The rhythmic steam bursts and quaint streetscape create a romantic backdrop for selfies and slow strolling, yet the show is brief, so couples wanting longer shared experiences may feel unsatisfied.
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time to catch several clock chimes, enjoy a café treat, and stroll Sakaimachi Street.
Watch the Steam Clock chime:
Arrive at Märchen Intersection to see the clock spray steam and play its tune every 15 minutes.
Tip: Get there 5 minutes early and stand on the north side for an unobstructed view.
Share a Cake Set at LeTAO:
Order a slice of Double Fromage cheesecake and a drink at the 2nd-floor café overlooking the clock.
Tip: Reserve a window seat around chime times to combine dessert with the show.
Craft a custom music box:
Choose your melody and glass decorations at You-kobo Workshop.
Tip: Book at least 4 days in advance and allow 70–90 minutes for the session.
Stroll Sakaimachi Street:
Walk hand-in-hand along the 1.3 km merchant street lined with boutiques and glass shops.
Tip: Peek inside the Music Box Museum annex for free exhibits between shops.
Candlelit coffee at Kitaichi Hall:
Enjoy tea, cake or soft-serve under 167 oil lamps in a restored brick warehouse.
Tip: Visit on weekdays at 2 PM for a short live piano concert.
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Item | Cost (Approx.) |
---|---|
LeTAO Cake Set for two | JPY 1,728 |
Kitaichi tea & cake set for two | JPY 1,800 |
Music box workshop for two | JPY 4,000 |
Total Estimated | JPY 7,528 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
In winter, steam plumes look dramatic against cold air and nearby buildings light up for holiday markets. In summer, shade is limited on Sakaimachi—bring a hat or umbrella.
Address: 4 Sumiyoshicho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0015, Japan
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Jeff McD
The steam clock rings and performs hourly and is quite an amusing landmark for otaru. Very charming. There were lots of people waiting for it to play.
Esben Eickhardt
Stupid fun and underwhelming 😂 The clock itself doesn't run on steam, but does have a five-ten node steam show every 15 minutes. In the summer it isn't very wild, but in the winter I could imagine it being wilder. The clock is among a handful in the world, and this one was created by a Canadian. Not very Japanese, but still fun. Not a must see.
Aihles Buga-ay
The Otaru Steam Clock is a vintage-style that whistles and releases puffs of steam every 15 minutes, delighting visitors with its gentle chimes and old-world charm. People usually line up to take photos but since I visited mid-week and late in the afternoon, there aren't much tourists.
Lawrence Wee
This place is located along a tourist belt where there are a lot of shops and restaurants. This place sells a wide variety of musical boxes in different designs, ranging from around 1000 yens to 10,000 yens for the souvenirs. This place has 3 levels and so it took a while to see and hear the difference musical. Each design comes with different music. After much consideration, I bought a Lucky C...
Sarah Hasselman
Very cool clock gifted from Canada! It goes off on every hour and 15 minutes before the hour. The bell tower across the street also plays on some hours, and starts a minute or two after the steam clock chime.
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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