Uncover a hidden gem boasting fruitful ties to fishing, art and local culinary delights.
Featured Cruises to Otaru, Hokkaido
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Otaru, Hokkaido
Located on the island of Hokkaido (Japan’s northernmost island), Otaru is a lesser-traveled town, but nonetheless a fabulous place to visit during an Asia cruise. Since it is a port city with significant ties to the fishing industry, you can count on a fabulous dining scene. Freshly caught seafood and sushi await! Otaru is also famous for its glass-blowing industry, which means you will also discover a fabulous art scene. From museums to beaches, outdoor attractions, and endless opportunities to discover local art and culture, you’ll fall short of something incredible to do in Otaru!
Several cruise lines offer cruises that visit Otaru, but Ponant is the only cruise line that currently features cruises from Otaru. If you’re looking to enjoy warm weather, then plan to travel between August and September. Your best chance of avoiding rainfall is in early July, while April is the best month to avoid extreme humidity (though with this usually comes large crowds).
American Discount Vacations is proud to offer the best deals possible on all cruises from Otaru, Hokkaido. Backed by our "Low Price Guarantee," and powered by our team of expert travel agents, we're sure to exceed your expectations when booking your next cruise departing from Otaru, Hokkaido!
Destinations for Cruises to Otaru, Hokkaido
The following cruise destinations can be visited on a cruise that includes Otaru, Hokkaido. Select a destination to view the upcoming cruises that are available:
Make a selection below to view the cruises available during that month in that destination.
Pricing listed above is per person, based on double occupancy in the least expensive accommodations available, is subject to change, and may not reflect the most recent pricing (as pricing gets updated throughout the day). Prices include Required Cruise Fees & Expenses, as well as Government Taxes & Fees. Prices may not reflect discounts and special promotions that you may qualify for. Go to the Category selection step of the online booking process to view the live pricing and latest offers.
Cruise Lines with Cruises to Otaru, Hokkaido
The following cruise lines offer cruises sailing to Otaru, Hokkaido. Select a cruise line to view the upcoming cruises that visit Otaru, Hokkaido:
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Deluxe Cruise Lines
These cruise lines fit (quality and, usually, price-wise) somewhere in between Premium and Luxury cruise lines.
A country club casual atmosphere can be expected on these lines, as can be elegant accommodations and gourmet cuisine. These cruise lines are a great option for adults looking for a upscale, yet laid back, vacation.
Unique itineraries are often available on these cruise lines, as their small-to-mid-sized ships can visit ports of call that large ones can't get to.
The pricing on Azamara Club Cruises includes select beverages and pre-paid gratuities, while the pricing of Viking Ocean Cruises includes shore excursions and select beverages.
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Mainstream Cruise Lines
Value is a key feature of these popular cruise lines, as they offer lots of activities, entertainment and dining options, along with a variety of stateroom types. Some of the cruise lines in this category have ships with unique innovations like water slides, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, surfing simulators, bowling alleys, and boardwalks.
Their ships are usually anywhere from mid-sized to very large "mega" ships, accommodating thousands of guests. These ships give the feel of being in a large resort.
Mainstream cruise lines are a great option for just about everyone (including multi-generation families, and first-time cruisers), and typically have great youth programs.
During the cruise, entertainment may include Broadway productions, Vegas-style shows, comedians, and music. Some of these lines have select formal nights during the cruise. Specialty restaurants are becoming more and more common (some which have a cover charge for this type enhanced dining experience). Buffets are usually available throughout the day, besides room service, and the main dining room(s).
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Premium Cruise Lines
These cruise lines enhance what mainstream cruise lines typically offer, by providing their guests with higher quality service and cuisine, along with more spacious public spaces and accommodations.
Depending on the cruise line, the ships in this class range in size from small to very large.
These cruise lines appeal to a more discerning traveler, and are typically more expensive than mainstream cruise lines, but more affordable than the luxury lines.
Azamara is a deluxe cruising experience that's geared towards discerning travelers yearning to travel, in luxury, to exotic and rare vacation destinations. On an Azamara cruise, you'll experience extremely high levels of service, gourmet cuisine, and fantastic accommodations. With a country club casual dress code and open dining format, this premium product is a fabulous choice for many travelers. Special amenities that all guests booked on an Azamara cruise benefit from include pre-paid gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas. Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines are also included (available in the bars during regular opening hours, and not through room service). Guests who are booked in a suite get complimentary specialty dining, free internet, complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck, and much more!
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the largest and most popular cruise lines in the world. Known for its festive-yet-casual atmosphere, Carnival offers a variety of on-board dining, entertainment and activity options to suit any mood or taste. Carnival's WaterWorks is a fabulous water park found onboard many of their ships. Among the many cruise destinations offered by Carnival are Alaska, the Bahamas, Canada, Caribbean, Europe and Mexico.
Award-winning Holland America Line has been among the leaders in cruising for over 140 years. This premium cruise line has a fleet of modern yet classic ships that combine to offer over 500 cruises a year, sailing in all seven continents! While on a Holland America cruise, guests can count on world-class entertainment, a variety of onboard activities to choose from, remarkable service, tastefully appointed accommodations, and fantastic dining. Select ships have special venues such as Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King's Blues Club, as well as gourmet restaurants like the Pinnacle Grill and Tamarind (a Pan-Asian venue that has been praised by Condé Nast Traveler as having cuisine "that rivals the top restaurants on land."). Other onboard venues include several bars and lounges (serving masterfully crafted cocktails), the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, a fitness center, swimming pools, and a casino that offers a variety of games. The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine® magazine offers cooking demonst
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is proud to present Freestyle Cruising, aboard one of the youngest fleets of cruise ships in the world. Enjoy open seating dining, where you can dine whenever and with whomever you wish. Don't want to pack formal wear on your vacation? With the resort casual evening attire, you don't have to! All of the Norwegian ships feature a slew of specialty restaurants and entertainment venues. An NCL cruise is perfect for guests of all ages, and includes complimentary youth programs. Their award-winning entertainment options include Broadway-style production shows, world-class acrobats, and much more. The Haven by Norwegian™, available on select ships, is an exclusive enclave for suite guests staying in NCL's most luxurious accommodations. Some Norwegian cruise ships have Studio accommodations, designed and priced for solo travelers. NCL is the only major cruise line to offer year-round Hawaii cruises.
Formed in 2002 by luxury cruise industry veterans Joe Watters and Frank Del Rio, Oceania Cruises is one of the the world’s leading deluxe cruise lines. The finest cuisine at sea, award-winning itineraries and outstanding value define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product and have positioned the company as the cruise line of choice for travelers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience.
Princess Cruises has taken cruising to a whole new level, with spacious and accommodating ships packed with amenities. You'll always find the freedom to chart your own course. The Princess fleet includes a variety ships, from mid-sized to large feature-filled vessels, and features a wonderful Personal Choice Dining® program where you can choose between Traditional (assigned) and Anytime (open) dining setups to enjoy their great service and cuisine.
Viking Ocean Cruises is the sister company of world-renowned Viking River Cruises. This line launched with one vessel, Viking Star, in 2015, with 3 sister ships to follow (in 2016-2017). Itineraries include 10- to 50-day adventures all over Europe. All staterooms on Viking Ocean cruises have a veranda, so you can enjoy the sights and smells of the open ocean at all times. With a concentration on ports with rich heritages and plenty of local experts to learn from, cruises on Viking Ocean Cruises cater to those yearning to learn as they vacation. There's a great value here, with meals, guided shore excursions, WiFi, select beverages, hotel accommodations during city portions of your Viking Ocean Cruises itinerary (if you purchase a cruise tour), as well as lectures and various live performances all being included in the pricing.
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Things to do near Otaru, Hokkaido
These are just a few of the more popular tourist attractions in Otaru, along with a brief description:
♦ Otaru Canal
Otaru Canal has been playing a significant role in the city’s history since the 20th century. Originally used to unload large vessels (prior to modern docking), the canal and surrounding area were beautifully restored in 1980 as a tourist attraction. During the day, you can take a leisurely stroll along the canal and check out the many museums, shops, restaurants, street artists, and beautiful scenery. If you can visit in the evening, you’ll get to experience an atmosphere illuminated by gas lamps (which also pays homage to Otaru’s history). You will also have the opportunity to take a canal cruise to see even more sights (available during both the day and night).
♦ Museums
Not surprisingly, Otaru is filled with many fascinating museums. For example, one of the town’s most popular art museum is Otaru Art Base (featuring a large collection of stained glass and Art Noveau pieces). There’s also the Nitrori Museum of Art and Kitaichivenetsia Museum (featuring Venetian-style glass art). Other noteworthy museums include Otaru Museum (featuring train and rail exhibits), the Bank of Japan Otaru Museum (finance museum housed in historic bank), and Otaru Aquarium (great for families). For those who are interested in local culture and literature, the Otaru Literary Museum is a can’t-miss.
♦ Beaches & Resorts
Since Otaru is located on an island, it is home to many fabulous beaches and resorts! One of the most popular beaches for relaxing is Ranshima Beach, which features soft golden sand and beautiful clear waters. If you’re looking for a more lively scene, then you mustn’t miss Otaru Beach or “Dream Beach,” which features many bars and restaurants, making it a hip party spot. A few other options you have include Otamoi Beach (featuring unique rock formations along the coast), Zenibako Beach, and Shioya Beach (perfect for swimming, kayaking, and admiring Otaru’s dramatic cliffs).
Average Monthly Weather for Otaru, Hokkaido
Temperature
Average monthly high and low temperatures. Values are in Fahrenheit (switch to Celsius):
The information above is provided for informational purposes only. Monthly statistics are based on the most recent instance of that month. Weather is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. The data is provided by a third-party and we accept no liability regarding its accuracy.