When traveling to Otaru, Hokkaido, you definitely have to visit the famous Otaru Canal! It is one of Otaru’s most iconic attractions, with historic stone warehouses preserved along the waterfront. Together with the canal and retro streetscape, they create a very romantic atmosphere. Walking along the canal, you can enjoy the scenery while taking in Otaru’s unique nostalgic charm, as if you’ve stepped into a time tunnel. There are also plenty of great photo spots along the way. Whether you admire the architectural details of the old warehouses during the day or watch the sunset reflected on the water in the evening, each offers a different kind of beauty. If you visit in winter, you may even get to see the riverbanks covered in white snow, which makes it feel even more romantic!
Otaru Canal | Review by Gina C
Other Reviews by Gina C
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Gion Tsujiri "Tsujiri no Sato"
Founded in 1860 as a manufacturer and seller of Uji tea, Gion Tsujiri is the spot for plumes of rich aroma and the taste of tea in Kyoto, a historic tea-producing region, for over 160 years. Recent years at the tea house have seen an all new kind of buzz thanks to the launch of a widened range of matcha sweets. For sweet and tasty souvenirs, look no further than this go-to brand.
Tsujiri no Sato looks small and delicate. The slender, crispy wafers are filled with matcha cream. When you bite into one, you get the crisp texture of the wafer paired with the rich aroma of matcha, and the two blend together just right. The matcha flavor really stands out, with a light tea aroma and a slightly bittersweet taste. It isn't simply sweet, giving it a complex flavor.
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YouMe Town Takamatsu
This shopping mall draws customers even from areas outside of Kagawa prefecture. The facility holds about 160 shops including the most popular fashion retailers, knick-knack shops, home décor and electric appliance stores.
The mall has quite a few clothing, general merchandise, household goods, and food stores, so you can take your time browsing and choosing things while getting a feel for the everyday lives of local people in Japan. Compared with shopping areas designed specifically for tourists, this kind of large shopping mall feels more like part of local life and can meet a variety of shopping needs all in one place. If you happen to find something you like, you can also take it home as a souvenir of your trip!
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Nagaoka Kyo Ogura Sanso “Karuta Hyakunin Isshu”
Based in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, Ogura Sanso is a long-established confectionery shop specializing in rice crackers. The brand is known for creating products that reflect the elegance of Heian-period culture and the world of classical Japanese poetry, particularly the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu anthology.
The Hyakunin Isshu is a very famous Japanese poetry anthology containing 100 waka poems, and it is also an important theme in the traditional Japanese card game. Ogura Sanso incorporates this classical culture into its product designs, giving everyday rice crackers an added sense of culture and artistry. Just seeing the elegant packaging makes you want to take it home as a keepsake or give it to friends and family!
Ogura Sanso itself is a well-known rice cracker brand in Kyoto. The rice crackers are crisp and have a fragrant rice flavor, paired with savory or sweet seasonings. They're simple and tasty!
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