Seasons

In January, Otaru becomes lively with New Year’s visits to historic shrines. Ryugu Shrine, Suitengu Shrine, and Sumiyoshi Shrine are among the notable shrines scattered throughout the area. Among them, Tenguyama Shrine is dedicated to Sarutahiko Okami, the deity of opening roads, and is located at the highest point in Otaru. The first sunrise of the year viewed from the summit observatory, overlooking the morning and night scenery, fills the heart with tranquility.

Held every February and attracting many visitors from both Japan and abroad, the “Otaru Snow Light Path” features over 100,000 candles illuminating the city against the backdrop of historical buildings and canals. These lights are lit one by one with the cooperation of volunteers, mainly local citizens, weaving a warm and heartfelt time.

In March, the sea of Otaru is in the season of “harutukiduo” herring. The herring, which are about to spawn and are rich in roe and milt, have a good body and a slightly sweet, delicate taste. In the past, large quantities of herring were caught off the coast of Otaru and shipped to Honshu by Kitamaebune ships. Even now, that history lives on in the memory of the port, and the seasonal flavors allow you to feel the vibrancy of the past.

From late April to May, the cherry blossoms bloom across the mountains, offering a unique view of the historic townscape in harmony with the blossoms. Additionally, this time of year marks the season for spring shako (mantis shrimp), which are full of eggs, large, and sweet. The ports and markets are filled with these eagerly awaited seasonal delicacies.

In late May, the garden of the Otaru Guest House (former Aoyama Villa), known as the “Herring Mansion,” is adorned with vibrant peonies and peonies in full bloom. Walking through the garden, where the dignified building built with wealth from herring fishing harmonizes with the splendid flowers, you can quietly sense the prosperity of Otaru in the past.

In June, Otaru enjoys a particularly dry and low-humidity climate even among Hokkaido, which has no rainy season. During this time, markets and restaurants are lined with sea urchins in season. Otaru’s sea urchins are refreshing yet richly sweet, and their flavor deepens from the start of the fishing season in May. The proximity of the sea, the production area, to the markets and restaurants is one reason why Otaru’s sea urchins are so delicious. Enjoy the two types, Ezo Bafun Uni and Kita Murasaki Uni, here in Otaru.

Otaru’s summer tradition, the “Otaru Tide Festival,” is a major event involving the participation of citizens, celebrating the city’s history and culture over three days with dance parades, mikoshi parades, and tide drums that enliven the town. The grand fireworks display on the final day lights up the summer night sky, delivering the brilliance of Otaru’s summer to all who visit.

In August, Otaru is enveloped in the light of fireworks that color the night sky. Starting with the city’s largest “Takashima Fireworks Festival,” various fireworks festivals with unique themes are held, bringing vibrancy and smiles to the city. In the Asarigawa area, the “Asarigawa Fireworks Festival” is held annually, operated solely with donations from local residents. The lights launched with the wish to create summer memories for children and to enliven the city leave a warm afterglow in the hearts of visitors.

The annual wine event “La Fête des Vignerons à YOICHI” is a special farm opening festival held in neighboring Yoichi Town. It offers a unique opportunity to enjoy wines with distinctive character from various wineries while feeling the blessings of the vineyard. Wine enthusiasts from all over the country visit for this precious day.

In October, the nostalgic streets of Otaru are adorned with autumn colors. The Asari Dam, located near our facility, is one of the fall foliage spots that Otaru residents look forward to every year. Along the Asarigawa River promenade, the sound of the stream and the autumn breeze create a peaceful walk among the colorful leaves. Enjoy the seasonal flavors of autumn shrimp, autumn salmon, and saury, while savoring the leisurely time that flows with the nostalgic townscape.

Starting in November, the “Blue Light Canal” event envelops the entire canal with approximately 10,000 blue lights. The blue light harmonizes with the white snow and the reflection on the water, creating a fantastic and beautiful scene. The canal cruise is also illuminated in blue, offering a memorable experience of the winter season.

With the arrival of December, the ski season begins. The Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort, just a short distance from our facility, boasts powder snow popular among locals. It offers a special location with an unobstructed ocean view, allowing you to feel the blue sea spread out below as you ski. Enjoy a variety of courses suitable for beginners to advanced skiers, and relax your mind and body in the hot springs after skiing for a soothing time.