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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard in Otaru
Enjoy water sports in the only marine park district in all of Hokkaido
Otaru Tourism Association
With over 100 sushi restaurants, the port city of Otaru on Hokkaido’s southwestern coast, has a reputation for great seafood. Lesser known is that the coastline of Otaru is designated as the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-national Park, the only marine park district in all of Hokkaido. If you are looking to enjoy the location's unique, picturesque scenery interwoven by the beautiful sea and the strangely shaped rocks and stones, why not try some sea kayaking? Or you could choose stand up paddleboarding to enjoy the waters from a slightly elevated viewpoint.
Even in Hokkaido the sea of Otaru is well-regarded for its amazingly clear waters. Summer is the best time to enjoy the beautiful sea waters here, so take in the pleasant sea breeze as you paddle out! The strangely formed rocks and sheer cliffs that soar before you are also sure to take your breath away. Sea kayaking and stand up paddleboarding let you feel the blue sea and sky in ways only possible when you're out there for real. Paddle out to sea and check out that amazing blue water for yourself.
Book a three-hour SUP or sea kayak Otaru experience with Hokkaido adventure travel specialists NAC (hyperlink to https://www.nacadventures.jp/en/summer/watersports).
How to get there
The meeting point for sea kayak and SUP tours is at Oshoro Bay, which is 20 minutes by car or taxi from JR Otaru Station. Alternatively, catch a train to Ranshima Station from where it is 6 minutes by taxi.
