The steam clock provides an easy free photo opportunity and historic curiosity within a shopping street, but a solo visitor may find the 5-minute show too brief to rank as a top highlight.
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to see the clock, stroll Sakaimachi Street, rest at a café, and try a workshop.
Photograph the Steam Clock show:
Watch the clock spray steam and play a tune every 15 minutes at Märchen Intersection.
Tip: Arrive 5 minutes before the quarter hour for an unobstructed shot.
Explore Sakaimachi Street:
Wander the 1.3 km merchant street lined with glass shops and boutiques.
Tip: Drop into side alleys to find small glass workshops with free entry.
Relax at LeTAO café:
Order a single-slice Cake Set and tea or coffee on the second floor.
Tip: Sit by the window facing the clock to time your break with the next steam puff.
Craft a music box at You-kobo Workshop:
Build a custom glass music box with your choice of tune and decorations.
Tip: Book at least four days ahead to secure your spot and favorite melody.
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Item | Cost (Approx.) |
---|---|
Steam Clock show | JPY 0 |
Sakaimachi Street stroll | JPY 0 |
LeTAO Cake Set | JPY 864 |
You-kobo Music Box Workshop | JPY 1,200 |
Total Estimated | JPY 2,064 |
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, the steam plume shows up vividly against the snow—wear warm layers and non-slip shoes. In summer, visit early to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
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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