When I arrived at Kamakurakōkōmae Station on the Enoden Line, the ocean view and train immediately caught my eye. This is an iconic scene from the Slam Dunk manga, and the familiar railroad crossing makes you feel like you've stepped into memories of your youth. With the blue sea and sky and the train slowly passing by, the whole scene feels both refreshing and romantic. While waiting by the crossing for the train to pass, skilled surfers would occasionally walk by, which was also quite a nice sight~
A Pilgrimage for the Popular Manga, “Slam Dunk” | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Otaru Canal Cruise
The Otaru Canal, completed in 1923 (Taisho 12) by reclaiming the offshore coast, is lined with historic stone and timber warehouses and remains a popular tourist attraction. A 40-minute tour on a cruise boat around this area is a popular choice among visitors.
The cruise is a distinctive sightseeing experience that takes about 40 minutes. From the water, you can admire the stone warehouses and retro streetscapes along both sides of the canal while listening to the captain explain Otaru's history. Feeling the breeze and looking out at the calm water and beautiful scenery is very relaxing.
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Former Japan National Railways Temiya Line
Part of the first railway in Hokkaido, the "Government-Operated Horonai Railway," was laid to transport coal mined from the Horonai coal mine in the current Mikasa City to the port city of Otaru. It was in operation from its opening in 1880 until its closure in 1985.
The Former Temiya Line is a remnant of Hokkaido's first railway, the government-operated Horonai Railway. The section from Temiya to Sapporo opened in 1880 and mainly transported coal from the Horonai coal mine to Otaru Port. It later became the Temiya Line and was officially closed in 1985. Today, the tracks, railroad crossings, and other features have been preserved and developed into a walking path about 1.6 kilometers long. Walking part of it on the way to the Otaru Canal offers a sense of Otaru's history as a former “railway city.”
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Otaru Triangle Market
The Otaru Triangle Market, nestled between JR Otaru Station and National Route 5, is a small yet historic marketplace with origins dating back to the 1940s. It began with a few street vendors and developed as a morning market, accumulating over 60 years of history. Just a minute's walk from Otaru Station, the market is conveniently accessible and, except for New Year's Day, is open almost daily. Its reputation for affordable prices attracts a steady flow of both locals and tourists from Japan and abroad. The market's name derives from its triangular-shaped plot and roof.
Walking into the Triangle Market feels like stepping into Hokkaido's treasure trove of seafood in an instant. Voices echo throughout the market, vendors enthusiastically greet customers, and a faint scent of the sea drifts through the air. The whole market is full of energy. The most exciting part is the colorful seafood rice bowls, topped with salmon, sea urchin, shrimp, and more. Their vivid colors make it hard to look away, and just seeing them is enough to work up an appetite.
There are also plenty of king crabs throughout the market. Their thick legs and enormous bodies are impossible to take your eyes off. Here, you can enjoy fresh Hokkaido seafood at relatively affordable prices!
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