JR Otaru Station
JR Otaru Station
3.9
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3.9
570 reviews
Excellent
120
Very good
280
Average
159
Poor
7
Terrible
4
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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197gabes
Singapore, Singapore176 contributions
June 2024 • Family
The train station seems to be stuck is some kind of time warp as both its interior and exterior are in need of a makeover.
But don’t get me wrong, the place is not short of any modern amenities such as ATM, konbini stores, fast food outlet. It houses all these and more. Just that they are all cramped into a space not build to accommodate so many modern facilities in mind.
It’s especially a shame to see this important gateway to the popular tourist destination so rundown. The pavement on the track level has cracks and potholes, there is a bad need for a fresh coat of paint, lightings can be improved, there is insufficient escalator and payment gantry to meet the crowd just to name a few items that need upgrading.
But despite all the shortcoming, the building does have its own charm and character. Too bad there is insufficient space to allow for visitors to explore the area abit longer and appreciate its beauty.
So if you can do take a little time and not just rush out of the place to admire its beauty.
But don’t get me wrong, the place is not short of any modern amenities such as ATM, konbini stores, fast food outlet. It houses all these and more. Just that they are all cramped into a space not build to accommodate so many modern facilities in mind.
It’s especially a shame to see this important gateway to the popular tourist destination so rundown. The pavement on the track level has cracks and potholes, there is a bad need for a fresh coat of paint, lightings can be improved, there is insufficient escalator and payment gantry to meet the crowd just to name a few items that need upgrading.
But despite all the shortcoming, the building does have its own charm and character. Too bad there is insufficient space to allow for visitors to explore the area abit longer and appreciate its beauty.
So if you can do take a little time and not just rush out of the place to admire its beauty.
Written 10 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J&S_Singapore
Singapore, Singapore6,158 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
From Sapporo we took the JR Hakodate Line Rapid service and it took just 32 mins to reach this lovely City/Town JR station
The single-level well architecture classic building (station) serves the scenic port city of Otaru. Otaru has many beautiful historic buildings which are variously used to house art galleries, museums, craft and antique shops, and sea food restaurants.
As per other stations it was sparking clean, and not very big. There’s a Otaru Tourists Information center at a side where tourists can get a host of Information for their traveling needs.
and some commercial establishment within too (fusion café, St Gernaine bakery, Kobushiya Otaru souvrnir shop, イオン小樽店 and even a mini mart store).
We picked up a map and asked some general questions and start our way to our first destinations of . 水天宮 + 小樽聖公会,
From the JR station front one can see ahead the straight road where the canal is directly a few blocks down. The Bus terminal is on the right and there are direct buses to Mt Tengu + other Interest area
And most of Otaru's attractions are located less than a 30 minute walk from Otaru Station, making the city convenient to explore by foot at a leisurely pace.
The single-level well architecture classic building (station) serves the scenic port city of Otaru. Otaru has many beautiful historic buildings which are variously used to house art galleries, museums, craft and antique shops, and sea food restaurants.
As per other stations it was sparking clean, and not very big. There’s a Otaru Tourists Information center at a side where tourists can get a host of Information for their traveling needs.
and some commercial establishment within too (fusion café, St Gernaine bakery, Kobushiya Otaru souvrnir shop, イオン小樽店 and even a mini mart store).
We picked up a map and asked some general questions and start our way to our first destinations of . 水天宮 + 小樽聖公会,
From the JR station front one can see ahead the straight road where the canal is directly a few blocks down. The Bus terminal is on the right and there are direct buses to Mt Tengu + other Interest area
And most of Otaru's attractions are located less than a 30 minute walk from Otaru Station, making the city convenient to explore by foot at a leisurely pace.
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
高山龍山
Japan16,964 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
It was rebuilt as the third station building in 1934. There are 108 lamps displayed in the entrance hall and platform, donated by Kitaichi Glass. It has a melancholy appearance and a retro feel. The home also has Yujiro Ishihara's Insighters, which are a photographic point.
Automatically translated
Written 1 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlvaroReinoso
Canggu, Indonesia13 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
During my recent trip from Kutchan to Sapporo, with a planned stopover in Otaru, I encountered an unexpected challenge. All trains were canceled by 8pm, leaving me stranded in Otaru and in urgent need of overnight accommodation. Unfortunately, finding a hotel was daunting as everything was fully booked.
Thankfully, the kindness of local residents shone through; they assisted me in securing a place to stay for the night. However, my ordeal didn't end there. Upon returning to the train station the next day, I was informed that I had to purchase a new train ticket since I had left the station premises the previous day. Although the additional expense was minimal, the experience was surprising, particularly in a country like Japan, renowned for its efficiency and customer service. This incident was not my first disappointing encounter with train services in Hokkaido, highlighting an area that could benefit from improvement.
Thankfully, the kindness of local residents shone through; they assisted me in securing a place to stay for the night. However, my ordeal didn't end there. Upon returning to the train station the next day, I was informed that I had to purchase a new train ticket since I had left the station premises the previous day. Although the additional expense was minimal, the experience was surprising, particularly in a country like Japan, renowned for its efficiency and customer service. This incident was not my first disappointing encounter with train services in Hokkaido, highlighting an area that could benefit from improvement.
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ひろ44
Niigata, Japan3,211 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
It is located at the end of a hill that goes up from the Otaru Canal.
Inside, there are many lamps made from Otaru glass on display.
Wi-Fi is available in the waiting room.
In front of the ticket gates, there are many photos on display that show the history of the station and the Hakodate Main Line.
It's also nice that there's a Burger King.
In front of the station is the Hokkaido Chuo Bus terminal, and there is a bus stop for express buses to Sapporo and city buses (approximately 240 yen).
In front of the station is Nagasakiya.
Also, if you go left after leaving the station, you will find Sankaku Market, where you can eat sea urchin and seafood bowls from early in the morning.
Inside, there are many lamps made from Otaru glass on display.
Wi-Fi is available in the waiting room.
In front of the ticket gates, there are many photos on display that show the history of the station and the Hakodate Main Line.
It's also nice that there's a Burger King.
In front of the station is the Hokkaido Chuo Bus terminal, and there is a bus stop for express buses to Sapporo and city buses (approximately 240 yen).
In front of the station is Nagasakiya.
Also, if you go left after leaving the station, you will find Sankaku Market, where you can eat sea urchin and seafood bowls from early in the morning.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dynamic14
Singapore, Singapore10,029 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We arrived in Otaru by train and thus the JR Otaru station was our first stop. Not as huge as other JR stations, this station has the essential facilities and is clean.
We stayed at the Dormy Inn Premium, just a short distance away, making it convenient for us to move around.
We stayed at the Dormy Inn Premium, just a short distance away, making it convenient for us to move around.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Etupirka
Minato, Japan1,125 contributions
May 2019 • Family
一部は改装されましたが、他の味気ない駅に比べれば、まだまだ情緒があります。
コンコースから外へ出ると、日本海へと下る駅前通りが延びています。
快速エアポートの指定席は当日になるとほぼ全列車が満席となるので、前日までに予約することをおすすめします。
This station is nostalgic building.
I recommend to reserve your seat on the rapid train "Airport" from Sapporo/New Chitose Airport to Otaru by the day before since it's too difficult to reserve it on the day.
コンコースから外へ出ると、日本海へと下る駅前通りが延びています。
快速エアポートの指定席は当日になるとほぼ全列車が満席となるので、前日までに予約することをおすすめします。
This station is nostalgic building.
I recommend to reserve your seat on the rapid train "Airport" from Sapporo/New Chitose Airport to Otaru by the day before since it's too difficult to reserve it on the day.
Written 3 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RonnC
Tangerang, Indonesia777 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
Visiting Otaru from Sapporo, you must take the JR line bound to Otaru Station. It's a direct line connecting Otaru, Sapporo, and New Chitose Airport. It take about 40 minutes by train from Sapporo Station to Otaru (and vice versa). I really love the Japanese punctuality! We'll never have to worry of missing the train. The schedules run smoothly and beatifully.
Otaru Station was small but compact. There were some cafes and kiosks. From the station you can take a tour bus in front of the station, or just make a short walk towards the canal about 1 KM.
And most importantly, like all Japanese public area, it was clean!! Love it!
Otaru Station was small but compact. There were some cafes and kiosks. From the station you can take a tour bus in front of the station, or just make a short walk towards the canal about 1 KM.
And most importantly, like all Japanese public area, it was clean!! Love it!
Written 17 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AngyChin
Los Angeles, CA778 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
I have been to Otaru 3 times. I felt the JR Station is easy to use.
First, the train schedule is in photo. If you are buying reserved seat, you must purchase in advance for a specific time train. Otherwise, it’s open seating and you can take any train time you want.
Train has 3 types. Rapid, Semi rapid, local. Rapid takes 30 mins from Sapporo to Otaru. Semi rapid takes 40 mins. Local takes 50 mins. All same price, unless you buy reserved seat.
Boarding platform # may differ pending which types of train you plan to take, so always check the platform.
The other is Otaru map. Best walking route is to alight at Minami Otaru Station (2nd last Station), walk downhill, and take your home train at Otaru Station. In this way, you won’t have to climb the 8 degree slope!
First, the train schedule is in photo. If you are buying reserved seat, you must purchase in advance for a specific time train. Otherwise, it’s open seating and you can take any train time you want.
Train has 3 types. Rapid, Semi rapid, local. Rapid takes 30 mins from Sapporo to Otaru. Semi rapid takes 40 mins. Local takes 50 mins. All same price, unless you buy reserved seat.
Boarding platform # may differ pending which types of train you plan to take, so always check the platform.
The other is Otaru map. Best walking route is to alight at Minami Otaru Station (2nd last Station), walk downhill, and take your home train at Otaru Station. In this way, you won’t have to climb the 8 degree slope!
Written 17 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
165caramel1
Singapore, Singapore35 contributions
Dec 2017 • Family
Station is very close to Smile Hotel. It has a bus terminal where we can take a bus to Otaru Aquarium. At the station, there is a Burger King, a bakery which sells yummy bread and a convenient store.
Written 31 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there an elevator to/from the platform? Travelling from Sapporo>Otaru>Yoichi with one person in wheelchair.
Written 25 March 2023
HI,This weekend 23/11/19 i will be going to One Niseko tower Resort, i will be taking JR from New Chitose Airport to Otaru then from Otaru to Kutchan, is this the only Otaru station ? because i think i saw another station call Minami Otaru station too.
Your prompt reply are much appreciated.
Thanks
Penny
Written 18 November 2019
According to your hotel’s website, you definitely want to go to Kutchan station since they have a free shuttle from Kutchan to your hotel. There is a Minami Otaru station but looks like it’s over one hour away from Kutchan station.
Written 18 November 2019
We'll be arriving from Kutchan to Otaru by JR Hakodate line. After disembarkment, how long would it take to catch JR Rapid Airport 114 to New Chitose? Do we need to walk thru stairs, take elevators, etc?
Written 15 October 2017
Hi there.
You will be on the right level - the train you want will be on the adjoining platform. If you already have your ticket through to New Chitose it is right there for you. If you need to get a ticket you will need to go down on the escalator - you will not get list as it is a small station. The rapid airport train runs every half hour from Otaru, and it takes an hour and a quarter to reach the airport, which us the terminus, so you cannot go wrong. Each station is announced as it us approached and English is used as well as Japanese. (Do not catch the stopping train as it rakes much longer - the overhead signs on the station platform are very clear.)
A carriage in the centre of the train - possibly carriage 4 - is for reserved seats only - if I recall properly, this is clearly marked.
It us clearly marked on the edge of the platform where the carriage doors will be.
It is a very easy, efficient trip.
Written 15 October 2017
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