The Otaru Canal Cruise is a highly recommended experience when visiting Otaru! The boat slowly makes its way along the canal, and during the day, you can admire the well-preserved historic buildings and warehouses along the waterfront. Listening to the onboard commentary also gives you a better sense of Otaru's former prosperity as a port town. In the evening, the sunset and streetlights reflect on the canal, creating a completely different atmosphere. See the history by day and enjoy the romantic night views after dark—each time of day has its own charm, so don't miss it when visiting Otaru!
Otaru Canal Cruise | Review by Queenie
Other Reviews by Queenie
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GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLETS
GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLETS was established in 2000 and is the largest outlet mall in Japan. It is easily accessible from famous tourist spots such as Hakone, Izu, and Mt. Fuji, and is a popular spot to stop by during sightseeing.
Billed as one of Japan's largest outlets, the place really is huge, with a wide selection of brands. It has everything from clothing, shoes, and bags to household goods and food, and you seriously won't be able to stop shopping!
This time, we shopped for 2 days and still couldn't finish. There were many stores we didn't even get a chance to look at closely. It's just such a great place to shop and browse〜 If you love shopping, I really recommend setting aside at least 3 days so you can take your time and hunt for bargains. Otherwise, there really isn't enough time! When you visit Gotemba Premium Outlets, make sure to allow plenty of time to shop to your heart's content.
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Ishimatsu Gyoza Main Restaurant
Hamamatsu Gyoza are a wallet-friendly, delicious bite known across Japan. Ishimatsu Gyoza, a veteran shop found in front of Hamamatsu Station, has been serving up the same unbeatable flavor since it opened in 1953.
When you come to Hamamatsu, you definitely can't miss this famous, long-established gyoza restaurant! Founded in 1953, it has a history of over 70 years and is also nationally known for its B-grade cuisine. Locals told us we had to try it, and it really didn't disappoint!
The gyoza wrappers are pan-fried until golden and crispy, while the filling is tender and juicy. Eating them with the classic bean sprouts served with Hamamatsu gyoza makes them refreshing and cuts through the richness, so you just can't stop eating one after another. No wonder it's so popular online—even locals recommend it! If you're visiting Hamamatsu, it's well worth planning a meal here〜
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Soyokaze (Numazu City, Shizuoka)
A hamburger steak specialty restaurant that opened in February 2024 after the owner was deeply impressed by the hamburger steak at the popular Fujinomiya restaurant "Celery Batake" and persuaded them with the wish that even more people should have the chance to try it. Serving a new style of hamburger steak, this is one standout spot bringing a fresh wave to Shizuoka, an area known for its fierce hamburger competition.
I actually wasn't a big fan of hamburger steaks before because I always thought the texture was pretty ordinary, but my visit to SOYOKAZE completely changed my impression! The hamburger steak was nicely seared on the outside, and when I cut into it, it was full of juices. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the sauce made it hard to stop eating. I originally came just to give it a try, but it was unexpectedly delicious and even changed the mind of someone like me who doesn't like hamburger steaks. If you're traveling to Numazu, I highly recommend trying this hamburger steak specialty restaurant!
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