OTARU: a romantic getaway only a few miles away from Sapporo

On our way back from Ebisuiwa, we stopped in Otaru. Otaru is a port town one hour away from Sapporo by train.
Many Japanese and foreign tourists come to this place. It is Hokkaido’s romantic outing.

In the past, Otaru was a significant fishing and business port with the USA and the UK. THe first railway of Hokkaido was built to link the city to Sapporo. Otaru was actually the leading financial centre of the island. Its nickname was the « Northern Wall Street ». Its coal industry was also part of the city’s wealth.

In the little city centre, Japanese walk, take pictures or get their portraits done by street cartoonists along the side of the canal.
Sakaimachi shopping street is very nice too. It is very pleasant to wander around. The sounds of the windbells brings musicality and lightness to this crowded street.

The old railway is another famous place for photography lovers. From Otaru shrine we have a nice view on the city and especially on the port. We can also see what must be the ski resort of Mt Tenguyama in winter.

Well known for its fresh seafood and fried half chicken, we stopped in a market/restaurant where we can choose what we want to eat and the chefs will cook it in front of our eyes. We had squid. It was already dead but for shellfish or crabs, they kill and cook them on demand.

After that we went to Naruto Honten restaurant. On one hand I really dislike fish (actually, hate it! But I tasted the squid ok?!). One the other hand, I really enjoyed having the fried half chicken. It was delicious. It was the first time I ate in a « typical » Japanese restaurant where I had to remove my shoes before to reach the table. At the table we could sit on the floor, on a cushion or in a « regular » position. There was like a hole dug in the floor around the table to lengthen our legs.

The tourist information centre calls Otaru a romantic city with an exotic past. Indeed at sunset the lanterns along the streets, the windbells and the lights makes you feel this romantic atmosphere. I guess that in winter with the snow, this must be even more significant. I’ll have to come back to find it out!