TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Otaru Music Box Museum is a museum and shop specializing in music boxes located along Sakaimachi Street, a popular tourist spot in Otaru, Hokkaido. It exhibits and sells a wide range of collections, from antiques collected from around the world to the latest mechanical music boxes. The store also has a demonstration corner and a large automatic music box hall, where you can enjoy listening to the music for yourself, making it a major attraction. The building features a retro, photogenic exterior and interior that blends in with the tourist street atmosphere, and there is also a wide range of hands-on content available, such as music box making experiences and name engraving services, allowing you to create your own unique item.
Highlights
- Extensive collection: A wide variety of items are on display and for sale, from cute palm-sized music boxes to large automatic musical instruments and antiques.
- Music Box Hall Performances: Regular performances allow you to experience the rich sounds that only machines can produce (check the notices posted in the museum for times).
- Production experience corner: You can choose your own parts, assemble them, add a song, and take them home, which makes a popular souvenir.
- Personalization/engraving service: You can have your purchased music box personalized to make it a special gift (same-day service may be available depending on the store's capacity).
- Shops and souvenirs: A wide selection of gift items, including music and character goods from Japan and abroad, accessories, and interior goods.
- Photo Spot: The retro interior and displays are perfect for taking photos, and can be enjoyed along with a stroll down Sakaimachi Street.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: About a 10-15 minute walk from Otaru Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line. From the station, walk towards Sakaimachi Street.
- From Sapporo: Take the JR train to Otaru in about 30-40 minutes (travel time varies depending on whether you take the rapid or local train).
- Bus/Car: You can also use the Otaru City sightseeing loop bus and local buses. If you are driving, parking is limited around Sakaimachi Street, so we recommend visiting by public transportation.
- Walking distance: Within walking distance from the Otaru Canal area (the standard tourist route is the canal → Sakaimachi Street → Music Box Museum).
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short: 30-45 minutes (just enough time to browse the shops and buy some souvenirs).
- Standard: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (if you want to take your time looking around the exhibits and listen to the performances).
- Experience included: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (please allow extra time if you plan to use the music box making experience or engraving service).
Nearby spots
- Otaru Canal (walking distance) — The warehouses and canalside scenery are attractive.
- Sakaimachi Street (Tourist Shopping Street) — A strolling street lined with glass workshops, souvenir shops, and cafes.
- Kitaichi Glass (Kitaichi Glass) - View and purchase glass products, and enjoy the atmosphere of Kitaichi Hall.
- LeTAO Main Store - A famous shop selling Otaru's specialty sweets.
- Otaru Music Box Museum Annex and other museums - In some cases, exhibits and sales are held in multiple buildings.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets very crowded during tourist seasons (summer vacation, Golden Week, autumn foliage season, winter snow festival period, etc.) and on weekends. If you want to enjoy it in peace and quiet, we recommend visiting on a weekday or early in the morning.
- Valuables and fragile items: As the store is filled with glassware and delicate musical instruments, please be mindful of bags and children, and follow staff instructions regarding the handling of items.
- Photography: Photography is permitted in most areas, but may be prohibited during performances or in some exhibits. Please check the notices and staff instructions.
- Check in advance for the experience: Music box making experiences may have a limit on the number of participants or require reservations. It is safer to inquire and make reservations in advance, especially for large groups or during busy periods.
- Business hours and payment: Business hours may vary depending on the season. Card and electronic payment options vary by store, so it's a good idea to check in advance.
- Winter clothing: When there is snow or ice on the roads, wear non-slip shoes and take measures to protect yourself from the cold. Sakaimachi Street can be crowded with tourists and can be slippery in places.
The Otaru Music Box Museum is a place filled with the charm of music and handicrafts. Combine your visit with a stroll along Sakaimachi Street and the Otaru Canal, and enjoy the sounds at your leisure.
