3 Best Hostels in Otaru

Otaru Eminabackpackers is a cozy, well-run hostel perfect for travelers who want a quiet and friendly base in Otaru. It’s located in a peaceful residential area, about 15 minutes on foot from Otaru Station, making it easy to explore the canal, glass shops, and seafood markets nearby. The atmosphere is homely — the owner is known for warm hospitality and helpful local tips that make exploring Otaru much easier.

Inside, Otaru Eminabackpackers offers simple but clean dorms and private rooms, all with comfortable beds and good heating for Hokkaido’s colder months. The shared kitchen is fully equipped, ideal for cooking meals and saving money. The common area encourages meeting other travelers without being noisy, so it’s a good balance between social and relaxed.

Otaru Eminabackpackers is a great choice if you’re looking for a traditional, welcoming Japanese stay with a backpacker spirit. It’s affordable, peaceful, and close to Otaru’s best spots.

Otaru Canal is just a 10-minute walk away from The Otarunai Backpacker's Hostel Morinoki, the first backpacker's hostel in Hokkaido. The The Otarunai Backpacker's Hostel Morinoki is simple, heated, and shared with toilets and bathrooms. It also includes slippers and a fan. Guests can enjoy the garden, watch DVDs, and do laundry (for a small fee). One of the best features of the hostel is its pets, a cat, and Welsh Corgi dogs. It's located just 0.9 mi away from Otaru Station and a 3-minute walk to Suitengu Temple.

Nestled in the heart of Otaru, Little Barrel is where the charm of the city meets the warmth of a social hub. The hostel exudes an inviting aura, welcoming backpackers from every corner of the world. It’s not just a place to rest your weary head after a day of exploration, but a melting pot of cultures where stories flow as smoothly as the nearby Otaru Canal. The staff are as friendly as they come, ensuring that your stay is not only comfortable but also filled with memorable encounters and local insights.

Stepping inside Little Barrel, you’re met with a unique blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern, stylish design. The common areas are great and cozy, ideal for sparking new friendships or planning your next adventure. Spacious dorms and pristine facilities make your stay restful, ensuring that you’re energized to explore the enchanting surroundings of Otaru.

Choosing Little Barrel is choosing an authentic and engaging experience. Its prime location allows easy access to the city’s main attractions, cafes, and transport links. Each stay is enhanced by the communal vibe, where every traveler becomes a part of a global family, sharing tales of their journeys over a warm cup of tea or embarking on explorations together.