Otaru is a city that has developed significantly as a port town as soon as Japan entered Meiji period. During the golden age of Otaru, many business companies and banks have advanced into the town. Since 1960, it has gradually lost its roll as port town but the historical architectures are preserved up till today.

We will begin the stroll through Otaru from Minami-Otaru Station. The design of the passage feels nostalgic.

As you walk through Irisen-dori Street from Minami-Otaru Station to Sakaimachi-dori Street, that is Sakaimachi Crossing. It is the base of Otaru sightseeing and there were many people visiting today as well.

A steam clock standing in front of the Main Building of Music Box Museum.

There are about 15000 music boxes here and is the largest in Japan.

Sakaimachi-dori Street is the main street of Otaru for strolling and shopping. Many shops, restaurants, and cafes stand along the street.

If you want to take a little break from walking, the head store of LeTAO is recommended. It is the popular Wetern sweets shop and is famous for their cake, fromage using cheese, and chocolate.

A hot chocolate that will heal your tired body. You can adjust the amount of cacao. The rich taste of cacao will warm your cold body.

You can have a try of their chocolate.

We will walk along Sakaimachi Street heading Otaru Canal. Kitaichi Glass No.3 Building is a building from the middle of Meiji period that has now become a store tat sells Otaru glass.

There is a café that only uses lamps as the source of light.

Kitaichi Veneziana Museum is a museum that displays the lifestyle and glass culture of Veneziana, Italy.　About 3000 glass works are exhibited.

We will continue to walk along the shopping main street of Otaru, Sakaimachi Street.

As we were walking along the street, we were able to see the inside of glass factory.

When we reached Asakusa-dori Street, there is a Wall Street that shows the Otaru that has once flourished.

This area was the centre of finance, which many banks was built, when a railroad opened from Sapporo to Otaru in 1880. The buildings were built using the latest style of architecture in those days and many of them are preserved as taking the role of museums and restaurants.

Among the old buildings in this area, the one that stands out the most is Former Japan Bank Otaru Branch. You can have a look of the inside, as it is a museum now.

This is a reinforced concrete building, which originate to Otaru. The building with five arches is the Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch.

Otaru Canal can be said to be the symbol of Otaru. It was built in 1923 and is famous sightseeing spot in Otaru. The storehouses along the canal light up during the night, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Today, Otaru Yukiakarinomichi –Otaru Snow Light Path- was held. This event is held every year and has become one of the major winter events in Hokkaido.

Since there was some time until dusk so we will rest at Canal Plaza. Canal Plaza is located near Otaru Canal and you can get tourist information and buy local souvenirs.

Otaru Beer.

As the sunsets, we will continue the walk around Otaru port.

Back at the Otaru Canal, the whole place had lights on.

During the event, there are 140 thousands of candles lighting up the night of Otaru.

There are candles and snowman all over Otaru that it makes you feel warm.

This year is the 13th time Otaru Yukiakarinomichi was held. Since Otaru is located withing 30 minutes ride in a train from Sapporo, it is a convenient sightseeing place to visit.