Otaru really is one of the must-visit places in Hokkaido. The streets are filled with a retro atmosphere, as if you've stepped into Japan from an earlier era. The shops along the street sell all kinds of Hokkaido souvenirs. You can't just rush through it; you really need to spend half a day exploring properly. Luckily, I was traveling independently this time, so I could take my time shopping and eat the desserts I wanted. It was really satisfying.
Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street | Review by KEIKO
Other Reviews by KEIKO
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Kitaichi Glass Building No. 3
Kitaichi Glass Building No. 3 is a renowned glass shop in Otaru, popular as a tourist destination. The shop showcases a wide variety of glass products, including original designs, organized into three themed floors: the Japanese Floor, the Western Floor, and the Country Floor. From tableware and glasses to oil lamps and accessories, the selection is both diverse and enchanting. The shop itself is housed in a historic stone building originally built as a fishery warehouse in 1891, adding to its charm.
This street in Otaru is lined with all kinds of glass craft shops, and everything is truly so delicate and beautiful. They also have seasonal, limited-edition items, which are really impressive. I even saw some that were microwave-safe, which is so convenient. Unfortunately, the ones I liked were really too expensive, so I could only buy a few small items to satisfy myself. All I can say is that Otaru’s glass craftsmanship is truly impressive.
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Otaru Orgel Doh Main Hall
This music box specialty shop has branches in various locations such as Otaru, Hakodate, Furano, Yokohama, Kamakura, and Kyoto. Its main building, which is the main shop, was built in 1915 (Taisho 4) and is designated as a historic building by Otaru City, preserving the remnants of the good old days.
Walking into Otaru Orgel Doh, I realized the last time I visited may have been 10 years ago. So much has changed this time. The different shapes and colors are all so intricately made. You can choose the music box you want based on your preferred design and music. There are 3 floors in total, so it takes quite a while to look through everything. Also, don’t forget the shop’s prized treasure outside—the vintage steam clock, which gives a little whistle performance every 15 minutes.
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Kitakaro Sapporo Main Store
Originally built as the Hokkaido Prefectural Library, this historic Western-style building was transformed into the Kitakaro Sapporo Main Store in March 2016. The eye-catching, retro-modern architecture is designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, seamlessly blending the old with the new for an exterior and interior that’s stirs with sleek elegance.
Kitakaro, like Rokkatei, is one of Hokkaido’s signature confectionery brands. Its cream puffs in particular are ridiculously delicious. I didn’t realize they had so many different varieties. I bought the most popular Fushigi cream puff, and it was really tasty. Each one is quite large, so one is just right for two people to share. If you come to Otaru, Hokkaido, you have to buy one.
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