Otaru Station

2-22-15 Inaho, Otaru-City, Hokkaido 047-0032 MAP
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Current Weather	Annual Weather	Tourist Attractions
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Current weather and clothing

weather and Clothing：～5℃(～41℉)｜Jweather.net｜Yuriteq Japan

The weather information shown here is the information closest to the station in question. Please note that there may be slight differences.

Yearly temperature changes and recommended clothing

Clothing recommendations for each temperature range

When traveling in Japan with the following average temperatures, the recommended clothing is as follows:

Average temperature: 25 degrees Celsius or higher

Light and breathable clothing such as cotton T-shirts, shorts, or sundresses. Protect against heat by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and using a parasol or umbrella. Using a fan or carrying a hand-held fan may also provide relief. Be sure to hydrate frequently to avoid heat stroke.

Average temperature: 20-25 degrees Celsius

Light clothing such as cotton T-shirts, short sleeves, and skirts. Wearing a hat and sunglasses can also protect against heat.

Average temperature: 16-20 degrees Celsius

Light clothing with a light layer such as a cardigan, denim jacket, or light sweater.

Average temperature: 12-16 degrees Celsius

Light to medium clothing such as a sweater or long-sleeved shirt and pants, light jacket.

Average temperature: 8-12 degrees Celsius

Warm clothing such as a sweater, long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a coat or jacket.

Average temperature: 5-8 degrees Celsius

Warm clothing such as a sweater, long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a coat or jacket. Wearing a hat, gloves, and scarf can also provide added warmth. In Japan, specialty clothing stores such as UNIQLO sell underwear made from fibers that absorb moisture such as sweat and generate heat. For example, UNIQLO’s “HEATTECH” underwear is recommended because it is thin and lightweight, yet has high heat retention properties. Disposable heat packs sold at drugstores and convenience stores are also effective in cold weather.

Average temperature: less than 5 degrees Celsius

Warm clothing such as a sweater, long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a coat or jacket. Wearing a hat, gloves, scarf, and insulated boots can also provide added warmth. Consider layering clothing for added insulation.

Monthly changes in temperature, precipitation, and snowfall (1991~2020 average, Japan Meteorological Agency survey)

	Jan.	Feb.	Mar.	Apr.	May	Jun.	Jul.	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
temperature(°C)	-3.1	-2.7	0.8	6.5	12.1	16	20.2	21.7	18.1	11.8	4.9	-1.1
precipitation(mm)	138.1	106.6	87.3	56.4	53.7	55.6	93.6	131.3	131.7	123	152.4	151.9
snowfall(cm)	157	130	80	7	—	—	—	—	—	0	36	142

Winter

November

November in Otaru is the start of winter with average temperatures ranging from 3°C to 6°C. Precipitation is 152.4mm in November, so visitors should still expect some rain and snow during their trip. Snowfall begins in November, so visitors should be prepared for snowy conditions and bring appropriate footwear.

For men, it is recommended to wear warm clothing such as a heavy jacket or parka, a warm sweater or fleece, and pants. Good waterproof boots with good grip are important to cope with the snow and wet ground. For women, it is recommended to wear warm clothing such as a heavy jacket or parka, a warm sweater, and pants or a warm skirt. Good waterproof boots with good grip are also necessary to cope with the snow and wet ground.

December

December in Otaru is winter with average temperatures ranging from -1°C to 2°C. Precipitation is around 150 mm in December, so visitors should expect snow and rain during their trip. Snow is abundant in December, so visitors should be prepared for snowy conditions and bring appropriate footwear.

January

January in Otaru is one of the coldest months, with an average temperature of -3.1°C. Precipitation is moderate, with the possibility of snowfall. Visitors should prepare for the cold weather by wearing warm clothing such as a heavy coat, hat, gloves, and warm shoes. Women may want to bring a scarf to keep their neck warm, and men may want to bring a warm hat to protect their head and ears.

February

February in Otaru is also cold, with an average temperature of -2.7°C. Precipitation levels remain moderate, and there is still the possibility of snowfall. Visitors should continue to wear warm clothing, such as a heavy coat, hat, gloves, and warm shoes. Women may want to bring a scarf to keep their neck warm, and men may want to bring a warm hat to protect their head and ears.

March

March in Otaru is when the weather starts to get slightly warmer, with an average temperature of 0.8°C. However, there is still a chance of snowfall and moderate precipitation levels, so visitors should continue to wear warm clothing. Women may want to bring a scarf and a hat, while men may want to bring a warm hat and gloves.

Spring

April

April in Otaru is warmer, with an average temperature of 6.5°C. Precipitation levels are low, and there is a low chance of snowfall. Visitors should bring lighter clothing for this month, such as a light coat or sweater, as well as a hat and gloves for protection from the cold. Women may also want to bring a scarf.

May

May in Otaru is when the weather starts to get warmer, with an average temperature of 12.1°C. Precipitation levels remain low, and there is no longer a chance of snowfall. Visitors should bring light clothing, such as a light coat or sweater, and a hat and gloves for protection from the cold. Women may also want to bring a scarf.

June

June in Otaru is the start of summer, with an average temperature of 16C. Precipitation levels are low, and there is no longer a chance of snowfall. Visitors should bring light clothing, such as a light coat or sweater, and a hat and gloves for protection from the cold. Women may also want to bring a scarf.

Summer

July

July in Otaru is when the weather is at its warmest, with an average temperature of 20.2°C. Precipitation levels remain low, and there is no longer a chance of snowfall. Visitors should bring light clothing, such as a light coat or sweater, and a hat and gloves for protection from the cold. Women may also want to bring a scarf.

August

August in Otaru is also warm, with an average temperature of 21.7°C. Precipitation levels are low, and there is no longer a chance of snowfall. Visitors should bring light clothing, such as a light coat or sweater, and a hat and gloves for protection from the cold. Women may also want to bring a scarf.

Autumn

September

September in Otaru is a transition month from summer to autumn with average temperatures ranging around 18°C. Precipitation is 131.7 mm in September, so visitors should expect some rain during their trip. It is also important to note that the weather in Otaru can be quite humid in September. As a result, it is recommended that tourists dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella.

For men, it is advisable to wear light to medium weight clothing such as a t-shirt, lightweight sweater or light jacket, and pants. It is also recommended to wear waterproof shoes as the rain can make the ground wet and slippery. For women, a long-sleeve blouse, a light sweater, and pants or a skirt are recommended. A waterproof jacket or umbrella is also important to bring. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip would also be helpful to cope with the rain and wet ground.

October

October in Otaru sees the start of autumn with average temperatures ranging from 11°C to 12°C. Precipitation is 123 mm in October, so visitors should still expect some rain during their trip. The weather can also be quite windy in October, so it is important to bring a windbreaker or lightweight jacket to stay warm.

For men, it is recommended to wear a light to medium weight jacket, a warm sweater or fleece, and pants. A windbreaker or light raincoat may also be necessary to protect against the wind and rain. Good walking shoes with good grip are also recommended. For women, a light to medium weight jacket, a warm sweater, and pants or a skirt are recommended. A windbreaker or light raincoat can also protect against the wind and rain. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are important to cope with the rain and wet ground.

Recommended tourist destinations

Otaru Canal

Minatomachi, Otaru 047-0007 Hokkaido
Along the canal, stone warehouses and historical buildings are scattered. The sight of gas lamps lighting up at dusk creates a romantic atmosphere. There are also many retro restaurants in converted warehouses in the surrounding area.

Mt.Tengu

2 Tenguyama, Otaru 047-0012 Hokkaido
A ropeway takes you to the observatory at the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Otaru and the Sea of Japan. At the top of the mountain, there is a park where you can meet chipmunks and a café and bar where you can enjoy the spectacular view. The beautiful night view is especially famous.

Kitaichi Glass 3gokan

7-26 Sakaimachi, Otaru 047-0027 Hokkaido
One of the most famous glass craft stores in Otaru. There are many souvenirs with a Japanese taste, such as sake cups for Japanese sake and soy sauce containers.

Otaru Art Base

1-3-1 Ironai, Otaru 047-0031 Hokkaido
Four facilities utilizing historical buildings built in the first half of the 20th century. Visitors can appreciate paintings, sculptures, stained glass, and glass art.

Sankaku Market

3-10-16 Inaho, Otaru 047-0032 Hokkaido
This popular market offers fresh seafood such as crabs, sea urchins, and scallops, as well as vegetables, fruits, and daily necessities at reasonable prices. Visitors can enjoy shopping in the unique atmosphere and liveliness of the market.

Otaru Sushi-ya-dori

1-1-9, Hanazono 1-chome, Otaru 047-0024 Hokkaido
The street lined with nearly 20 restaurants in the corner from Otaru Station to the canal is named “Sushi-ya-dori” (Sushi Restaurant Street). Because the fish is fresh, many of the sushi restaurants prepare sushi without seasoning it with vinegar or salt.

Otaru Aquarium

3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru 047-0047 Hokkaido
Inside the aquarium, there is a space that is simply partitioned off from the ocean, where seals and Steller’s sea lions live in a natural habitat. The aquarium also houses a globally rare species of dolphin and a variety of fish native to Hokkaido.

Otaru Museum, Bank of Japan

1-11-16 Ironai, Otaru 047-0031 Hokkaido
Historic building completed in 1912. Visitors can learn about the history and operations of the Bank of Japan while having fun, such as experiencing the weight of 100 million yen and anti-counterfeiting technology.

The Blue Cave

4-5 Minato-cho, Otaru-shi, 047-0007 Hokkaido
This beautiful blue cave is created by a combination of various coincidences, such as the topography, the angle at which the sun shines, and the transparency of the sea water. There are several cruise tours to view the caves from a small boat.

Where to leave your luggage

There are coin lockers at the far left side of the JR Otaru Station exit from the ticket gate.
There is also a JR Bus Waiting Area on the right side of the JR Otaru Station exit, and coin lockers are located in the waiting area.The JR Bus Waiting Area is open from 7:30 to 22:00.

Recommended hotels and inns

Grand Park Otaru

11-3 Chikko, Otaru 047-0008 Hokkaido
1.8 mi / 2.9 km from Otaru Station
Hotel class: 4
Hotel style: Bay View, Ocean View