Otaru Canal in winter is truly as beautiful as a fairy-tale world! The gas lamps on both sides, paired with snow-covered warehouses, create an incredibly romantic atmosphere. I couldn’t help stopping to take photos with every step.
Whether it’s the pure white snowy scenery during the day or the lights reflecting on the canal at night, it’s the kind of place you won’t want to leave. That said, the snow-covered ground is really slippery. I recommend wearing non-slip shoes or ice cleats and walking slowly so you can enjoy this dreamy winter scene safely.
If you’re traveling to Hokkaido, Otaru Canal is definitely a classic winter spot you shouldn’t miss!
Otaru Canal | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Rokkatei Otaru Canal Store
Rokkatei, a confectionery manufacturer known for popular Hokkaido souvenirs such as "Marusei Butter Sandwich," "Yukiyakonko," and strawberry chocolate, operates the Otaru Canal Store. This store, built using approximately 100,000 bricks from Tokachi, features a retro exterior that blends seamlessly with the streetscape of Sakaimachi Main Street.
If I could bring back only one souvenir from Hokkaido to Taiwan, I’d instantly pick Rokkatei’s rum raisin butter sandwich cookies!
The first bite totally wowed me last time. Rich cream, raisins with a light rum aroma, and soft, buttery cookies with a nice crispness. Every bite makes it impossible to stop. It’s the kind of magical sweet that makes you think, “I’ll just have one,” and then want to open another box.
This time in Hokkaido, I had just one goal: buy several boxes to take back to Taiwan! Otherwise, I knew I’d regret not getting enough and end up trying to ration them at home. If you’re coming to Hokkaido, definitely save some suitcase space for these. They’re absolutely worth carrying all the way home! -
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Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street
Located just one street away from the main thoroughfare facing the Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi-dori flourished during the Meiji and early Showa periods, becoming Otaru's main street.
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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Otaru Tenguyama Observation Platform, Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway
Otaru’s symbol, Mt.Tengu, stands 532m-high above sea level. On top, there is an observation platform awarded one star on Michelin Green Guide Japon, where you can look out at the city and the Japan Sea. At night, Mt Tengu offers a breath-taking sight over Otaru City, referred to as one of Hokkaido’s Three Best Night Views, along with Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Hakodate.
Otaru Tenguyama Observation Platform is best known for its dreamy night view, and it’s even considered one of Hokkaido’s Three Best Night Views. This time, though, we chose to go during the day, and we weren’t disappointed at all!
As we rode the ropeway up, we had a clear view of Otaru Port, the city, and the snow-covered mountains. The silvery white winter scenery looked like something out of a fairy tale, and every angle was perfect for photos.
Although we didn’t get to see the city lights at night, the pure snowy landscape and wide-open views during the day actually made it even easier to feel the charm of winter in Hokkaido. If you visit Otaru in winter, consider adding a daytime trip to Mt. Tengu too. I’m sure you’ll be just as captivated by this beautiful white scenery as I was! -
