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.