Top 10 things to do in Otaru – From architecture to temples to lavender fields

The heavenly music box emporium is a must visit. There are over 3000 types of music boxes which include jewellery case music boxes, sushi music boxes, glass angel music boxes and steam clock music boxes. All these items are handcrafted, and once you are inside the shop, you won't be able to help feeling nostalgic.

The canal was built in Taisho era which bore great importance. Although its significance somewhat diminished in the years that followed, the gaslight promenade was improved in 1980 to make it a tourist attraction. Alongside the canal are many old buildings -rich in architecture which have been converted into various stores and museums.

The original warehouses were destroyed in a fire – but they were rebuilt in 1909. Although they had no use as warehouses due to the changes made in the shipping trade, they were seen as useful property that can be used for something else. And now, the buildings have been turned into meeting halls, museums, shops and restaurants.

This is one of the best things you could do while in Otaru. The ropeway mounts from the foot of Hakodate to the summit in less than three minutes. The conveyance can carry about 125 people and takes flight every ten minutes. While aboard, you can see the city lit with glimmering lights which are said to be one of the most mesmerising views in Otaru.

The stone warehouse with wooden frames was built in 1891 – now the warehouse constitutes Kitaichi Glass Museum. There's a broad selection of glasswork for you to observe – also, there is a part where the process of manufacturing is demonstrated for the benefit of those who come to visit.

Short drive from Otaru is Hokkaido where there is a milder climate. During winter the town experiences a colder winter compared to the other regions of Japan. The city becomes an enticing tourist destination during summer owing to its lovely lavender fields. During winter, the city hosts its yearly snow festival which is also an attraction that draws many into the city.

Wherever you travel in Japan, you are bound to find temples and shrines in considerable numbers, and Otaru is no exception. The Suitengu Shrine located on a hill is one of such shrines that is worth a visit.

One of the reasons why you should stay in Otaru is because it serves as a base to explore its adjacent cities (in case you are bandying with ideas as to where to stay in Otaru, there is a vast array of hotels for you to choose from including Grand Park Otaru). So, use this chance to visit the whiskey distillery in Yoichi. The place is popular because of its background story: the distillery was the idea of a couple – a Japanese man and a Scottish woman who wanted to open a Scottish whiskey distillery in Japan – so they did in 1940 by bottling the first-ever whiskey bottle. The story is so popular – later it was made into a tv show called Massan.

Located at Okura Ski Jump Stadium – only a short drive from Otaru – is the Winter Sports Museum. There are items of various ski games and renowned Olympic medallists on display. At the museum, you can also enjoy short films explaining the origins of skates and skis. Some of the exhibits are described in nine languages for the benefit of all nationals.

A stone's throw from Otaru is the fishing village, Shukutsu – another attraction for you to experience while in Otaru. The serene atmosphere is what attracts tourists into the village. While there, you can drop in at Nishin Goten which is an old herring mansion that used to lodge rich fisherman.