If you are visiting Old Aoyama Villa and Otaru, you might as well drive a couple more minutes or take the bus a couple more stops to the Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck. Not only is it close, but the views are worth it!

Located near the Otaru Aquarium and Shukutsu Marine Land, two of Otaru’s most visited attractions, it offers views of Ishikari Bay and the port that supports Sapporo in the distance.

Getting there is relatively simple. Take the same bus you used for the Old Aoyama Villa/Herring Palace, or you can walk, as I did. Once you see the aquarium, walk past it to the left and between Shukutsu Marine Land (a theme park).

Be careful here, as there are no pavements (sidewalks). However, you should be able to walk (as I did) as there are very few cars, and they give pedestrians a wide berth.

To get back to Otaru, take the bus in the opposite direction. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Shukutsu to Otaru port (a short walk from the station).

Thanks for reading! Want to do some more exploring? Have a look at the travel map:

Interested in seeing our social media? Follow us on Instagram for travel photos and Youtube for travel videos!