Winter Tranquility in Otaru

Enjoy the winter serenity walking the streets of Otaru

Chris Barnes Feb 20, 2013 - 1 min read

Otaru's beautiful Victorian-style canal is a fantastic place to feel the essence of the town

Beautifully restored warehouses line the canal.

Sakaimachi Street is a bustling merchant street now filled with fresh seafood vendors, sweet shops, souvenir shops, glass studios and restaurants.

There are no shortages of sweets in Otaru, with most shops supplying samples of each

Some of Japan's best and freshest sashimi is on offer in Otaru

The spectacular Music Box Museum is a must-see when visiting Otaru

Rustic buildings are never too far away along the canal

The port is an interesting place to explore and observe the fishing boats unloading their fresh catch

Otaru is a beautiful little port town that is a worth a visit for those near and far. It can be argued that Otaru has some of — and according to some, the best — seafood in Japan. If seafood is not your thing, there are no shortages of sweet shops and cafes to tickle the taste buds. Seafood is not the only thing on offer in Otaru which also renowned for its beer, studio glass and musical boxes. This combined with friendly locals, picturesque canals and historical buildings make Otaru a fantastic weekend getaway.

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Find out more about Otaru Canal.

Chris Barnes @chris.barnes

A little while ago i began exploring the world. I started in Japan, and after 29 countries of amazing adventures, i find myself back in Japan fully absorbed in its culture, its people and its beauty.