Joanna James
Picturesque Otaru, a port city, located on Hokkaido Island, is only 30 minutes from the main city of Sapporo. The place is famous for its historic quarter, sake distilleries, canal tours, and fresh seafood. In this list, you will discover the most unique experiences to enjoy in Otaru Japan.
The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is a magical event. Taking place annually in winter, the festival lasts a total of ten days. During this time, visitors are treated to a range of snow sculptures testing the imagination of artists. And you get to enjoy the town all decked up in twinkling lights. The Otaru leg of the winter festival is particularly enchanting and you will find yourself been taken along paths lit up by candles and glowing paper lanterns. Shops and restaurants too get festive with colourful decorations while a bevvy of street food stalls crops up for tasting delicious local fare. Choose a central Otaru hotel and you can enjoy being in the midst of the winter festival. Popular options like Grand Park Otaru are located close to the best attractions.
Nikka Whiskey is one of Japan's popular brews. And it's produced in Yoichi. If you are a fan of Nikka Whiskey, do pay a visit to the Yoichi Distillery. Book a private day's tour and you can learn about the entire distilling process and even visit top attractions surrounding the site.
The Otaru Music Box Museum is a magical place. The place is home to a unique collection of vintage music boxes from across the world. Amongst its collection is an old English grand organ, a French music box dating back to the 19th century, and a fine collection of antique pianos and other types of music boxes from destinations across the world.
A rickshaw tour of vibrant Otaru will be one to remember. Enjoy the wind whipping your hair as you are pulled along the busy streets in a rickshaw. The rickshaw tours are popular and are conducted by an English-speaking guide. You will be taken past the canals and the vintage post office. You will also follow the old rail lines and cross the famous Asakusa Bridge, which happens to be one of the best lookout points for stunning views of the area.
Otaru is famous for its seafood. After all, it is a port city, located on Japan's 2nd largest island. Join a street food walking tour and you will be taken to amazing little outlets, which you may have never discovered on your own. Your tour will include a stop at the local fish market called Sankaku Market. And you get to indulge your taste buds with delicacies like snow crab, butter scallops, fresh oysters, and a nice glass of local beer to wash it all down.
The Bank of Japan Museum is located in a vintage complex noted for its unique architecture. There, a series of exhibits update you on Japan's financial history and take you on a journey of how Otaru was helped to develop into the thriving port town it is today.
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