Otaru is a small port city in northern Japan, famous for its picturesque canals, old warehouses and seafood. The city is located in the Shiribeshi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, and is the main city of the Otaru District. Otaru is approximately 1 hour by train from Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. The city has a population of approximately 193,000.
Otaru is a very popular tourist destination, especially in the summer months. The city's attractions include its canals, seafood, old warehouses, and Hokkaido's largest shopping district, which is located in the city's central business district. The city is also home to a number of museums, including the Otaru Museum of Art, the Otaru Maritime Museum, and the Coal Miners' Museum.