Hokkaido Glass & Music Box Making | Otaru's Best Workshops
Known for its retro townscape, Otaru is home to a cluster of workshops where you can make your own glasswork or music box. Bringing home a one-of-a-kind creation makes a great memento of your trip. Hakodate has similar workshops as well.
Why Try Glass & Music Box Making
Otaru is known as a town of glasswork and music boxes, and many of its workshops occupy historic Meiji-era buildings. Some shops let you choose from over 400 tunes, mixing and matching cases and parts to build something entirely your own. Glasswork options are varied too — from music boxes with pressed flowers sealed inside, to sandblasted pieces engraved with your own design.
Recommended Areas & Workshops
Otaru (around Sakaimachi Street)
Glass and music box workshops cluster around the Otaru Canal and Sakaimachi Street. Many offer quick programs — like a miniature glass-topped music box or a stained-glass photo frame — that can be finished in a short time, making them easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.
Hakodate (Motomachi / Bay Area)
Hakodate has music box workshops too, including one inside a shopping complex built in a Meiji-era building. Press-style, pin-cylinder, and hand-crank music boxes each have their own building process and price.
Typical Pricing
A quick project like a miniature glass-topped music box runs roughly ¥2,000–2,800, and stained-glass projects like a photo frame are around ¥2,000. Music box workshops in Hakodate range from about ¥2,600 to ¥5,000, depending on the type of music box you choose.
* Prices change, so please check each workshop's official website for the latest information.
How Long Does It Take?
A simple project can be finished in about 30 minutes to an hour. Taking extra care over choosing parts or decorating can add a bit more time. Most workshops let you take your finished piece home the same day.
Can Children Join?
Many workshops welcome children, and they're a popular pick for summer school projects. Depending on the child's age, having a parent help along the way can make things easier.
Getting There
Many workshops are within walking distance of Otaru Station, making the area easy to reach by train. The Hakodate workshops are also just a few minutes from Hakodate Station by streetcar.
From Sapporo
By car: About 1 hour to Otaru.
By public transport: A convenient 30–40 minutes by JR.
By taxi: If you're carrying a lot of luggage or want to visit several sights in one trip, a private charter taxi (MUTO TAXI) is convenient.
From New Chitose Airport
By car: About 1.5 hours to Otaru.
By taxi: If you'd like to head straight to Otaru after landing, a private charter taxi direct from the airport is convenient.
Taxi Fares by Area & Related Guides
- New Chitose Airport to Otaru — approx. ¥28,000–33,000
- Sapporo to Otaru — approx. ¥12,000–15,000
- Hokkaido SUP Guide (Shakotan / Otaru)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can children join?
A. Yes. Many workshops are set up so kids can complete a project for a summer school assignment.
Q. Can I take my finished piece home right away?
A. Yes — most projects are completed and ready to take home the same day.
Q. Do I need to book in advance?
A. Some workshops accept walk-ins, but booking ahead is a good idea if you'd like to avoid a wait.
Q. Can I get to Otaru by train?
A. Yes — it's about 30–40 minutes from Sapporo by JR, making it easy to reach.
Q. Can a taxi take me to Otaru?
A. Yes. MUTO TAXI offers private charter transfers to Otaru from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo. Please contact us for details.