Otaru Station

Otaru Station is a station on the JR Hokkaido Hakodate Main Line and serves as a central hub in Otaru City, with a bus terminal located nearby. One distinctive feature is the use of "lamps" for lighting—while many stations use fluorescent lights, Otaru Station is illuminated by warm lamp light. The station building itself has a retro atmosphere and is a historic structure dating back to 1930, creating a romantic gateway fitting for Otaru. When snow piles up in winter, the station becomes even more fantastic and romantic, making it popular with couples. The building is also designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Platform 4 is known as "Yujiro Platform," said to have been used in an NHK shoot; songs by Yujiro Ishihara are played there, making it a pilgrimage spot for fans. Inside the station are shops and souvenir stands, and in winter there are illuminations—offering uniquely Otaru-style ways to enjoy the station itself. To get there, simply take a train from Sapporo Station and get off at JR Otaru Station.