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    When visiting Otaru, don't miss Sakaimachi-dori Shopping Street, which is full of nostalgic charm! Many stone buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods have been preserved along both sides of the street. The old-fashioned atmosphere is very charming, and walking through it feels like stepping into a scene from a Japanese movie.

    There's so much good food and plenty to browse here. Along the way, you'll find all kinds of glass crafts, delicate music boxes, unique souvenirs, and Hokkaido sweets, as well as many popular shops where you can eat and browse as you go.

    The whole street is quite lively, and after it snows in winter, it has an especially romantic Hokkaido feel. Besides the canal, Sakaimachi-dori Shopping Street is also worth setting aside time to explore at a leisurely pace. Strolling, taking photos, and looking for little items you like really makes you feel like you're traveling!

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    Many historic buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods remain on both sides of the street, creating a nostalgic port-town atmosphere. The shopping street has many distinctive shops offering Otaru glasswork, music boxes, sweets, sushi, seafood, and more, so you can shop and sample food while taking a stroll. The skillful blend of old and new buildings gives it a charm all its own.

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    Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street is really fun to explore, and you can feel Otaru's distinctive charm as you walk along the street. There are lots of specialty dessert shops, souvenir stores, and cute little shops along the way, and each one makes you want to go inside and take a look. Besides trying Hokkaido food, I also bought some souvenirs I liked. My favorite part was browsing the shops while enjoying the retro streetscape. The whole atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable.

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    The dreamy Fairy Tale Crossroads is the starting point of Otaru Sakaimachi Dori, and the street is filled with delicious sweets, beautiful glass crafts, and all kinds of unique little shops.

    Along the way, you can try snacks like melon cups and sweet tempura, and also find souvenir shops selling items like kombu and shredded squid. I recommend getting off at Minami-Otaru Station and taking a relaxed stroll toward the Otaru Canal. It’s a bit of a walk, but with all the eating and browsing along the way, you’ll get there before you know it.

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    Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street is definitely a spot you can’t miss in Otaru! The whole street is packed with Hokkaido souvenirs and tasty snacks. Every few steps, you’ll want to stop for samples or take photos. It’s seriously so easy to get carried away.

    This time, I also made a special visit to the super popular Gin no Kane Cafe. The best part is that you can choose your own coffee cup, and after you finish your drink, you get to take the cup home as a souvenir. It’s like having a cup of coffee plus an extra travel memory. Such a nice little ritual!

    If you’re visiting Otaru, make sure to leave some time to wander slowly. You might just bring home your own little Hokkaido story too.

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    If you come to Hokkaido, you definitely have to stroll around Otaru’s shopping street. This 1,300-meter shopping street has famous sweets and souvenir shops like LeTAO, Rokkatei, and Kitakaro, plus lots of other great gifts to bring home.

    There’s plenty to eat, shop for, and explore. I especially recommend the café where you can even take home an Otaru Canal-themed coffee cup!

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    Otaru’s shopping street has more than just famous sweets and souvenir shops like LeTAO, Rokkatei, and Kitakaro. There are also glass shops and music box stores where you can really feel the art and culture.

    Walking around the streets of Otaru and checking out all the well-known shops, you’re bound to come across a souvenir or keepsake you’ll fall in love with at first sight.

    Since it was a holiday, there was a long line at the kerosene lamp café, so I took a photo by the sign as a little souvenir of my visit.

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    The architecture has so much character. No matter where you point your camera, it feels very retro-Japanese. There are quite a few tourists, but the atmosphere still feels pretty laid-back.

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    This is the busiest street in Otaru. Once you start walking down Sakaimachi Dori, you won't want to leave. The LeTAO cheesecake is a must—so creamy and fragrant, and you can eat it fresh right after buying!

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    This shopping street has preserved many old buildings and traditional-style shops, giving the whole area a nostalgic vibe.

Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa