Otaru Canal – A Symbol of a Romantic Port Town
Introduction
Otaru Canal, located in Otaru City, Hokkaido, is a historical tourist attraction that captivates many visitors with its beautiful scenery and romantic atmosphere. The blend of Meiji-era history and modern charm makes Otaru Canal a soothing spot to explore. This article provides detailed information on how to access the canal from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports, nearby tourist spots, recommended food, popular restaurants, shops, and souvenirs.
Access from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai Airports
Access from Narita Airport
From Narita Airport, take a flight to New Chitose Airport. From New Chitose Airport, take the JR Rapid Airport train to Otaru Station, which takes about 1.5 hours. From Otaru Station, it is about a 10-minute walk to Otaru Canal.
Access from Haneda Airport
From Haneda Airport, there are also flights to New Chitose Airport. From there, follow the same route by taking the JR Rapid Airport train to Otaru Station. The total travel time from Haneda Airport is about 3 hours.
Access from Kansai International Airport
From Kansai International Airport, take a flight to New Chitose Airport. From there, take the JR Rapid Airport train to Otaru Station. The total travel time from Kansai International Airport to Otaru Canal is about 4 hours.
Attractions of Otaru Canal
History and Culture
Otaru Canal was completed in 1923 and was originally used for logistics. Today, the canal is lined with stone warehouses, and at night, gas lamps illuminate the area, creating a magical atmosphere. This historical charm is one of the key attractions of Otaru.
Canal Cruises
Otaru Canal offers canal cruises. By taking a cruise, you can leisurely enjoy the beautiful scenery along the canal. Sunset and night cruises are especially recommended. Guided cruises provide insight into the history of the canal and Otaru’s culture.
Nearby Tourist Spots
Otaru Music Box Museum
Within walking distance from Otaru Canal, the Otaru Music Box Museum showcases and sells a wide variety of music boxes. The museum is filled with the beautiful sounds of music boxes, creating a soothing environment. You can also experience making your own original music box, which is very popular.
Former Temiya Line
A short walk from Otaru Canal, the Former Temiya Line is a historical railway site. Now a promenade, it is perfect for strolling and photography. The site is known for its beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
Recommended Food and Popular Restaurants
Recommended Food
Otaru is famous for its fresh seafood. Especially recommended is “kaisen-don,” a bowl of rice topped with a generous serving of fresh seafood. Additionally, Otaru sushi is renowned for its quality and taste, attracting many visitors.
Popular Restaurants
Naruto Main Shop
“Naruto Main Shop” is a popular local restaurant specializing in chicken dishes. Their famous “half-fried chicken” is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, offering an excellent taste. The portions are generous and reasonably priced.
Naruto Main Shop Official Site
Nearby Shops
LeTAO
LeTAO is famous for its sweets in Otaru. The “Double Fromage,” a rich cheesecake, is especially popular as a souvenir. Visitors can sample the sweets in the store, making it worth a visit. LeTAO Official Site
Kitaichi Glass
Near Otaru Canal, there are several Kitaichi Glass stores offering beautiful glass products. These handcrafted items are popular both as art pieces and practical items. Purchasing handmade glass products makes for a memorable souvenir. Kitaichi Glass Official Site
Otaru Masazushi
For those who want to enjoy sushi in Otaru, “Otaru Masazushi” is highly recommended. The fresh ingredients and skilled craftsmanship make the sushi here exceptional. They also offer sushi bento boxes as souvenirs. Otaru Masazushi Official Site
Souvenirs
Otaru offers a wide variety of souvenirs. Here are some popular options:
- LeTAO Sweets: As mentioned, LeTAO’s sweets, including the Double Fromage, are very popular as gifts.
- Kitaichi Glass Products: Beautifully designed and practical glass products make for great souvenirs.
- Seafood Products: Processed seafood items such as dried fish and seafood delicacies are also popular, allowing you to enjoy the taste of Otaru at home.
Conclusion
Otaru Canal captivates visitors with its historical background and beautiful scenery. It’s conveniently accessible from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports. When you visit, be sure to enjoy the recommended restaurants and shops mentioned here. Enjoy a fulfilling trip experiencing Otaru’s rich culture and beautiful nature.