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One of the largest music box halls in Japan.
This music box specialty shop has branches in various locations such as Otaru, Hakodate, Furano, Yokohama, Kamakura, and Kyoto. Its main building, which is the main shop, was built in 1915 (Taisho 4) and is designated as a historic building by Otaru City, preserving the remnants of the good old days.
The museum, consisting of two buildings made of red bricks and stones, is divided into five floors, each displaying and selling music boxes with different concepts. With a variety of designs and materials including jewelry boxes, stuffed animals, wall hangings, and ceramics, the store boasts about 3,200 types and more than 38,000 items, making it one of the largest scales in Japan.
With displays that change with each season, dioramas expressing the history of music boxes, and antiques of high historical value, there is plenty to see and you can enjoy losing track of time even if you're not a music box fan.
At the nearby "Music Box & Handicrafts Studio You-kobo", you can experience various crafts, including making your own unique music box through decoration and full assembly, as well as creating original glass crafts.
The building is an architectural heritage with over 100 years of history
The first floor is packed with countless music boxes across a large floor
The second floor corridor surrounding the atrium is lined with luxury music boxes and dioramas
The third floor is filled with character items and miscellaneous goods
At the "Music Box & Handicrafts Studio You-kobo ", you can also experience full assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Can you provide services in foreign languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
Yes, we have staff who can assist in English, Korean, and Chinese.
Q
Are tax refunds available?
Yes, available.
Q
Is gift wrapping available?
Gift wrapping is available.
Q
Do you have an overseas-shipping service?
We apologize, but as of August 2023, we do not offer that service. However, there's a post office nearby where you can arrange shipping.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Otaru Steam Clock & Its Vancouver Sister Clock |
Walking through the streets of Otaru, Hokkaido, I arrived in front of the European-style music box hall, where a tall, elegant steam clock came into view. In the photo, crowds stream past the clock tower, while the classical buildings, streets, and power lines intertwine, adding even more of Otaru’s unique nostalgic charm.
This steam clock is about 5.5 meters tall and weighs 1.5 metric tons. It was created by Canadian clockmaker Raymond Saunders and is the sister clock of the steam clock in Gastown, Vancouver, Canada. Steam powers its whistles, which play a melody every 15 minutes, giving the cold metal clock tower a warm sense of life.
Standing in front of the clock and watching people come and go, it feels as if time slows down here. **One clock connects the two cities of Otaru and Vancouver, while also leaving a treasured memory of time spent traveling in Hokkaido.
When traveling to Otaru, Hokkaido, be sure to make time for a visit to Otaru Orgel Doh Main Hall! This is a very famous tourist attraction in Otaru. The nostalgic red-brick building and its classical exterior will make you want to stop and take photos before you even step inside.
As soon as you enter, you'll be greeted by a dazzling array of music boxes, from cute animal designs and dreamy glass music boxes to elaborate carousels and all kinds of cartoon character styles. Every one is incredibly detailed, with so much to see!
At Otaru Orgel Doh Main Hall (小樽オルゴール堂本館), located at Otaru's popular Marchen Crossroads, step inside the historic wooden building with its high ceiling and you'll immediately be surrounded by warm lighting and a dazzling array of music boxes! In the center of the display area is a photo spot decorated with nautical elements such as a ship's wheel and anchor, while various sparkling crystal and glass music boxes with beautiful tones are displayed below. Lovely melodies drift throughout the building, creating an incredibly romantic atmosphere. Whether you're choosing a one-of-a-kind souvenir or simply strolling around and appreciating the beauty of music and craftsmanship, this is a highly recommended attraction and photo spot on an independent trip to Otaru!
When visiting Otaru, you really can't miss this romantic music box wonderland! The Otaru Orgel Doh Main Hall is distinctive both inside and out. As soon as you enter, you're greeted by a dazzling array of exquisite music boxes in countless designs, including cute animals, dreamy fairy tales, and elegant vintage styles. Each one makes you want to stop and take a closer look.
With beautiful music playing, wooden decor, and warm lighting, the entire store has a strong nostalgic and romantic atmosphere that feels truly characteristic of Otaru.
Even if you're not planning to buy anything, it's a great place to browse, take photos, and experience the romance of traveling in Hokkaido. There are also plenty of choices if you're looking for souvenirs. The selection is so extensive that it's easy to keep browsing and not want to leave.
Stepping into the Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building is like entering a giant, magical jewelry box. The museum is filled with all kinds of delicate and adorable music boxes, from cute, rounded egg-shaped designs and romantic, dreamy carousels to sparkling crystal music boxes. Each one makes you want to stop and admire it closely. With their intricate craftsmanship, different shapes, and melodies, they feel like fairy tales held in the palm of your hand.
The most special part is that you can also experience making a music box yourself. Choose your favorite melody from a dazzling selection of music, then pair it with decorations and a design you like to create your very own “portable treasure box.” When the melody begins to play, your wonderful travel memories gently flow out with the notes.
