Underrated Spots to Explore for a Unique Sightseeing Experience in Otaru—The Best of Beautiful Hokkaido

If you are a serious holiday shopper, there is no better place than the Otaru Triangle Market, where the theme is 'cheap' and the atmosphere is light, cheery, and friendly with lots of happy shoppers walking around with treasures they snagged for unbelievably low prices. The opened in 1948 market's odd name is linked to the triangle-shaped 200 metre-long piece of land it's based on leading to a triangle-shaped roof as well. There are 15 stores for you to explore as well as a few good restaurants for tasting local fare. The eateries are open from 7 a.m which means you can go there for breakfast and get an early start on your shopping. Plenty of local dishes like rice and seafood are on offer, also, they are happy to cook any of the fresh seafood like crabs, scallops, and sea urchins you purchase at the market so it's quite the experience. Easy to reach from hotels in Otaru Japan the market is a nostalgic place that is ideal for learning about the lifestyles of the fisher community in Hokkaido. Places like Grand Park Otaru are only 12 minutes from the market making it easy to get there and explore.

A vintage attraction the Otaru Station was opened in 1903 and has gone through several name changes. It started out as the Otaru Chuo Station and was later renamed the Takashima Station until settling for its current name in 1920. At the entrance is a mukai bell which when the station was first opened would be rung to announce the arrival of a train; the bell was used for this service until 1965.

A cruise around pretty Otaru Canal is a top attraction in Japan. Soak up the romance, history, and beautiful ambience of the area on the 40-minute-long cruise. Here's a small tip, the views of the canal change by season and time of day and offer a different perspective. So if you go just before sunset the views are different to what you would experience soon after sunrise. It's all very magical and a kind of surreal romantic experience you will cherish for a long time.

The Otaru Glass Palace refers to the Otaru Taisho Glass Museum. There you can explore the range of glass products made to reflect the designs and standards of the famous glass work produced during the Taisho Period which lasted in Japan from 1912 to 1926. The renovated building housing the museum itself is a heritage spot and was declared a preserved site in 1985 so take your time, explore and treat the culture buff in you to the pretty creations there.

One of the most popular experiences among tourists visiting Japan recently is to explore the cities they visit dressed in Japan's traditional attire - the Kimono. So, why not give it a try while you explore Otaru as well? There are several Kimono rental outlets you are sure to come across on your travels in the city. One conveniently located rental would be Otaru Komachi, placed near the Otaru Station. What's more? If you are not sure about how to dress up in a Kimono, the friendly staff at these rental outlets are more than happy to assist you! Once you are ready in a colourful Kimono, don't forget to capture some authentic Otaru moments too as you stroll down the streets of the city.