Otaru Music Box Museum and Canal Illuminations: Walking Hokkaido's Nostalgic Port Town

Otaru's Charms

Otaru flourished as the economic center of Hokkaido in the Meiji era, and its stone warehouses and former bank buildings preserve a uniquely nostalgic atmosphere.

Highlights

- Otaru Canal: Stone warehouse-lined canal, especially beautiful under gas lamp illumination at night - Otaru Music Box Museum: Tens of thousands of music boxes in a historic building - Kitaichi Glass Hall 3: Workshop and shop for Hokkaido glass crafts - Sushi Alley: A narrow lane of restaurants serving fresh Hokkaido seafood sushi

Food

- Otaru Sushi: Botan shrimp, herring, and scallops from Hokkaido waters - Amatou: Famous Otaru confectionery, including the signature Maron Colon

Getting There

- From JR Otaru Station: walking distance to all major sights - From New Chitose Airport by train: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Tips

The canal illumination is most magical after sunset. Sushi Alley is least busy right when restaurants open for lunch.