COTARU本店

3 Chome-1-1 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032, Japan

+81 80-8038-4329

$$$ Japanese curry restaurant , Brunch restaurant , Cafe , Dessert restaurant , Ice cream shop , Restaurant

(180 Reviews)

Price Range ¥1–1,000

About COTARU本店

Welcome to COTARU本店, a charming cafe nestled in the heart of Otaru, Hokkaido. Just a stone's throw from the Otaru train station, this minimalist gem is a sanctuary for those seeking a cozy retreat and delightful treats before setting off to explore the town.

As you step inside, you’ll immediately be enveloped by a peaceful vibe that encourages you to unwind. The airy, minimalistic design makes it an Instagram-worthy space that you'll feel compelled to capture and share. The atmosphere here is enhanced by the soft hum of conversation mixed with the aroma of freshly prepared delicacies.

COTARU本店 specializes in Hokkaido's renowned milk products, and their soft serve is a must-try—celebrated by customers for its exquisite creamy texture and rich flavor. Expect nothing less than a sensational experience when you taste their Milk Soft Serve, which one reviewer aptly rated a perfect 10/10. As Phanusorn Chancharoenchai shared, the soft serve has a distinct flavor that perfectly highlights the local dairy without being overly complicated.

The menu isn’t limited to just soft serve; you can also indulge in their Matcha Latte, which many have described as a solid and enjoyable choice, or try their unique Soup Curry—a flavorful blend with just enough spice to tantalize your taste buds, rated a respectable 7/10 by a customer. Each dish and drink exudes the essence of Hokkaido, keeping you warm and satisfied.

Customer feedback paints a perfect picture of COTARU本店’s charm. Maïlys BABA expressed how lovely the ice cream was and praised the cozy atmosphere, making you feel right at home. Moreover, the service here is exceptional; patrons often leave touched by the owner’s sincerity and kindness—like the tale of a customer who forgot their phone and received it back on a bicycle, courtesy of the owner himself.

Whether you’re beginning your adventure in Otaru or looking for a serene spot to recharge, COTARU本店 is not just a cafe; it’s a heartwarming experience paired with high-quality offerings. So next time you’re near Otaru, make sure to stop by and treat yourself to the delightful flavors and warm hospitality that make this cafe unforgettable.

Photo Gallery

Location & Map

Openings Hours

Monday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Guest Reviews

180 Reviews

Phanusorn Chancharoenchai

13 Sep 2025

A minimal style cafe near Otaru train station. I had soft cream here which had limited month flavour and good taste. Good vibe in minimal style. Good place to relax before start travel in Otaru. The owner was very nice. I left my mobile phone in the cafe and he grab his bike to bring it to me which made me really impressive.

rei

26 Aug 2025

Cotaru had a cozy and peaceful vibe! Food was good and the whole cafe looked Instagram worthy :) They have English menus, staff at the front of house spoke decent English to take our order! Milk soft serve : 10/10 If you love milk this is gonna be a slap for you! The milk taste is sedap (delicious) Matcha Latte (iced) : 6.5/10 Standard Matcha! no wrongs! Soup Curry [level 1 spice] (Chicken): 7/10 I know we are surrounded by sea, but I'm a chicken lover the chicken was falling off the bone, cooked til perfection! Flavours were good as per soup curry EXPECTATIONS!!! Soup Curry [level 3 spice] (Scallops): 6/10 Scallops were okay, the soup was decent overall okay. (husband's review) Overall was a great experience!

Charles Chen

17 Aug 2025

My favorite of the 4 soft cream shops I tried in Otaru. Great texture, delicious milk flavor and friendly service. The only shop I’d return to if I was ever back in Otaru.

Maïlys BABA

17 Aug 2025

Very good ! Ice cream was delicious and refreshing, and the staff is lovely The atmosphere is so cozy, we felt really welcomed thank you very much

30 Jul 2025

I stopped by after dinner to try their Hokkaido Milk soft-serve, mainly because of all the positive reviews online. It’s decently good—creamy and enjoyable—but not so remarkable that I’d make a special trip just for it. That said, if you happen to be nearby and are in the mood for Hokkaido-style soft-serve, it’s definitely worth trying. What really stood out, though, was the staff. Their hospitality was excellent and made the experience feel warm and welcoming—definitely the highlight of my visit.

Traveliteasia

06 Jul 2025

The ice-cream was delicious. The place is small but nicely decorated. We tried: • milk soft serve (v tasty) • limited sea salt ice-cream (slightly blue in colour, not too salty, adds complexity to the standar and my personal fav) • salty nut ice-cream (the sea salt ice-cream + nuts. E's fav but the most pricey!)

Mei D

24 Jun 2025

It was freezing in Otaru so we decided to have soup curry for lunch. Had the chicken soup curry. The chicken was very tender. It was a bit “healthy tasting” for me though. Husband had the natto and minced meat, according to him it was delicious. We also enjoyed the Otaru beer. Service was very good. English menu available.

Dima

18 Jun 2025

The sweet potato parfait was brilliant! Perfect combination of the creamy sweet potato with its caramel-like undertone, together with the rich tasting milky soft serve ice cream. The café has both indoor seating and nice outside seating as well.