…….. that is popular with tourists to this historic port. It is pleasant and flat, so an easy walk. In the surrounding area there are many good places to eat, buy snacks or gifts, explore several museums, and it is an easy walk uphill to the train station. The steam clock at on end of the tourist street is a popular sight, with an equally interesting clock over the road.

Otaru is a very cute city for me. It is more laid-back than Tokyo and Osaka. The Food is Great. The Ramen here is delicious. Otaru Canal is the Gem of this city, it is similar to the Amsterdam vibe but with an Asian twist. 😄 The City is very clean. We’ve noticed that there are only a few restaurants that are open at Day time and some open in the late afternoon for example at 17:00. However, we managed to find a good restaurant before that.

The Otaru Canal is a great place to take your time. A rickshaw is the best way to get around the sights around the canal. Ebisuya-san is cheerful, energetic, and gives detailed explanations. It's was an ultimate Japanese experience. 小樽運河は、じっくり時間をかけて回るのがいいですね。運河の周りの見所を回るのは、人力車がお勧めです。えびす屋さんは、明るく、元気で、丁寧な説明をしてくださいます。

The view is much better in winter than summer. The canal light festival was yet to begin in December. But the canal in daytime is beautiful! There’s a lot of shops and restaurant in canal area. So we could spend a whole day walking around.

You can never claim that you have visited Otaru without dropping by the Otaru canal for a couple of customary photos to post on social media. The unique thing about the canal is that its scenery is equally beautiful and mesmerizing regardless of the seasons. Making this a must stopover when visiting the city. There is practically no bad spot to take a photo of it. If you have time to spare then highly recommend taking the canal cruise for a whole different perspective of the canal. But if really short of time, then just head to the Asakusa bridge for a quick snap of the canal. Throw in this one as a tip to make your visit to Otaru canal a little more memorable. If you happen to be thirsty from all the walking and want to grab a cold one, there is the city own namesake beer at the warehouse brewery along the canal which also offers a great view. Just be careful as life vest is not included with your drink and you will literally be able to sit at the edge of the canal to enjoy it. Will always be looking forward to explore this place again and again.

Otaru was the most prosperous city in Hokkaido.There are a lot of legacies in the city. These legacies became sightseeing spots in Otaru. Otaru canal is one of them. Please walk and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere.