the bath.

I noticed they had a ReFa shower head and a Panasonic hair dryer, which might have made the difference.

Free Night Ramen (Yonaki Soba)

Another highlight of the stay was the free “Yonaki Soba” served from 9:30 PM.

It is a complimentary ramen service offered by Dormy Inn hotels at night.

When I arrived, there was already a line.

It was more popular than I expected.

Fortunately, I did not have to wait long and got a bowl.

The ramen was a light soy sauce flavor, perfect for late at night.

The portion was just right, and it was very satisfying.

My Experience

The onsen and the night ramen made this stay much more enjoyable.

Dormy Inn Otaru offers not just a place to sleep, but a full travel experience.

Spring is a great time to visit, as hotel prices are often lower than in winter.

 visited Otaru for a short overnight trip from Niseko.

Otaru is a great destination for a short trip from Niseko.

In this guide, I will share a simple route including a hotel stay, local food, and dessert spots near Otaru Station.

It takes about one hour from Niseko, so it is easy to visit even for a day trip.

However, I had plans early the next morning, so I decided to stay one night.

I visited at the end of March, when the snow had already started to melt.

Stay at Dormy Inn Otaru

I stayed at Dormy Inn Otaru, which is located right in front of the station.

It is a very convenient location, especially if you travel by train.

Dinner at Naruto Honten

For dinner, I went to Naruto Honten, which is famous for its fried chicken.

It is about a 2–3 minute walk from Dormy Inn Otaru, so the location is very convenient.

I tried to make a reservation, but they do not accept same-day bookings.

Luckily, I arrived before 5 PM, so I was able to get a seat without waiting.

I ordered sushi and half fried chicken, and both were delicious.

This restaurant has a special meaning to me.

I used to visit it with my grandparents when I was a child, around 40 years ago.

LeTAO Dessert

After dinner, I stopped by LeTAO, a popular dessert shop in Otaru.

There is a LeTAO shop called “Ekimo LeTAO” located on the first floor of Dormy Inn Otaru, so it was very easy to visit.

I had the famous double cheesecake, and it was amazing.

The shop was quite busy because it is close to the station.

My Experience

Even though it was just a short trip, I really enjoyed walking around Otaru.

It is a great place for a quick getaway from Niseko.

This plan is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed and easy trip near Niseko.

I will also share the breakfast experience in another post.