Otaru Tap Room & Hostel

The bathrooms and showers were clean, and the hostel was good. The front desk staff were very helpful. It’s a bit of a walk from the train station.

I only popped in for a beer, and it was a cozy place with good vibes and good beer. They have some beers on tap, plus cans and bottles in the fridge, so you can try local and foreign ones. The bartender was really nice and the service was excellent. I’ll be back!

The guestbook was a highlight for me. I enjoyed reading about past guests’ journeys and experiences, and I left a contribution of my own too. I also had some lovely conversations with Wakana and the friendly staff, who were great to chat with. I stayed here while traveling in Otaru, and found it clean, well organized and cozy, especially in the cold winter. The beds were comfortable and had privacy blinds, making this a great spot for backpacking. They take care to clean the beds and notice the details. Larger rooms are available with traditional tatami Mats for groups, and there are plenty of toilets, sinks and showers to stay comfortable.

I only stopped for beers, so I can’t comment on the hostel or an overnight stay. The owner knows Japanese craft beer and is really friendly. There’s a great, changing selection of Japanese craft beers, and it’s a cozy little bar for both travelers and locals. I’ll stop in again if I’m back in Otaru.