Beyond Goodbye Filming Locations in Otaru | Temiya Line, the Canal and the University of Commerce

If you're touring the Otaru filming locations of the Netflix drama "Beyond Goodbye" (Sayonara no Tsuzuki), it's easier to plan safely if you first separate "spots officially confirmed by the Otaru Film Commission" from "spots introduced by several reliable media outlets but still awaiting official confirmation". This article guides you through the locations, centered on the former JNR Temiya Line, the Otaru Canal, Otaru University of Commerce and Jigokuzaka, in an order that's easy to walk from Otaru Station.

The drama and its connection to Otaru

"Beyond Goodbye" is an 8-episode Japanese drama that began streaming on Netflix on November 14, 2024. The husband of the heroine Saeko (Kasumi Arimura), Narase (Kentaro Sakaguchi), dies, and his heart is transplanted; Saeko then meets Yusuke (Toma Ikuta), the man who received it. This story of life passed on and of parting is set in the town of Otaru.

This image was generated by AI for illustrative purposes.

Filming took place in Otaru, Furubira, Niseko, Muroran, Yakumo, Ebetsu and Eniwa in Hokkaido, as well as on the Island of Hawaii and in New Zealand. For the Otaru locations, the Otaru Film Commission (run by the Otaru City Tourism Promotion Office) has made and distributes an official location map (source: https://www.otaru-fc.jp/2024/10/04/3862/).

This article groups the spots by the strength of their sources. Note that we don't include screenshots of Netflix content or images of the cast, for copyright and portrait-rights reasons. Please use the local scenery only for reference.

If you'd like to see the big picture first, also see the parent article, Otaru Film and Anime Pilgrimage Map.

Former JNR Temiya Line: the official location of the walking-on-the-tracks scene

The former JNR Temiya Line is part of the first railway opened in Hokkaido, in 1880 (Meiji 13). After it closed in 1985, it was turned into a walking path about 1.6 km long, with the tracks, crossings and crossing gates left as they were. In 2018 it was selected as a "Hokkaido Heritage" site, and it's one of Otaru's signature photo spots.

It's a filming location listed on the Otaru Film Commission's official location map. It appears as the commuting route of Narase (Kentaro Sakaguchi) and Saeko (Kasumi Arimura), and as the setting of the memorable scene where Yusuke (Toma Ikuta) and Saeko walk barefoot on the tracks.

Being able to walk freely on disused tracks, in an out-of-the-ordinary space with retro crossings and gates, suited the drama's emotional visuals perfectly. It's also known as a filming location for "Love Letter" (1995, directed by Shunji Iwai), and is a classic stop on Otaru pilgrimages for fans of many works.

During the "Otaru Snow Light Path" in February, candles made of snow line the Temiya Line, creating a magical winter scene. However, in the snow season the tracks are buried and hard to see, so if you want to see the tracks, spring to autumn is recommended.

This image was generated by AI for illustrative purposes.

Access and basic information

Otaru Canal: the filming location of the fireworks scene

The Otaru Canal, completed in 1923 (Taisho 12), is 1,140 m long. Its scenery of stone warehouses and retro gas lamps is widely known as the symbol of Otaru sightseeing. It's listed on the Otaru Film Commission's official location map and appears as the venue of the summer fireworks (Otaru Ushio Festival). The scene of the married couple Narase and Saeko watching fireworks side by side was filmed here.

This image was generated by AI for illustrative purposes.

There's a walking path along the canal that you can enjoy all year, from day to night. After sunset, the gas lamps are lit (from 18:00 in June–August, otherwise from sunset to 24:00), creating a soft atmosphere different from the daytime. The area overlaps with filming locations for other works such as "Love Letter" and "First Love", so it's easy to include in a pilgrimage covering several works.

Access and basic information

Otaru University of Commerce and Jigokuzaka: the official locations of Narase's workplace and commute

Otaru University of Commerce, founded in 1911 (Meiji 44), is a national university on high ground in Otaru. Its imposing stone buildings and main gate became an important setting in the drama.

It has been introduced several times on Otaru University of Commerce's official blog, and appears as "Otaru University of Education", where Narase works. The main gate and the guardhouse were used for filming. (Source: https://www.otaru-uc.ac.jp/shoudai_blog/418915/)

The university is open to general visitors (weekdays, when the university is open), but please be careful not to disturb the normal work of students and staff. Don't enter classrooms during lessons or restricted areas, and as a rule take photos outside the grounds or near the main gate.

Jigokuzaka is the steep slope leading up to Otaru University of Commerce. It's a long slope of about 1.5 km, and the name "Jigokuzaka" (Hell Slope) comes from the hardships of students at the university's predecessor school in the depths of winter. The university's official blog and HOKKAIDO LOVE! introduce it as Narase's commuting route, and it's confirmed as an official filming location.

Partway up, there are views over Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay, and the view opens up as you climb. Halfway up there's also a turnoff to the Asahi Observatory (190 m). It's known as the slope that Takiji Kobayashi (author of "The Crab Cannery Ship") and the poet Sei Ito walked as students, and is also popular as a literary walk.

Access and basic information (Otaru University of Commerce)

Access and basic information (Jigokuzaka)

Yanagawa Shopping Street, SHARAKU and the former Hokkai Seikan Warehouse No. 3: an area introduced by secondary sources

The three spots in this area are introduced as filming locations by several reliable media outlets, but all are secondary information; our research this time could not confirm that they are listed by the official film commission. It's safest to visit them casually as "places said to be filming locations".

Yanagawa Shopping Street is a local shopping street about a 3–5 minute walk from Otaru Station. Several location guides introduce it as where the scene (a flashback) of Yusuke and Saeko walking together under one umbrella in the rain was filmed. It's said to be where set filming for the flower shop "Otaru Seikaten" took place.

Also near Yanagawa Shopping Street, Craft Liquor bar SHARAKU (3-11-3 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido), on the first floor of Otaru Central Market, is introduced by several media outlets as the actual filming location of "Otaru Seikaten". It's an active shop, marked by a sign with a triangular roof. Because it's a working business, please don't enter or take photos without permission.

The former Hokkai Seikan Warehouse No. 3 is a four-story reinforced concrete building built in 1924 (Taisho 13), at the end of the Otaru Canal. It was donated to Otaru City in 2021 and marked its 100th anniversary in 2024. It's preserved as a historic building designated by Otaru City.

Several articles introduce it as the location of "the scene where Narase runs after Saeko". You can view the exterior all year (free), but the interior is open only during events.

Mt. Tengu and Kenashi Pass: said to be where panoramic and mountain-pass scenes were filmed

Mt. Tengu and Kenashi Pass are two spots away from the city center. Both are introduced based on secondary information and have not been confirmed by the official film commission. Please treat them as "places said to be filming locations".

Mt. Tengu in Otaru (532.5 m) is a mountain in the city, and you can reach near the summit by ropeway. Several location guides introduce it as "where shots of Otaru's townscape and panoramic views were filmed".

From the summit you can enjoy a grand panorama stretching over the city, Ishikari Bay and the Shakotan Peninsula. In winter it also runs as a ski area, and the ropeway operates until 21:00 (maintenance closures in late March–mid-April and around November).

Access and basic information (Mt. Tengu)

Kenashi Pass is a mountain pass on National Route 393, on the border between Otaru and Akaigawa Village in Yoichi District. Several location articles introduce it as "the road the bus carrying Yusuke and Saeko takes, where the accident happens".

From the viewpoint at about 470 m, you can see Ishikari Bay and Otaru. It's also popular in the autumn leaves season. Access is basically by car, and our research this time could not confirm a direct way to get there by public transport. In winter, snow and ice call for caution on the road.

Other places said to be filming locations (supplementary)

The following spots are introduced by several location guides, but all are based on secondary information.

JR Otaru Station (2-22-15 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido) is said to appear repeatedly in everyday commuting scenes as the nearest station to Narase and Saeko's company. Its retro station building was built in 1934 (Showa 9), and glass lamps, an Otaru specialty, decorate the concourse. It also works naturally as the starting point of your pilgrimage.

The former site of the International Interior Academy vocational school (7-10 Aioicho, Otaru, Hokkaido, near JR Minami-Otaru Station) is said to appear as the office of "AKANE Co., Ltd.", the coffee company where Saeko works. It's in the Sakaimachi area, around the Otaru Music Box Museum and LeTAO Main Store. How the building is used now is still being checked, so it's safest to view only the exterior.

Saiseikai Otaru Hospital (10-1 Chikko, Otaru, Hokkaido, about a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru-Chikko Station) is introduced as the hospital where Narase was admitted for his heart transplant surgery. It's a working hospital, so entering the grounds or taking photos for sightseeing is not allowed. We only mention its exterior.

Recommended courses from Otaru Station and how long they take

There are many locations, so it's realistic to plan by area.

City center area (2–3 hours, mainly on foot)

JR Otaru Station (start) ↓ 3–5 min on foot Yanagawa Shopping Street and Craft SHARAKU (the former flower shop and the atmosphere around it) ↓ 10–15 min on foot Former JNR Temiya Line (walk the tracks, about 1.6 km) ↓ head toward the canal Otaru Canal (gas lamps and warehouses) ↓ a short walk along the canal Former Hokkai Seikan Warehouse No. 3 (check the exterior) ↓ toward Sakaimachi Street JR Minami-Otaru Station (former vocational school site, walk along Sakaimachi Street)

Hill and viewpoint area (half a day, including the bus)

JR Otaru Station ↓ Bus "Otaru Shodai Line" about 10 min Otaru University of Commerce and Jigokuzaka (the atmosphere of the main gate and the commute) ↓ stop by the Asahi Observatory (190 m) if you like Walk down the slope back to the city center

Combining Mt. Tengu and Kenashi Pass with the city center and hill areas above takes a day or more. For your first pilgrimage, prioritize the city center area, and plan Mt. Tengu and Kenashi Pass for another day or by car.

What to check before you visit

Further reading

Your "Beyond Goodbye" tour of Otaru is easier to plan when you combine the parent map, routes shared with other works and cycling routes.

• Otaru Film and Anime Pilgrimage Map — the parent article listing the many works set in Otaru.
• Saikano Otaru Pilgrimage: Walking the Asahi Observatory and Jigokuzaka — the Jigokuzaka and Asahi Observatory area overlaps with routes for "Beyond Goodbye".
• First Love Filming Locations in Otaru — the former Temiya Line and Otaru Canal area are shared locations that appear in several works.
• Half-Day Cycling Course Around Otaru Filming Locations — explains how to tour the flat city center efficiently by bicycle.
• Otaru Transportation Guide — check in advance how to reach spots that need a bus, such as Mt. Tengu and the University of Commerce.

Access and maps

The maps below are for checking locations. They are not an official pilgrimage route connecting several spots. When actually getting around, give priority to each facility's opening status, the season and winter closures.

You can check the location of Otaru Station, the starting point for all routes.

You can check the location of the former Temiya Line walking path. You can walk about 1.6 km from the Ironai entrance toward Temiya.

You can check the location of the Otaru Canal. You can walk it together with the paths toward Chuo Bridge and Asakusa Bridge.

You can check the location of Otaru University of Commerce, at the top of Jigokuzaka. You can also get there by bus.

You can check the location of the Tenguyama Ropeway base station, about 20 minutes by bus from Otaru Station.

You can check the location of COTARU, a handy base for taking a break and getting route advice before or after your pilgrimage in the city center.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about touring the Otaru locations of "Beyond Goodbye".

How long does it take to visit all the locations?

Just the former Temiya Line, the canal and the Yanagawa Shopping Street area from around Otaru Station takes about 2–3 hours on foot. Adding Mt. Tengu, Jigokuzaka and Otaru University of Commerce takes half a day to a day. Kenashi Pass requires a car, so it's realistic to visit on a separate day or on a road trip.

Can I do the pilgrimage in winter?

Yes, but with some caveats. The tracks of the former JNR Temiya Line are hard to see under snow in winter, but during the "Otaru Snow Light Path" in February, candles are lit and you can enjoy a magical atmosphere. The Otaru Canal can be walked all year, and its gas lamps are beautiful. Kenashi Pass requires caution in winter due to snow and ice.

Where can I get the location map?

The Otaru Film Commission (Otaru City Hall and tourist information centers in the city) distributes location maps. You can also view it online on the Otaru Film Commission's official website. Getting a paper map in advance helps you get around efficiently.

What's the etiquette for taking photos at the locations?

You can take photos freely on the former Temiya Line, at the canal and on public roads. Saiseikai Otaru Hospital is a working hospital, so photos inside the grounds are not allowed; exterior only. Otaru University of Commerce is open to general visitors, but please be careful not to disturb classes or work. Craft Liquor bar SHARAKU is an operating business, so please don't enter without permission.

Can I get around on a COTARU rental bicycle?

The flat city center area, including the former Temiya Line, the canal, Yanagawa Shopping Street and around Otaru Station, can be covered efficiently by bicycle. The road up Jigokuzaka to Otaru University of Commerce is steep and for experienced riders. For details, see the cycling course article in the "Further reading" section above.

Summary: walk Otaru carefully, centered on the officially confirmed spots

For a "Beyond Goodbye" location tour, the four central spots confirmed on the Otaru Film Commission's official map are the former JNR Temiya Line, the Otaru Canal, Otaru University of Commerce and Jigokuzaka. The unique experience of walking on disused tracks, the canal's gas lamps, the steep slope up to the university and its views — each has scenery found only in Otaru.

Including spots introduced by secondary sources such as Yanagawa Shopping Street and Mt. Tengu, the whole town of Otaru lets you feel the drama's atmosphere. With the drama's emotions of life and parting in your heart, the time you spend walking the tracks, gazing at the canal and climbing the slopes will surely become a memorable part of your trip.