Otaru is a canal town on Hokkaido’s western coast, shaped by stone, sea, and time. Once a hub of trade and finance, it now rests in quiet beauty—its gaslit streets and curved waterway remembering what once was.
“Twilight rests on the canal, and the gaslight begins to remember.”
The stone building in this photo was once a warehouse, carved with the wealth and pride of merchants. Enriched by herring fisheries and Kitamaebune trade, they built it not only to store cargo, but to display the presence of wealth. The warehouse was more than a storage space—it was a statement of power and trust, built in heavy stone. Today, the warehouses along the canal have been renovated and now house restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops.
The lamp doesn’t speak, but it remembers.
The canal in this photo is part of Otaru’s historic waterfront, completed in 1923 to support maritime trade.
In the 1980s, the city restored the area, adding 63 gas-style lamps along the 1.1 km promenade to revive its nostalgic charm.
These lamps, though electric, were designed to resemble those from the Meiji and Taisho eras, casting warm light over the stone warehouses and quiet waters.
Today, they illuminate the path for visitors exploring a town once known as the gateway to Hokkaido.
Otaru is also known as the “City of Glass.”
Its glass industry began with practical items—oil lamps and fishing floats—during the Meiji era, when electricity was scarce and herring fishing was thriving.
Today, the city’s glass museums and workshops showcase delicate craftsmanship, blending tradition with modern design.
Visitors can admire hand-blown glass, stained glass from Europe, and even try making their own pieces.
The impressive stone buildings lining the canal, once symbols of the city’s wealth, served as vital storage for herring and other goods. These sturdy structures, built in heavy stone, have been meticulously renovated. Today, the warehouses along the canal have been transformed into lively destinations, housing unique restaurants, cozy cafes, and distinctive souvenir shops, maintaining their historical facade while embracing modern commerce.
The romantic atmosphere of Otaru culminates near the Meruhen Intersection (Fairy Tale Intersection), home to the famous Otaru Music Box Museum. Here, visitors can explore a vast collection of intricate music boxes, from antique pieces to modern designs, often accompanied by the enchanting sound of the steam clock outside. The area is also famous for its delicious local sweets and cafes housed in beautifully preserved buildings.
Finaly, we provide essential information for planning your visit. Otaru is easily accessible from Sapporo by a scenic 40-minute JR train ride. This route is fully covered by your JR Pass, making it a perfect day trip or a base for exploring Hokkaido. Before securing your lodging, be sure to confirm the pass covers your entire itinerary! While Otaru has plenty of hotels, we recommend checking accommodation availability near Otaru Station in advance, especially during peak season.
Secure Your JR Pass Now and explore all of Hokkaido! (JR Pass is essential for the scenic ride.) [ここにKlookなどのJRパスアフィリエイトリンクを挿入してください]
Find Your Perfect Stay in Otaru (Check prices and availability instantly!) [https://www.google.com/search?q=%E3%81%93%E3%81%93%E3%81%ABBooking.comまたは希望の宿泊アフィリエイトリンクを挿入してください]
Traveling beyond Hokkaido? If you are heading to the Tohoku region next, do not miss the enchanting, snowy onsen town often called the inspiration for Spirited Away! (Read: Ginzan Onsen Guide)`
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