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Explore Minami-Otaru Station Area’s best cherry-blossom spots, such as the shrine, temple and park. The best time to hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) is from late April to mid May.
⚫︎ Sakura seasons and events are subject to change. Check the official website for the latest information.
TRANSPORT
Take the rapid train (30min) or local train (42min) from Sapporo to Minami-Otaru (30min).
Itinerary
▼ 7min walk
▼ 12min walk
▼ 5min walk
▼ 10min walk
▼ 20min walk
STATION
Minami-Otaru Station
南小樽駅
▶︎ Get off at Minami-Otaru Station
The neighboring area around JR Minami-Otaru Station is known as ‘Nantaru’ to locals. The train station has several lovely cherry trees.
SHRINE
Sumiyoshi Jinja
住吉神社
▶︎ 7min walk from Minami-Otaru Station
Otaru’s representative shrine dating back to 1892, Sumiyoshi Jinja sits on a wooded hill overlooking the sea. The grounds of shrine has century-old torii (shrine gates) and 60 cherry trees.
TEMPLE
Tenjo-ji
天上寺
▶︎ 12min walk from Sumiyoshi Jinja
Located near Otaru Park, you will find this splendid temple on the right. The main building (built in 1890) was designed to resemble Zenko-ji in Nagano. It is also known for its cherry trees that burst into bloom in early May.
PARK
Otaru Park
小樽公園
▶︎ 5min walk from Tenjo-ji / 20min walk from Otaru Station
On the pleasant hill overlooking the city, this leafy park has several hundreds of cherry trees. Don’t miss the Japanese-style Old Otaru District Meeting Hall (built in 1911).
CHURCH
Catholic Otaru Tomioka Church
カトリック小樽教会富岡聖堂
▶︎ 10min walk from Otaru Paru / 20min walk from Otaru Station
Otaru’s most pretty Catholic church (built in 1929) has a neo-Gothic edifice decorated with classic stained glass and an octagonal bell tower. It is open to the public during the day (photography allowed).
小樽 櫻花 | 오타루 벚꽃