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.
Kitaichi Glass Building No. 3 | Review by KEIKO
Other Reviews by KEIKO
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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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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.
Rokkatei really is one of Hokkaido's most iconic confectionery shops. Even though many new shops have opened since then, it has remained strong, especially with its signature rum raisin sandwich cookies, which everyone has to buy. The shop also has an exclusive sandwich with fresh blueberries. Something like this has to be eaten right away, and it’s really delicious. If you get the chance to go, be sure to buy one.
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