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Japan/Things to Do in Sapporo, with baby

Otaru Steam Clock (with baby)

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How Baby-Friendly is Otaru Steam Clock?

70%Baby-Friendly
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What makes it 70% Baby-Friendly: Smooth sidewalks and free nursing and diaper stations steps away aid caregivers, but the sudden whistle can startle infants and there is no immediate shaded seating for feeding or calming.

Google
Reviews4.5/ 5
(from 732 reviews)
Otaru Day Trip Guide: Exploring Canals, Sushi, and Hidden Gems from Sapporo
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Otaru Day Trip Guide: Exploring Canals, Sushi, and Hidden Gems from Sapporo
1.9K views • 10 months ago

Positives:

  • Stroller-friendly: Wide brick sidewalks allow easy stroller movement
  • Nearby baby facilities: Nursing room and changing stations are available in adjacent buildings

Challenges:

  • Crowds at showtime: Popular clock shows can draw visitors, making it harder to find space with a stroller
  • Cold and wet in winter: Low temperatures and snow can make outdoor viewing less comfortable for baby
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🏖️ Explore Otaru Steam Clock with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Otaru Steam Clock. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Otaru Steam Clock?

  • A 5.5-meter-tall steam clock built in Canada in 1977 and installed at the entrance of the Otaru Music Box Hall.
  • The world’s largest functioning steam clock and one of only two surviving examples, featuring exposed brass fittings and visible gearwork.
  • A steam-driven mechanism that releases puffs of steam, sounds whistles on the hour, and plays a simple melody every 15 minutes.

What is so special about Otaru Steam Clock for with baby?

  1. Catch the clock’s steam puff and melody every 15 minutes
  2. Enjoy stroller-friendly strolls on historic Sakaimachi Street
  3. Browse free music box exhibits for a quick indoor break
  4. Relax with a quick cake set at LeTAO overlooking the clock
  5. Access nearby nursing rooms and diaper stations easily

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time to see two steam-clock shows, stroll with a stroller, and enjoy a quick cafe break

(View Otaru Steam Clock on Map)

Baby-Friendly Activities in Otaru Steam Clock

Watch the steam clock show:

See steam puff and hear the melody every 15 minutes at Märchen Intersection

Tip: Arrive 5 minutes before the quarter hour and keep stroller to one side

Stroll Sakaimachi Street:

Walk along the preserved merchant street lined with boutiques and cafes

Tip: Use wide sidewalks and take breaks on benches as needed

Browse Music Box Museum galleries:

Explore free displays of thousands of music boxes playing different tunes

Tip: Visit outside peak times for a quieter experience with baby

Quick cake break at LeTAO Main Shop:

Share a cake set and enjoy views of the steam clock from the 2nd-floor café

Tip: Choose a window seat for better visibility and more space

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Otaru Steam Clock

  1. Time your visit: Plan to arrive just before a quarter-hour to minimize waiting underfoot
  2. Use baby rooms: Drop into the Tourism Products Plaza for diaper changes and nursing
🏖️ Tour Otaru Steam Clock like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Otaru Steam Clock. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Otaru Steam Clock

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Jeff McD

Jeff McD

Aug 2025

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

Esben Eickhardt

Jul 2025

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

Aihles Buga-ay

Jun 2025

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

Lawrence Wee

Mar 2025

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

Sarah Hasselman

Jan 2025

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.

When is the best time to visit Otaru Steam Clock (Sapporo, Japan)?

In winter, dress baby in warm layers and watch for icy sidewalks. In summer, bring sunshade for the stroller.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Sapporo on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)

ItemCost (Approx.)
LeTAO cake setJPY 864
Rainbow Tower soft creamJPY 550
Total EstimatedJPY 1,414

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Otaru Steam Clock

Address: 4 Sumiyoshicho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0015, Japan

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Otaru Steam Clock (Sapporo)?

← See other Things to Do in Sapporo (with baby)

About Otaru Steam Clock

Opening Hours

Monday:Open 24 hours
Tuesday:Open 24 hours
Wednesday:Open 24 hours
Thursday:Open 24 hours
Friday:Open 24 hours
Saturday:Open 24 hours
Sunday:Open 24 hours

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

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