Otaru, a charming port city located in Hokkaido, is a popular tourist destination. Renowned for the historic and scenic canal, Otaru canal is on my visitors must-see list when in the area.
The Otaru Canal is a stunning and serene waterway that runs through the center of the city, providing a breathtaking backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a romantic evening. The canal is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, providing a perfect opportunity to sample some of the local cuisine or pick up a souvenir. The local seafood is especially noteworthy, with fresh sushi and sashimi being a must-try for any foodie.
Until a more modern port was built, the Otaru canal used to be a key economic powerhouse of the prefecture in the early 1900s, with boats travelling up the canal and dropping off goods directly at the warehouses all along the waterfront. The modern port was built in the 1980s, and has since made the Otaru canal obsolete, however a movement to protect the heritage of the canal has seen the once busy port turned into tourist destination, and a memento of the towns history.
One of the best times to visit the Otaru Canal is at night, when the canal is illuminated by lanterns and street lamps, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The brick buildings along the canal are also beautifully lit, showcasing the unique architecture of the city.
During the winter months, The Snow Light Path Festival is held, and the canal is lined with twinkling lights and adorned with snow, making it a winter wonderland that is truly a sight to behold. You can experience the unique aesthetic of Otaru year round, as each season brings new colours to the leaves and the canal.
Accessing the Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is a short walk 5-10 minute walk from JR Otaru station following the main road leading out of the station.
From Sapporo, a train can be taken from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station. The journey will take about 45 minutes on the Local Otaru Train, and will cost 750JPY one way. You can also take a combination of the Local Otaru, Hakodate Line, and the Airport Express, which will take about 35 minutes, and cost about 1,590JPY one way. With a JR Rail Pass, the journey is free.
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