Otaru Canal

The Otaru Canal is a major landmark in Otaru and even Hokkaido. A row of masonry warehouses along the coast has been transformed into specialty shops such as glass handicraft stores. On the other side are kerosene street lamps, which are very retro and look particularly beautiful on winter nights. . The canal opened in 1923 and was used to load and unload goods, witnessing the prosperity of the "Northern Wall Street" in this area. Half of the current Otaru Canal is filled in for road use. Walking along the Otaru Canal during the day is a very pleasant thing to do. On one side of the river is a long pedestrian path. There is a Victorian-style kerosene street lamp standing at intervals on the road. It is very nostalgic, and many artists can often be seen painting here. On the other side of the river is a row of warehouses with brick and stone exterior walls, which is somewhat exotic. Against the background of blue sky and white clouds and reflections in the water, it is very delicious to take pictures. Brick Warehouses and Food These small shops such as grocery stores and restaurants converted from warehouses will be the best choice for you to buy Otaru souvenirs or eat local delicacies. The restaurant mainly serves beer and seafood. Among them, the Otaru Canal Canteen is a very popular one. The interior is decorated in the style of the Otaru street during the Showa period in Japan. It is very retro. Genghis Khan barbecue, crab, conveyor belt sushi and other delicacies, you need to wait for a table during the peak dining period. A popular photography spot is the Asakusa Bridge at the southern end of the canal, which is a good location for taking classic pictures of the Otaru Canal. Looking from the bridge, the section extending to the central bridge in the distance is the unmissable view of the Otaru Canal. There is a visitor center on Asakusabashi where you can pick up some maps and brochures with tourist information, and there are rest seats outside. Experience the rickshaw Next to the Asakusabashi Bridge, you will see rickshaw drivers in traditional costumes. If you are interested, you can get on a nostalgic rickshaw and experience the retro Otaru scenery. The fare for a 10-minute ride along the canal is generally 2,000 yen/person, 3,000 yen/2 persons, and the driver will warmly introduce the scenery to you in Japanese. Cruise Sightseeing You can also take a cruise to visit the Otaru Canal. The central bridge is the ticket office and the boating point. The river cruise takes about 40 minutes. The price is 1,500 yen during the day (500 yen for children) and 1,800 yen at night (500 days for children). Yuan). Check the specific schedule: http://otaru.cc/zh/timetable. Charming night At night, the kerosene street lamps are lit, and the old warehouses by the canal and the reflections in the water interweave a romantic and beautiful scenery, which is intoxicating. If it is snowing in winter, the quiet night will be particularly beautiful and charming. In addition, there are Taisho Glass Museum, Otaru City General Museum Canal Museum and other attractions near the Otaru Canal, which can be visited together.