There are two branches of the Otaru Museum. One is the main comprehensive museum located in Temiya, and this serves as the main branch. The other is the Canal Branch, situated right next to the canal.
The Canal Branch is easily accessible on foot, but visiting the main branch is also interesting.
Otaru was one of the earliest places in Japan to have a railway. At the main branch, you can see exhibits of locomotives from that era. If you’re a railway enthusiast, it’s definitely worth a visit.
About Museum
The Otaru Museum, formerly known as the Otaru Transport Museum (小樽交通記念館), is located in Temiya and serves as the main branch of the Otaru Museum. Adjacent to the Otaru Canal Plaza, it reopened in 2007 with a dual role as a museum and a science center for youth. The Canal Branch, situated near Otaru Canal, showcases numerous archives and artifacts related to Otaru’s history and natural heritage.
Designated as a historical building by Otaru City, this site holds significant historical importance as it was where the first railroad in Hokkaido operated, transporting coal from Horonai to Temiya in 1880. Horace Capron, an American technical adviser, contributed to the planning of the railroad, and Joseph Crawford, an American railroad engineer, was instrumental in its construction. Crawford is revered as the father of Hokkaido’s railroad, commemorated with a statue outside the museum.
While the museum displays several old trains outside, they are not visible during winter due to heavy snowfall. This museum holds particular fascination for railroad enthusiasts, offering a compelling glimpse into Hokkaido’s early railway history.
Open
- 9:30 – 17:00(Otaru museum and canal branch)
Close
- Tuesday
- If Tuesday is holiday, the next day is closed.
- No closed: Canal Branch except new year days(29 Dec – 3 Jan)
Access
- Take a bus(No.10) via Takashima 3Chome(高島３丁目経由) for Otaru Aquarium(小樽水族館行き) from Otaru station Bus Terminal No.3 depot to Sogo Hakubutsukan(総合博物館) which takes 10 minutes.
- Take a bus(No.10 or 11) for Otaru Aquarium(小樽水族館行き) from Otaru station Bus Terminal No.3 depot to Temiya(手宮) which takes 10 minutes. You can enter the Temiya entrance but it is closed in winter. You have to go to the main entrance by 2 – 3 minutes walking.
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