2024 Otaru Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)
Otaru is a famous port city in Hokkaido. It was once the center of economic development and the bustling commercial capital of Hokkaido. It is even known as the “Northern Wall Street” of Japan and is now a well-known tourist town and City of Romance. The Otaru Canal can be said to be a legacy of the prosperous historical period. There are still hundred year old extant warehouse buildings located along the riverbanks. Under the reflected lights of kerosene lamps, the canal and the nearby red brick warehouses create an exotic romantic atmosphere. The taste of history is intoxicating. Otaru has a very mature glass industry, so consider purchasing some of the exquisite glass work on your visit. The 1995 Japanese film Love Letter was set in Otaru and many fans like to come here to get a feel for the movie's scenic backdrop.
Today's Weather
Snow flurries -6--3℃
Popular Attractions
Otaru Canal
Otaru Tenguyama
Otaru Music Box Museum
Asari
Kitaichi Glass Otaru
A great romantic place in winter, this article will teach you how to enjoy Hokkaido...
Winter belongs to Hokkaido‼
A blanket of snow❄ blocks out all the distractions in the world and wraps up the cold and sharp edges of winter🉑Love
🤤Plump and delicious seafood, 🏮lively and dreamy festival lights, 🐧cute and adorable penguins... Even if I’m alone, I want to visit Hokkaido in winter🥰
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🙋♀There is so much fun in Hokkaido in winter‼
✔Soak in hot springs♨Jozankei, Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, Sounkyo, Lake Akan...
✔Eat, eat, eat❗Sea urchin, three big crabs🦀Ishikari hot pot, ramen, cantaloupe🍈mutton and various dairy desserts
✔Wild 🐻Animals and plants: Asahikawa Zoo, Noboribetsu Bear Ranch, Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
✔Ice and Snow Festival❄, snow sculptures, ice sculptures, ice lanterns, dog sledding, snowmobile rides...
✔Check in to movie and TV shooting locations🎥, Otaru Canal, Funamizaka, Music Box Museum, Notori Gorge...
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🚘Hokkaido winter 5-day tour itinerary
❄Day➊: Sapporo TV Tower→ Tanukikoji Shopping Street→ Hokkaido Shrine→ Shiroi Koibito Park
❄Day➋: Taisho Whistle Hall → Funamizaka → Otaru Canal → Mount Tengu
❄Day➌: Asahikawa Zoo→Lonely Tree→Shirasuda Falls→Forest Fairy Terrace
❄Day➍: Hell Valley → Noboribetsu Hot Spring Street → Bear Ranch → Earth Cape → Lake Toya
❄Day➎: Hakodate Morning Market→ Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse→ Yawatazaka→ Mount Hakodate
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⚠️Some tips:
‼ ️The wind in Hokkaido is very strong. Outdoors ☝Be sure to bring a hat/scarf/gloves/shoes, etc. and take measures to keep warm!
‼ ️Don’t get up too late. It starts to get dark here at 3/4 o’clock. Go out and play early!
‼ ️It is not recommended to take a taxi, it is very expensive!
‼ ️Carry a power bank with you 🔋Mobile phones are prone to power outages in cold weather and there are generally no mobile power supplies on the road
‼ ️JR trains are relatively slow and the waiting time is relatively long. Plan your route in advance and leave early!
‼ ️The wine shops here basically do not check in in advance. You can usually store your luggage at 3/4pm
‼ ️If you like delicious food, especially seafood🦞don’t miss Sapporo! Food paradise…
Must-Do Winter Activities in Hokkaido 2025
Next month marks the beginning of the snow season in Hokkaido! ❄️ The anticipation for Hokkaido's winter is building up! With thick snow, speeding snow trains, and colorful little houses, it's more romantic than a movie. It's easy to capture artistic photos! The best part is that Hokkaido not only offers snowy landscapes that fulfill all your winter fairytale dreams but also hosts various large-scale winter events 🎉, each one more fun than the last!
✅ Sapporo Snow Festival 🗓️ 2025.2.4~2.11 One of Hokkaido's three major winter festivals, attracting over 2 million participants annually. The "Odori Site" showcases hundreds of large snow sculptures, the "Susukino Site" is filled with ice sculptures and statues, and the "TSUDOME Site" offers various snow slides ⛷️, all designed for fun!
✅ Otaru Snow Light Path Festival 🗓️ 2025.2.10~2.17 The atmosphere is divine! Thousands of snow lanterns line the roads, and over 200 spherical candles float on the Otaru Canal. The warm glow sprinkled on the snow is simply dreamy!
✅ Abashiri Icebreaker Cruise 🗓️ 2025.1.20-3.31 Experience the thrill of sailing on an icebreaker 🛳️ across the ice. The sound of ice breaking beneath the ship is indescribable! If you're lucky, you might spot sunbathing seals 🦭 and endangered white-tailed eagles!
✅ Jozankei Snow Candle Road 🗓️ 2025.1.25~2.1 Over 2,000 snow candles 🕯️ made of ice and snow illuminate the area in front of Jozankei Shrine, with projections of small animals on the ground and in the forest, creating a magical forest-like atmosphere at night. Don't forget to enjoy the famous Jozankei hot springs!
✅ Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival 🗓️ 2025.1.25~3.9 An ice-themed event featuring large ice caves and tunnels lit up with 🌈 colorful lights. Ice houses display numerous ice sculptures, and the lighting at night is stunning. You can also participate in ice climbing, ice skating slides, and more!
✅ Hakodate Christmas Fantasy 🗓️ 2024.11.30~12.25 Visit during Christmas! A giant Christmas tree 🎄 lights up the entire harbor, with churches surrounded by lights, creating a foreign atmosphere. Accompanied by nightly dazzling fireworks displays, this is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas!
✅ Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival 🗓️ 2025.2.1~2.24 Known for its pristine waters, Lake Shikotsu's water is extracted in winter, sprayed with high-pressure water jets, and then painted and frozen to create ice sculptures adorned with lights, offering a highly artistic experience. As night falls, the venue is illuminated with colorful lights.
✅ Lake Toya Onsen Winter Fireworks 🗓️ 2025.2.1~2.12 No one can resist fireworks! Accompanied by music, thousands of fireworks are set off by the lake, creating a romantic feast of fireworks and lights! Enjoy the fireworks while soaking in the hot springs by the lake for a truly indulgent experience!
So, Hokkaido in winter is truly unmatched! 💪 Every winter, tourism resources are in high demand, and prices soar, so plan early if you want to visit! #HokkaidoTravel #HokkaidoWinter #JapanHokkaido #TravelRecommendation #WinterTourism #WinterTravelDestinations
2025 Sapporo Snow Festival Preview | Early Guide from November to February
Hokkaido's winter is filled with numerous winter festival activities, making it a must-visit for travelers to Japan during this season. Today, we bring you a preview of Hokkaido Sapporo's winter events.
[⭐Main Events]
1. 2025 Sapporo Snow Festival (75th Edition)
This is a must-attend event in Sapporo, featuring various ice and snow sculptures displayed throughout the park. The sculptures are illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
📆: February 4, 2025 - February 11, 2025
📍: Odori Venue, Odori Park, Tsudome Venue, Tsudome, Susukino Venue, Sapporo Station Front Street
2. 2024 Sapporo White Illumination
An annual white illumination festival where every place is adorned with dazzling lights.
📆:
Ⅰ: November 22, 2024 - December 25, 2024
Ⅱ: November 22, 2024 - February 11, 2025
Ⅲ: November 22, 2024 - March 14, 2025
📍:
Ⅰ: Odori Park
Ⅱ: Sapporo Station Front Avenue
Ⅲ: South 1st Street
3. 2024 Sapporo Munich Christmas Market
Coinciding partially with the White Illumination Festival, this market offers various Christmas-themed goods, food, and drinks.
📆: November 22 - December 25
📍: Odori Park, Satellite Venues
4. Otaru Snow Light Path
Every February, a 'Snow Light Path' is illuminated with candles, creating a fairytale-like town.
📆: February 8, 2025 - February 15, 2025
📍: Otaru Canal, Former Temiya Line, Asarigawa Onsen
5. Sapporo Culture and Arts Festival
This festival hosts numerous events, including the 'Sapporo Theater Festival' by various groups and some musicals.
📆: November 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024
📍: Sapporo Station Front Avenue Underground Walkway, Sapporo Civic Exchange Plaza, Various Theaters in Sapporo
6. Jozankei Snow Light Path
Locals create snow lanterns that line the entire road, offering a romantic and warm atmosphere.
📆: Late January to Late February 2025
📍: Jozankei
#WhereToGoOnHoliday #TravelJapan #JapanTravelGuide #HokkaidoJapan #SapporoHokkaido #Sapporo #SapporoSnowFestival #HokkaidoSnowFestival #OtaruSnowLightPath #OdoriPark #HokkaidoSnowFestival
I went to Hokkaido 8 times and gave some practical advice to my sisters! .
Hokkaido in winter is like a romantic love song, which makes people linger😍😍
Powder snow flying all over the sky ❄️ Cream-colored houses, fantastic forest cabins 🏕️ Cute penguin walks 🐧 The loneliest Christmas tree in the world 🎄...
Every scene is beautiful like a scene in a movie. You must visit Hokkaido once in your life
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☃️What can you do in Hokkaido in winter?
📍Sapporo: Ice and Snow Festival, snow sculpture, skiing, snowmobile, go to White Lover Factory DIY biscuits
📍Otaru: Otaru Canal, Funamizaka, Tengu Mountain Cable Car, Music Box Museum
📍Noboribetsu: Experience a bath in the snow, stroll through the Hell Valley to see the volcanic landscape, and stroll around the Edo-style architectural Date period village
📍Furano Elf Terrace: More than 10 small wooden houses hidden in the forest, covered with thick snow in winter, like coming to the elf's residence, it is recommended that you go after lighting the lights in the afternoon, orange lights shine on the wooden houses and snow paths , more atmosphere, taking pictures is also better to post ~
📍Meei: Photography fantastic Biei Aoki Pond, the blue-green pool water will change color with the light, then go to the Internet celebrity photo spot, a lonely Christmas tree standing in the snow, taking pictures beyond the video, white beard waterfall has Unique blue waterfall water ~
📍 Lake Toya: One of the three most frozen lakes in Japan, you can take a boat trip to the small island in the center of the lake to see the deer
📍Asahikawa Zoo: A must-see penguin walk! You can watch them swaying past you up close, super cute! You can also see polar bears, pandas and other animals
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📆6 day tour itinerary
D1: Nationwide landing in Sapporo New Chitose
D2: Sapporo → Asahikawa Zoo → Biei Clear Pond → Christmas Tree → Whitebeard Falls → Furano Elf Terrace
D3: Furano → Otaru → Tenguyama Cable Car → LeTAO Otaru Otaru Confectionery / Kerosene Lamp Cafe → Kozun Art Village Western Art Gallery / Otaru Aquarium Ocean Star Show
D4: Dingshan Creek → Lake Toya → Noboribetsu Hell Valley → Noboribetsu Date Time Village → Lake Toya Observation Deck
D5: 1 day free time in Sapporo
D6: Sapporo New Chitose → Drop off
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🏨Accommodation: Stay at MYSTAYS Sapporo Susukino Hotel for 3 nights
♨️ Stayed one night in a Japanese hot spring hotel in Furano and Jozankei
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🚘Transportation: The distance between Asahikawa Zoo, Furano, and Biei is farther. It is inconvenient to take public transportation. It is recommended to charter a car
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🧥 Clothing: quick-drying clothes, wool shirts, sweaters, autumn clothes, fleece jackets, down jackets, wool coats, ski pants! Waterproof and non-slip snow boots or Martin boots, warm mask, hat, scarf, earmuffs, touchscreen gloves, wool socks~
Hokkaido in winter is really more romantic than in movies.
Hokkaido’s winter is so beautiful! Southerners have a longing for snow, and they really wish they could spend the whole winter in Hokkaido!
In late December of previous years, the snow in Hokkaido arrived as promised, like a paradise for powder snow. With the Ice and Snow Festival, the dazzling night view🌃, and the warm yellow lights shining on the snow-covered streets, Hokkaido in winter is like a love letter💌.
🏨In terms of accommodation, you need to book in advance, because winter is the peak season and the hotel 💴 is on the higher side. A friend from the hotel recommended staying near Odori Station. Sapporo's three subway lines all pass there, so it's very convenient for subsequent trips.
🚇 Use Google Maps to find detailed transportation guides for the subway. Station exits, departure times, and trains are all marked. It is recommended to prepare transfer information.
🚗In terms of itinerary, if you are visiting Otaru and Sapporo, it is very convenient to take JR or subway; if you want to go to Asahikawa Zoo, Biei Aoike, Furano and other places, it is recommended to charter a car. Although JR can get there, the round trip is more time-consuming, and the shuttle bus time is fixed .
⛷️In terms of skiing, Sapporo Ski Resort has a unique forest slide, where you can ski and soak in hot springs, and the transportation is very convenient. The scenery of Furano Ski Resort is also very beautiful. The Niseko Ski Resort is now open and is suitable for experienced skiers and families. The resort facilities are relatively complete, but the price is high.
👔In terms of clothing, hats, scarves🧣, fleece thermal clothes and heating socks should be prepared. The cold of minus ten degrees is really biting, and there is heating indoors.
🥾In terms of shoes, snow shoes should be waterproof, non-slip and warm. You can buy anti-slip mats at FamilyMart and Lawson supermarkets in Sapporo.
💰As for expenses, if you want to live well and have fun in Hokkaido, you have to be prepared to spend. Especially hotels in Niseko are not cheap, and public transportation is not very convenient.
💕Suggested itinerary:
Day1: Domestic - Sapporo.
Day2: Sapporo - Otaru - Tengu Mountain Cable Car - Otaru Aquarium or Otaru's Dream Blue Light Festival.
Day3: Otaru - Enjoy a full day at the powder snow paradise and Niseko Ski Park.
Day4: Ski Resort - Hakodate: Kanamori Warehouse - Goryokaku Park - Tropical Botanical Garden - Mount Hakodate.
Day5: Hakodate - Hakodate Market - Noboribetsu Hell Valley - Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village.
Day6: Return to China
👉👉Tips: During the peak winter season, 💴 will be more expensive. It is recommended that you get a few friends to travel together and rent a car, which is more cost-effective!
Don’t miss these attractions in Otaru, Hokkaido.
Walking slowly on the streets of Otaru, the snow crunches under my feet, and the surroundings are covered with snow, which is as beautiful as a dream. Maybe our understanding of Otaru started from Shunji Iwai's "Love Letter"💌, but in reality Otaru is equally quiet, charming and intoxicating
Must-visit attractions in Otaru‼ ️
📍Otaru Canal
This ancient canal has a long history. The former docks are no longer there, but the warehouses and canals are still standing. In winter, the roof is covered with thick white snow❄️, which reflects in the river and complements the warm lights of Otaru, like a beautiful picture.
📍Sakai Town Main Street
If you want to enjoy gourmet food and shopping, Sakaicho Hondori is a must-see! There are many gourmet restaurants here, such as sushi 🍣 and seafood 🦞, as well as coffee shops and glass restaurants. It is the commercial center of Otaru and it is very fun to visit!
📍Otaru Music Box Museum
This museum showcases the history and art of the Music Box, an iconic building located at Call Crossing. Every 15 minutes, the steam clock will emit steam and play a five-note melody🎶, it’s so cute!
📍 Funamizaka
This slope near Otaru Station is a famous spot in the movie! The scene where the postman rides a motorcycle🏍 was filmed here. Walking along the slope, you can also see the sea. The scenery is so beautiful that you want to take a photo.
📍Tengu Mountain
In "Love Letter", the classic poster of Miho Nakayama in the snow was shot in Mount Tengu! You can take the cable car to the top of the mountain and overlook the beautiful scenery of Otaru, especially the night view, which is super charming and definitely worth a visit!
📍Kitaichi Glass Museum
This is a glass workshop with a long history. The store has many exquisite glass products, including tableware🍴, accessories and lamps, etc., which is very suitable for buying souvenirs.
📍Chaoli
This small town by the sea has a full atmosphere, few tourists, and beautiful scenery. Sisters who love taking pictures must not miss it. It is definitely a good place to take pictures!
🏨Accommodation
The accommodation I went to Hokkaido this time was really cheap, super affordable and very comfortable‼ ️
Every corner of Otaru is so beautiful, it’s really a place you won’t want to leave! I hope you can also feel the charm here
Travel Guide to Hokkaido: Encounter the Snow from 'Love Letter'
Winter in Hokkaido, Japan, is pure and serene in every way.
❄️ The winter here is as gentle as the endless tenderness in 'Love Letter',
❄️ and as beautiful and melancholic as 'Snow Country'.
🎬 A movie called 'Hokkaido'
🎬 starts showing gradually from November.
❄️ Snowflakes gently fall, covering the ground,
❄️ making the whole world seem wrapped in a pure white veil.
Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa... these familiar names
✨ appear even more dreamy in the winter snow.
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1️⃣ Sapporo: Winter Charm in the City
As the capital of Hokkaido,
Sapporo's winter is full of urban vitality and natural tranquility.
Winter is the best time to experience Hokkaido's winter culture.
Huge ice sculptures illuminated by lights
resemble scenes from a fairy tale,
making you feel like you're in a dreamy world of ice and snow.
.
2️⃣ Otaru: Romantic Winter by the Canal
Otaru's canal is particularly serene in winter, with the river frozen,
and the European-style buildings on both sides covered in snow,
as if time has stopped at this moment.
Walking along this canal,
every corner is a beautiful picture.
Why not sit in a café by the canal,
have a cup of hot coffee,
and enjoy the snowy scenery outside, feeling the tranquility and romance?
.
3️⃣ Asahikawa: Winter Paradise for Wildlife
Asahikawa's winter is not just a kingdom of snow,
but also a paradise for various animals,
especially at Asahiyama Zoo,
where the winter penguin🐧 walk is a major highlight.
Watching these adorable animals waddle through the snow,
all the coldness is dispelled by their innocence and joy.
.
4️⃣ Hokkaido Cuisine🥘
First, I highly recommend 'Soup Curry'!
A hot bowl is really comforting!
Sapporo's 🍜 ramen, Hakodate's 🦐 seafood,
every bite is warmth in the winter.
Especially in the cold winter,
a steaming hot 'Ishikari Nabe'🫕
not only warms the body but also the soul.
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In Hokkaido's winter, snow is no longer synonymous with cold,
but a symbol of warmth and beauty.
In this snowy wonderland,
may every traveler find their own winter story.
This winter, let's go to Hokkaido together!
Reminiscing about Hokkaido for a whole year.
📌 Ultimate Lazy Guide to Hokkaido (5 days 4 nights)
Day 1: Fly from Tokyo to Hokkaido
🍣 Dinner: Toriton Sushi Maruyama Conveyor Belt Sushi (Fresh ingredients and affordable prices)
Day 2: Sapporo 🚃 Otaru 🚃 Otaru
P3 View: Get off at Otaru and check out the seaside. There's a small path next to the famous Polar Bear Cafe where you can walk in and see the snow and sea directly.
P4 View: Keep walking to the right of the Polar Bear Cafe to reach the seaside. You have to cross a thick layer of snow, but there's a clear path made by people. Just follow the crowd!
Otaru Route: Minami-Otaru Station ➡️ Music Box Museum ➡️ Otaru Shopping Street ➡️ Otaru Canal ➡️ Mt. Tengu (We skipped part of the route due to laziness. We took a taxi from Otaru Canal to Mt. Tengu, costing 72 RMB for three people)
❗️ Otaru Tips:
1. One day is enough!
2. Highly recommend Mt. Tengu if the weather is good, it's very beautiful.
🍖 Dinner: Avoid Sumibi Yakiya (The worst BBQ I've had in Japan)
Day 3: Tanukikoji Shopping Street ➡️ Hokkaido University ➡️ Hokkaido Supermarket ➡️ Sapporo Station Shopping (This route is a bit boring)
🐟 Lunch: Shihachi Fresh Fish Shop North 24th Street
〒001-0024 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Kita Ward, North 24th Street, West 2nd Block, 1-13 Bears Building 1F Bears 24 Building
(Very delicious and affordable, recommended)
Hokkaido University: Went to the Owl Cafe, had pudding and milk (average taste)
Hokkaido Supermarket: Randomly found a large supermarket near Hokkaido University. Highly recommend visiting supermarkets in Japan! The sushi and sashimi are delicious and cheap. We originally went to collect and taste all kinds of Hokkaido milk but couldn't find them all.
❗️ Tips: If you love Hokkaido milk, head straight to Mike Stand at New Chitose Airport for a full variety.
🍜 Dinner: Ramen Ichiryuan
〒060-0004 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, North 4th Street West, 1st Block, 1st Building, Hokuren Building Basement 1st Floor
(Rich ramen, their specialty is ramen with scrambled eggs)
Day 4: Sleep in ➡️ Hokkaido Shrine ➡️ Sapporo Factory
🍛 Lunch: Soup Curry: Picante (Hokkaido Shrine Entrance Store)
(Highly recommended, this soup curry is extremely delicious, the chicken leg is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, I still miss the taste)
Hokkaido Shrine: Optional visit, there are many people drawing on trees with snow, quite cute.
Sapporo Factory: Paradise for outdoor enthusiasts (Montbell, Arc'teryx)
Dinner: Kushidori (Chain store, search for the nearest one)
(Very tasty and affordable!)
Recommended Sapporo travel destinations that are great to visit!
If you are planning a trip to Sapporo, Hokkaido, I also recommend a trip to Otaru, which is near Sapporo👍
A small town where you can leisurely stroll around and travel on foot without public transportation!
Among them, the start of the Otaru trip starts with walking along the old Temiya Line!
✅Old Temiya Line 旧手宮線
📍1 Chome-7-14 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031 Japan
#SapporoTravelDestination #Otaru #OtaruTravel #100TravelStyles
Otaru Attractions｜Otaru Canal, an important commercial and trade center in Hokkaido during the Meiji period
#100 Ways to Travel
#Otaru City is one of the important attractions that must be visited in #Hokkaido. It is suitable for traveling all year round. #Otaruport is a Hokkaido trading base completed in 1923. With the renovation of the port terminal, it is no longer used for transportation, but these stone warehouses along the canal still retain the style of Otaru's most prosperous period at that time, and these stone warehouses have also become popular tourist attractions. Every year during the #Sapporo Snow Festival, special snow lanterns are lit around the #Otaru Canal. If you have the opportunity, you should arrange to stay in Otaru for a night and experience the Otaru Canal after it is lit up at night.
Transportation guide: Starting from #Sapporo City Center, take the Hakodate Main Line "Suburban Rapid Train" from JR Sapporo Station to JR Otaru Station, which takes about 50 minutes; or start from New Chitose Airport and take the "Rapid Airport Line" from JR Sapporo Station (Rapid Express) and get off at JR Otaru Station. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Ordinary trains are also available, and the journey takes about an hour. If you don’t want to be crowded, you can also choose the JR Sapporo Station Bus Center and take the Otaru express bus, which takes about 70 minutes. For the return trip, take the Chuo Bus No. 1 (passing by Maruyama) or No. 2 (passing Hokkaido University) in front of JR Otaru Station, and the end point is Sapporo Station. Especially when the train is stopped during a snowstorm, rush to the bus stop to see if it is running.
I took the shuttle express from JR Sapporo Station to JR#MinamiOtaru Station at around 10 a.m. in February. The weather was fine after leaving the station, but there was a lot of snow along the way. It was close to noon and I could go shopping at #Sakaimachi Street. (Otaru Sakai-machi Street), have lunch and then visit Otaru Music Box Hall (オルゴール堂), Kitaichi Glass Museum, Otaru Gasoline Steam Clock, Otaru Romance Museum, Taisho Glass Museum, and others such as Rikkatei and Kitaikaro Waiting is also nearby. Because the shopping street is about 700 meters away from the Otaru Canal, in order to avoid unnecessary walking, it is recommended that if you get off at Otaru Station, you first visit the Otaru Canal, then go to the Sakaimachi Street shopping street, and then return to Sapporo from Minami-Otaru Station. I got off the train at JR Minami-Otaru Station. I visited the Sakai-machi shopping street first. After I had a full meal, I walked to the Otaru Canal to take pictures of the snow. After the Otaru Canal was lit up at night and took pictures, I immediately returned to JR Otaru Station and took the bus back to Sapporo Station. If you just want to visit the area around the Otaru Canal, just enter and exit JR Otaru Station. But I encountered a snowstorm on my return trip. Fortunately, the train was delayed and many people were crowded in the station. Otaru during the day has a different romance than Otaru at night. February is a good month for #snow-appreciation and light viewing.
After a trip to Hokkaido, my perspective on spending has completely changed.
|||Snowflakes, hot springs ♨️, sunsets 🌅, and swans - all the beauty you can imagine in winter is gathered here in snowy Hokkaido.
I strongly recommend booking hotels in advance if you're planning to visit Hokkaido‼️ Nobody told me that a night in a hot spring hotel in Hokkaido during winter could cost over 4,000 yuan 🥹🥹. If you're planning a winter trip to Hokkaido, I suggest reading this guide before you set off.
[Pre-trip Advice]
❶ Don't worry too much about language barriers. Using simple English words ➕ hand gestures is generally understandable. ❌ Avoid using long sentences. Get a translation app, and a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and English works perfectly fine‼️
❷ If you want to see snow, focus solely on Hokkaido. A 5-7 day itinerary is fine. Hokkaido is vast with a sparse population, and attractions are far apart. Public transportation can be time-consuming, so it's recommended to rent a car or join a car-sharing service with friends.
❸ It's also good to exchange some yen for use in small shops (especially ramen shops). There are currency exchange machines and counters everywhere, so don't worry. Otaru is small, 📸 but every photo captures a romantic atmosphere. It's quite expensive, so I suggest a day trip from Sapporo to Otaru! Remember to sit on the right side of the train for amazing sea views.
[Some Notes]
‼️ Don't make phone calls, video calls, or play music out loud on trains and subways. It's really, really quiet. I've seen Japanese people secretly answering calls, but it's truly rare.
‼️ Don't eat strongly flavored foods. On long-distance trips like the Shinkansen, you can buy bento boxes. Although they're cold, I can attest that they taste quite good.
[About Transportation]
Airport buses are really slow, even in good weather conditions. It takes [about an hour and a half] from Sapporo city hotels. I recommend taking the JR for return flights; for arrival, you can choose the bus 🚌.
[About Attractions]
Sapporo: Hokkaido Shrine, Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Hokkaido University, Sapporo Clock Tower, Sapporo International Ski Resort ⛷️
Otaru: Otaru Sakaimachi Street, Funami Slope, Mt. Tengu, Otaru Canal
Biei: Blue Pond, Shirahige Waterfall, Biei Christmas Tree 🎄
Furano: Forest Fairy 🧚 Terrace
[Clothing Guide]
🧥 Upper body: Thermal wear + fleece-lined inner layer/down vest + long down jacket, or fleece + light down. It's about -6 to -7°C, but it doesn't feel too cold. Indoor spaces are heated.
👖 Pants: Fleece-lined thick pants or thermal underwear ➕ regular pants are sufficient.
🧣 Others: Bring gloves 🧤, hats, scarves, and earmuffs for warmth and style!
🥾 Shoes: Three must-haves for snow - waterproof, non-slip, and warm. You can buy anti-slip pads at FamilyMart and Lawson convenience stores in Sapporo.
[Itinerary Suggestions]
👉 For snow and hot springs ♨️, take the western Hokkaido route: Start from Sapporo, visit Otaru, then Lake Toya, enjoy hot springs in Noboribetsu, and return to Sapporo.
👉 For a more in-depth experience with more attractions, take the eastern route: Sapporo - Asahikawa - Biei Town - Furano - Hoshino. Attractions are far apart, so independent travelers should allow more time for transportation.
👉 If you want to visit Asahikawa Zoo 🐧, Blue Pond in Biei, or Furano area, it's recommended to rent a car 🚗. JR trains are available, but with fixed schedules. This route offers top-tier snow experiences.
A must-visit spot in Otaru! 🧸✨SNOOPY Village
"SNOOPY Village" in Otaru, Hokkaido opened on April 18, 2023. The 2-story Snoopy is located on the bustling Otaru Street and is very easy to find❤️
Here, you can find SNOOPY-themed desserts, groceries and peripheral products, including stuffed animals, handbags, snacks, cakes, chocolates, candies, stationery, accessories, boutique furnishings, etc. The products and styles are very complete👍.
Walking up the red stairs, you will see the unique handrails and those stained glass display cabinets, which are really beautiful. The SNOOPY shooting area on the 2nd floor has the theme of "ALL I CARE ABOUT IS MY MUSIC". Those who like to check in can't miss it! This floor also sells some popular souvenirs, such as SNOOPY chocolate, egg rolls, cookies, etc. The designs are cute and diverse, very attractive. SNOOPY fans must come and have a look!
📍SNOOPY Village Otaru
6-4 Sakaicho, Otaru City, Hokkaido
#Great Places in September 2024
Food in Otaru — Stone and Iron STONE and IRON
#Great Places in September 2024
During this trip to Hokkaido, one of the restaurants that surprised me the most was Ishi Tetsu STONE and IRON! The food here is not only delicious, the drinks are also excellent, and the prices are very cost-effective, making people want to come again💖. The menu provides traditional Chinese and pictures, so friends who don't understand Japanese can order easily without worrying.
This is a great place for dinner, and the look of the restaurant is both classic and modern. Pushing open the door behind the heavy curtains and entering the room, you instantly feel a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere. In terms of ordering food, a QR code system is used here to make the ordering process simple and convenient. Every dish is amazing, whether it is a main dish or a snack, the taste is satisfying. In addition, you can taste unique whiskeys and a variety of high-quality liquors from Otaru and Yoichi to enrich your dining experience.
The interior decoration of the restaurant is very exquisite, and it also has an open kitchen, so that guests can have a look at the chefs' skillful cooking. I am very satisfied with the customer service and food quality here. It is an indispensable part of my trip to Otaru.
#Sapporofood #Otaru #Sapporo Attractions #100 Ways to Travel
Under the Oil Lamp: Music and Fine Wine at OMO Cafe & Bar - A Perfect Night in Otaru
💞Recommended Reason:
OMO Cafe & Bar, located on the third floor of OMO5 Otaru, is a unique space transformed from a historic building, designed to provide guests with a free and comfortable resting environment. Every night after 8 PM, oil lamps are lit, creating a romantic atmosphere with their soft glow. The cafe also regularly plays antique music boxes with over a century of history, producing beautiful melodies every 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a perfect night in Otaru in a classical setting.
In terms of dining, OMO Cafe & Bar meticulously designs desserts and offers a variety of creative cocktails. Among them, the 'Shakotan Blue OMO Style Wine Ball,' themed around Shakotan Blue, is a stunning alcoholic cocktail with an attractive hue and refreshing taste.
In this retro and charming space, you can immerse yourself in the melodious music of the music boxes, savor exquisite wines, and enjoy an elegant and unforgettable evening. OMO Cafe & Bar is one of the highlights not to be missed when traveling in Otaru.
Early bird maple viewing in Japan, route reference! .
During Japan’s maple leaf season, Hokkaido is the first to start turning red! If you want to see Japanese early maple leaves in advance, you can start from Hokkaido! 🤔 It is recommended that friends who go to Hokkaido for the first time can use the surrounding area of Sapporo as a gathering point, such as the Hokkaido autumn classic IP Biei Aoike, the maple viewing holy place Hosuikyo Dam and Jozankei Futami Park, the red leaves of Lake Toya, and other places. The Otaru Canal famous for "Love Letter"...
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✈️Hokkaido itinerary reference:
D1: New Chitose International Airport-Lake Toya-Water Fireworks
D2: Lake Toya - Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch - Mount Usu Volcano
D3: Lake Toya-Otaru-Retro Rickshaw-Jozankei Hot Spring
D4: Jozankei - Momiji Ropeway - Lake Sapporo - Suspension Bridge - Kappabuchi
D5: Sapporo-Odori Park, Hokkaido Shrine, Tanukikoji Commercial Street, etc.
D6: Return
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The maple leaf season in the Kansai region is generally from November to mid-December. First of all, Arashiyama in Kyoto has mountains, lakes and canyons, and red and yellow leaves are all over the mountains. Just think about it and get perfect marks! And the red leaves on the Sagano Train are really painting-like~ (⚠️The No. 5 internet-famous glass car offers a 360° panoramic view of the gorgeous autumn scenery of the mountains). In the Arashiyama area of Kyoto, in addition to taking the train, rafting on the Hozu River is also a good way to chase maples.
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✈️Kansai itinerary reference
D1: Kansai Airport-Kyoto City Tour-Kobe Beef Cuisine
D2: Arashiyama Sightseeing Train-Thousand-year-old Temple Tea Ceremony-King Cuisine
D3: Mount Fuji Shita Kawaguchiko-Fuji Mountain View Private Hot Spring Hotel
D4: Hakone-Lake Ashi-Tokyo-Imperial Palace and Niju Bridge-Thundermon Gate
D5: Tokyo city tour-choose to visit various theme parks
D6: Return
Hokkaido Otaru Two-Day Two-Night Travel Guide.
This guide is suitable for friends who have limited time and only visit Sapporo and Otaru.
1️⃣Accommodation Sapporo Grand Hotel
From New Chitose Airport Station, take the Rapid Airport Line directly to Sapporo Station, and walk ten minutes to the hotel. The accommodation experience is perfect, you can walk to the city center and commercial street, there are many convenience stores around, and it is very convenient to go to the airport.
2️⃣Transportation
On the first day, around 11:00 am, take the local line from Sapporo Station with Otaru as the final stop. You can use a watermelon card to enter the station or buy a ticket at the machine. After selecting your destination, insert coins according to the displayed amount. After entering the station, be sure to take your ticket! It will be used when exiting!
If you want to get to Otaru quickly, you can take the Rapid Line. Some stations will not stop in the middle. Because we wanted to get off and see the sea, we took the Local Line (the ticket will be invalid if you get off in the middle).
Most people choose to get off at Asari Station, but you can also get off at Zenibako Station, the previous stop of Asari Station. There are fewer people, you can walk directly to the beach, and if you are hungry, you can go to 711 to buy a rice ball 77.
Next, return to Zenibako Station and take the train to Otaru. On the way back, we chose the Rapid Line, which will be faster.
3️⃣Otaru🤩
My favorite Hokkaido city, after all, the movies "Love Letter" and "First Love" were filmed here, especially romantic! The city is relatively small, one day is enough.
Get off at Minami-Otaru Station and walk down a slope for about ten minutes. Turn around to Otaru Commercial Street and walk to Otaru Station. The bus to Mount Tengu departs from the bus stop next to Otaru Station. You can buy tickets, swipe your watermelon card, or pay 240 yen by coin when you get off.
On the second day, get off at Otaru Station directly, and immediately go to Funamiseki. This whole day is for city walking, then walk from Funamiseki to Otaru Canal.
4️⃣Mount Tengu🏔️
Cable car 1600 yen for adult round trip, manual ticket purchase takes one minute. To prevent the cable car from closing early, we went up the mountain at 2:30 pm. You can wait for the blue hour on the mountain. If it snows heavily, you can wait in the window seat of the rest room. If it stops snowing, you can go out and play in the woods. You can also take a photo of the same style as "Love Letter".
5️⃣Food
Otaru Seafood Restaurant Sawazaki Suisan No. 3 Crab rice is more expensive but delicious. Very small shop.
Sapporo's soup curry must be eaten! Kinotoya Bake's milk ice cream is also super delicious!
Hokkaido 5-Day Self-Drive Itinerary
Day 1: New Chitose Airport - Sapporo
Upon arriving at New Chitose Airport, pick up your rental car and head straight to Sapporo. Visit the Sapporo Clock Tower and Odori Park, and don't miss the local ramen. In the evening, stroll around Tanukikoji Shopping Street to enjoy shopping and the lively night market atmosphere. 🎉
Day 2: Sapporo - Otaru
Drive from Sapporo to Otaru, which takes about an hour. The Otaru Canal and historical buildings are stunning. Enjoy fresh seafood sushi and various snacks and desserts at Letao. Don't forget to visit the Otaru Music Box Museum and make your own music box. 🎶
Day 3: Otaru - Asahikawa
Next, drive to Asahikawa, which takes about two hours. The animals at Asahiyama Zoo are incredibly cute! In the evening, try Asahikawa ramen, especially the popular "Santouka" ramen. 🍜
Day 4: Asahikawa - Furano - Biei
Depart from Asahikawa to Furano to see the lavender fields (in summer). Then head to Biei to take some beautiful photos of the Blue Pond. The scenery is absolutely stunning! 📸
Day 5: Biei - Noboribetsu - New Chitose Airport
On the last day, visit Noboribetsu to see Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and experience the hot spring culture. Then return to New Chitose Airport to conclude your delightful Hokkaido trip. 🌟
The Charming Otaru Canal: A Different Atmosphere by Day and Night with European Flair
When traveling to Hokkaido, the first choice for most travelers is undoubtedly Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido. Besides experiencing the bustling city of Sapporo, we highly recommend taking a day trip to nearby cities. Today, we introduce you to Otaru, a beautiful port city known for its canal and rich historical ambiance. Although Otaru is not far from Sapporo, the two cities have entirely different atmospheres.
The landmark of Otaru is definitely the Canal! The Otaru Canal was excavated in 1914. Due to the prosperous port trade at the time, the government hoped to use the canal to transfer goods from large ships to small boats, which would then transport the goods along the canal to warehouses. The canal was completed in 1923 and became an important transportation facility for loading and unloading goods in Otaru. This led to the construction of numerous warehouses and factories along the canal, with a total of 88 warehouses at its peak.
As Otaru's trade volume gradually decreased after World War II, the canal fell into disuse. It suffered from blockages and lack of maintenance, leading to siltation and foul odors. The government once proposed to fill in the canal, but this met with public opposition. After negotiations, a partial filling plan was implemented. The preserved section of the canal has now transformed into a famous tourist attraction in Otaru, with the surrounding warehouses converted into restaurants and shops.
The Otaru Canal offers different aesthetics in each season. From late spring to summer, it has a refreshing green vibe; in autumn, the leaves on the warehouse walls turn red, creating a melancholic scene; in winter, the riverbanks and warehouses are covered in snow, creating a romantic atmosphere. Regardless of the season, the canal and warehouses are illuminated with orange lights at night, enhancing Otaru's romantic charm.
Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the canal's pathways. Exploring the Taisho-era buildings and European-style architecture around the canal is also a unique experience. If time permits, you can join the Otaru Canal Cruise, which lasts about 40 minutes. On the cruise, you can listen to the crew narrate the history of the Otaru Canal and its surrounding buildings, offering a deeper exploration of the enchanting Otaru.
Tenguyama Ropeway in Otaru, Hokkaido: One of Hokkaido's Top Three Night Views and Filming Location for the Drama 'First Love'
Tenguyama is located in Otaru, connected by the Tenguyama Ropeway which links the southwestern part of Otaru to the mountain summit. At the top of Tenguyama, you can visit the Tenguyama Shrine and enjoy one of Hokkaido's top three night views. It is also a filming location for the drama 'First Love'.
The Tenguyama Ropeway spans 735 meters, with a car arriving every 12 minutes, taking about 4 minutes to reach the summit from the base. Since its opening in 1979, the Tenguyama Ropeway has retained a nostalgic charm compared to the more modern Hakodate Ropeway. Even the creaking sounds of the machinery add to its storied atmosphere.
At the summit of Tenguyama, there is a café and souvenir shop, as well as activities like the Tengu Zipline, Tengu Hot Air Balloon, and sledding slope. There are five observation decks, and the one where I took my photos is the 'Tenku Terrace', which has several tables and chairs on the deck, offering views of Otaru Port and the cityscape.
Explore the Romantic Otaru Orgel Museum in Hokkaido
The Otaru Orgel Museum is undoubtedly a shining gem in Otaru City, Hokkaido. Filled with a nostalgic atmosphere, various antique music boxes act like time wizards, instantly transporting you to the past. Whether classical or modern, each music box is a masterpiece of craftsmanship that will surely captivate you.
The museum's elegant decor makes it feel like stepping into a hall of nostalgia. Inside, you'll find music boxes from all over the world, each telling its own unique story. Even more exciting is the live workshop where you can watch artisans at work and even create your own music box to take home as a unique souvenir.
Need a break? The museum also houses a café with a cozy atmosphere and delicious snacks, making it a perfect place to relax. The gift shop is filled with a wide variety of music boxes, satisfying all your desires and offering great options for souvenirs to bring back to friends and family.
Located in Otaru's main tourist area, the museum complements other attractions in the vicinity. Otaru itself is famous for its ancient canals and historic buildings, making the entire city a beautiful canvas full of surprises.
Otaru Canal - A Glimpse into Otaru's Historical Scenery
Located in Hokkaido, Otaru is a port city surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing Ishikari Bay. The city retains a rich historical atmosphere, with the Otaru Canal being the most iconic tourist attraction. Built in 1923, the canal, though man-made, blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, making it an ideal place for strolling and leisure.
Walking along the path beside the canal, you will see 63 gas lamps flickering at sunset on one side and preserved stone warehouses on the other, creating a romantic and nostalgic ambiance. These warehouses, built during the Taisho period, have now been converted into restaurants and commercial facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious food while soaking in the historical atmosphere.
For a different perspective of the canal, consider taking a canal tour boat. The approximately 40-minute ride offers a full view of the canal's beauty and its many historical buildings. Guides accompany the tour, providing detailed explanations of the historical stories behind the sights and sharing the best photo spots.
Don't miss the nighttime cruise after sunset, when the gas lamps and building lights reflect on the water, creating a mesmerizing scene. The scenery here is sure to captivate your heart, making it a perfect spot for a romantic date.
💗A cute miscellaneous goods store cafe in Otaru with lovely Hello Kitty 💗
#JapanTravel #Hokkaido #OtaruTravel #Otaru #HelloKitty
😻 Cute cat character! A cute fancy trip to Otaru with Kitty 💗
📍Otaru Hello Kitty Cafe: 1-6 Sumiyoshicho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0015 Japan
📍Opening hours: 09:15~17:45
🐈 We introduce you to the 'Otaru Hello Kitty Cafe' located in Otaru, a miscellaneous goods store and cafe themed around Hello Kitty, the world-famous Sanrio symbol! The cute Kitty greets you from the outside, creating a lovely atmosphere! On the first floor, you can purchase or look at Sanrio character goods, and on the second floor, you can enjoy snacks and drinks! 💕If you come to Otaru, stop by the 'Otaru Hello Kitty Cafe', which is great for couples or children~!
Travel to Hokkaido Otaru, with hotel recommendations
Visiting Hokkaido, Otaru is definitely a must-visit city. This seaside town is not only the filming location of the movie 'Love Letter', but it was also once known as the 'Wall Street of the East'. The architectural style blends Western and traditional Japanese elements, plus the red brick warehouses, making it a place with its own unique urban culture.
🧳Three-day two-night travel recommendations
Day1️⃣
✅Take the JR to Otaru Station🚉. Otaru Station was built in 1934 and is one of the oldest reinforced concrete buildings in Hokkaido. Here you can get a free city map and classic information.
✅Otaru Shopping Street. There are many historic buildings here, and now it has become a travel checkpoint that operates various delicacies and souvenirs.
✅Music Box Museum. Music boxes are a specialty of Otaru, and the Music Box Museum has a long history and a large area. There are a lot of music boxes to choose from, and the museum's building, which was built during the Meiji period, is also one of the highlights.
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day2️⃣ Mount Tengu
Overlooking the entire city from a high point, the scenery is open and beautiful when the weather is good, and it is also one of the must-visit places in Otaru.
🚌Otaru round-trip to Mount Tengu 480JPY (round-trip)
🚡Mount Tengu cable car 1600JPY (round-trip)
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day3️⃣ Otaru Canal
The canal, red brick warehouses, and kerosene lamp roads, the retro atmosphere has attracted many artists to create and sell their works along the coast. You can take a cruise to experience Otaru from a different angle.
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🏨Hotel Recommendation
This time we stayed at OMO5 Otaru, which has two buildings, one is transformed from the old Otaru Chamber of Commerce and Industry with nearly a hundred years of history, and the other is in a modern style.
The interior of the hotel is full of retro charm.
Especially the restaurant, where each dining table is lit by an oil lamp, and there is live music from antique music boxes in the evening, which is very romantic💕
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📍The location of the hotel is very good, less than ten minutes' walk from JR Otaru Station, the shopping street, and Otaru Canal.
💁♂️I really like the feature here - OMO Ranger (city guide) service. The hotel staff are all locals, and they will take guests on a small tour first, introducing the city's historical stories and hidden gourmet restaurants unknown to tourists. This service has Chinese guides available~
The above are some practical travel tips for Otaru, remember to like and save.
5 Things You Must Know When Traveling to Otaru, Japan!
"How are you? I'm fine."
The most unmissable place in Hokkaido is Otaru.
As the filming location of "Love Letter",
this place has the most niche and quiet beauty in Hokkaido.
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The first thing: "About Otaru"
Otaru is a seaside town on the west coast of Hokkaido, Japan,
This small town is covered with snow,
It became popular because of the movie "Love Letter", and has become a must-visit place for many people when they come to Hokkaido.
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The second thing: "Main attractions"
Otaru is not big, there are not many attractions, and you can finish it in a day trip.
1、Otaru Canal:
Famous because of Love Letter, the canal bank has been transformed into various craft shops,
The retro brick warehouse is full of literary atmosphere.
It is especially recommended to come here at night, and the restaurants and bars along the river are not to be missed.
2、Funaizaka:
The slope where the postman rides a bicycle to deliver letters in "Love Letter", standing on a high ground, you can also overlook the beautiful sea in the distance, it is very suitable for taking pictures, the sea view + snow scene at a glance, full of literary sense.
3、Kitichi Dori:
The busiest and most prosperous commercial street in Otaru, all kinds of handmade and gourmet dining, can be found here.
4、Fairy Tale Crossroad:
The end of Kitichi Dori is Fairy Tale Crossroad, surrounded by Music Box Museum, hello kitty cafe, etc., a must-visit place for taking pictures.
5、Music Box Museum:
A European-style retro building with a history of more than 100 years, it has collected more than 3,000 music boxes from all over the world, and it feels like a fairy tale world when you walk in!
You can buy all kinds of music boxes here, and you can even customize the music and shape yourself.
6、hello kitty cafe:
Just opposite the Music Box Museum, the first floor is a merchandise shop, and the second floor is a cafe. The hello kitty theme style is a place that girls like to check in.
7、Tengu Mountain:
The night view of Tengu Mountain, along with the night view of Hakodate and the night view of Sapporo Moiwa Mountain, is known as the "Three Great Night Views of Hokkaido", and it is also the place where the heroine of "Love Letter" ran wildly in the snow.
It is recommended to go in the afternoon, you can see the city view during the day, and you can also see a very dreamy night view at night~
8、Asari:
A seaside fishing village near Otaru, here are the sea, snow, and small villages, very quiet and literary, very suitable for taking pictures and checking in.
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The third thing: "Recommended travel route"
(JR train to Asari Station) Asari—(JR train to Otaru Minami Station)—Fairy Tale Crossroad—(walk)—Music Box Museum—(walk)—hello kitty cafe—(walk)—Kitichi Dori—(walk)—Otaru Canal—(walk)—Funaizaka—(No. 9 bus)—Tengu Mountain
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The fourth thing: "Recommended food"
1、Masazushi: Filming location of "Love Letter", a very romantic restaurant
2、Zezaki Fisheries: All kinds of Hokkaido seafood are available
3、LeTAO Main Store: Biscuits and chocolates are very famous!
4、Kitakaro: Fairy Forest Annual Ring Cake
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The fifth thing: "Transportation Strategy"
The most convenient and fast way from Sapporo to Otaru is to take the JR train, the fare is 750 one way, and the time is about 36 minutes.
For city travel, except for going to Asari or Tengu Mountain, you need to take a car, and the rest can be reached on foot.
Sapporo 3 nights 4 days travel itinerary & expenses🌟
#JapanTravel
Sapporo 3 nights 4 days travel itinerary & expenses🌟
Good hotel & expensive food & full tour❗
Sapporo travel that I enjoyed without sparing anything❗️
I'll share a recommended 3 nights 4 days itinerary and travel expenses that I'll spend a lot❗️
✅PowerJ's intense travel itinerary
➿Day 1 - Spreading around Sapporo city☃️
14:00 Airport->Hotel transfer & check-in (by JR train)
15:00 Sapporo TV Tower & Clock Tower & Odori Park
17:00 Yakiniku restaurant 'Shibuki' opening run
18:30 Mega Don Quijote shopping
20:00 Nika-san photo shoot
➿Day 2 - Life shot each! Biei Tour🚌
08:00 Board the bus
10:30 Rest area
11:30 Biei Station ‘Suzuran’ Meal and Sightseeing
13:00 Christmas Tree
14:00 Taksin Museum & Birch Forest
15:00 Blue Lake
16:00 Ninguru Terrace
20:30 Genghis Khan Restaurant ‘Higenoushi’
➿Day 3 - Otaru Day Trip🔮
10:30 Waiting before ‘Toriton Sushi’ Opens and then eating
12:00 Sapporo Beer Museum
13:00 Move to Sapporo Station->Otaru
14:00 Orgeldoh & LeTAO
16:00 Otaru Canal
18:00 Move to Otaru->Sapporo Station
19:00 Waiting on-site at ‘Samurai’ Soup Curry and then eating
➿Day 4 - Sapporo Airport Punggi🛍️
08:00 Sapporo Station->Airport (by JR train)
09:00 Sapporo Airport Duty Free Shopping
11:00 Home… … …
*Adjust according to personal preference and schedule*
✅Travel expenses (for 2 people)
➿Airfare - 2 million won (using T'way Business)
➿Hotel - 700,000 won (3 nights at Shinsang Stream Hotel connected to Susukino Station)
➿Tour - 170,000 won (using Hokkaido Navi Bus Tour)
➿Food expenses - 410,000 won (Yakiniku 'Shibuki' 120,000 won, lamb 'Higenoushi' 80,000 won, sushi 'Toriton Sushi' 60,000 won, soup curry 'Samurai' 40,000 won, Biei restaurant 'Suzuran' 30,000 won, bakery 'Dongguri' 30,000 won, cheese tart & ice cream restaurant 'Kinotoya' 20,000 won, convenience store '30,000 won')
➿Others - 100,000 won (shopping, travel insurance, transfer, etc.)
✅Tips
➿What to prepare - Passport, winter supplies (hot pack, Gloves, scarf, boots, clothes), eccentricity, travel insurance
➿Accommodation location - Most of the restaurants are located at 'Susukino Station', so accommodations near Susukino Station are recommended
➿Transportation card - When purchasing a 'Kitaka' transportation card, you can move to most travel destinations (deposit and remaining balance can be refunded later)🌟
➿Underground movement - You can move underground from Sapporo Station to Odori Station to Susukino Station (there are many restaurants in the underground)🌟
➿Don Quijote - Since tourists flock in the evening, shopping is recommended in the morning and afternoon🌟
➿Nikasan - If you go near Susukino Station, you will definitely see it, so you don't have to look for it
➿Biei Tour - The best shots are at 'Christmas Tree' and 'Ningle Terrace' / For other tips, refer to the previous reels🌟
#Sapporo travel #Sapporo travel expenses #Sapporo restaurants #Sapporo accommodation #During Sapporo travel #Sapporo travel course #SapporoWinterTravel #sapporotrip #sapporotravel #HokkaidoTravel
Hokkaido Otaru Asari Station | The romance at the seaside junction
| The romance at the seaside junction.
If you want to take a set of photos at the seaside junction📷
You definitely can't miss Hokkaido Asari Station❗Every minute is like a Japanese anime heroine.
Transportation🚇: Sapporo Station-Otaru (divided into ordinary and express trains)
⚠️The ordinary train stops more stations, and the express train stops fewer stations
After getting off at Asari Station, 🉑you don't need to leave the station, you can directly check in a few photo spots📸.
1️⃣Platform🚉: Both platforms have a photo atmosphere, you can go to the exit to take a group photo with the station sign with the sea as the background, and the other side can go to the head of the platform to take a group photo when the train passes.
2️⃣The entrance of the exit lounge: The yellow house🏠 is very photogenic
3️⃣Walk out of the exit of the lounge (do not swipe the watermelon card to go out, you can come back to take the car after taking the photo)
➡️Junction: Be careful⚠️ Pay attention to safety when the car comes, and you can take pictures after the barrier is put up
➡️Walk into the road with houses, you can see a large open space, enjoy the sea view, sit and take a few atmospheric photos along the stone🪨 side.
❣️The train timetable is displayed on both platforms, you can reserve time for taking pictures, and you can continue to take the train to Otaru Station after the photo is over～
Hokkaido 'Love Letter' Filming Location｜Complete Guide to Otaru Tengu Mountain
There's always a winter to go to Hokkaido, so I came to Otaru.
'Love Letter' was filmed many years ago,
but the 2021 re-screening on 520 was the first time I saw it,
so I have memories of Otaru.
🌲【Recommended Otaru Attractions】Suitable for 1 day tour
The main attractions in Otaru are Otaru Canal, Funamizaka, Tengu Mountain, and Asari Station. Otaru Canal and Funamizaka are not far from Otaru Station, about 300-500 meters away, you can quickly shoot and stroll around. Asari is suitable for getting off the train from Sapporo to Otaru for a quick shoot, then you can get on the train, or you can pass by when you return to Sapporo from Otaru.
【About Tengu Mountain Guide】(Must See)
🚌Transportation: Take the No. 9 bus from the 4th platform at the entrance of JR Otaru Station to Tengu Mountain, the one-way fare is 240 yen.
🎫Cable Car Ticket: Queue up to buy the cable car ticket immediately after arrival, the round-trip price is 1600 yen, it is more cost-effective to swipe wx. Swipe zfb or wx as much as possible in Japan, the exchange rate is good, save money.
⏰Time: It is recommended to arrive at Tengu Mountain at 2-3 o'clock, you can shoot the scenery from day to night. The night view can be shot when it gets dark at 4 o'clock, don't wait until it's pitch black to shoot, you can't shoot anything, and there are a lot of people going up the mountain from 4-5 o'clock, and the queue is freezing. Remember to go up the mountain at 2 o'clock no matter what, go to the place you haven't shot the next day. Remember.
⛰️Mountain Top Environment: There is a house on the top of the mountain, it is very warm inside, you can eat and drink, there are many people in line. You can go out and shoot for a while and come in to warm up, it's also nice to shoot the cable car through the glass, there are only two cable cars, one red and one blue. The red one looks good. There is a shrine, a pavilion, and a tree on the top of the mountain. It's beautiful to go when the weather is clear, you can see the whole Otaru and the coastline, if you have the conditions, it's beautiful to shoot with a telephoto camera. The brighter the clothes in the snow, the better. You can also imitate the 'Love Letter' black coat.
🏨Hotel: Otaru hotels are almost all near the station, just a few hundred meters walk, very convenient, and eating is also convenient.
Unlock the 'Love Letter' limited travel, enjoy hot springs, skiing, and gourmet food
❄ Many people's longing for Hokkaido comes from the movie 'Love Letter', which depicts Otaru, Hokkaido as a romantic snow country town. Now this 'Love Letter' will invite you to a date in the snow country
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【Travel Highlights】
🦀Top Seafood｜Taste the fresh and sweet taste of the famous Hokkaido cold water seafood
🏂Quality Powder Snow｜Experience the silky world-class powder snow at Niseko/Rusutsu Ski Resort
✨Glass Workshop｜Feel the magical change of glass under high temperature, witness the craftsman's blowing process, and experience the production course
♨Hokkaido Hot Springs｜Bathe in the winter hot springs in the Sapporo backyard hidden by locals at Jozankei
⛄Snow Lantern Road｜In the winter-limited festival, feel the beautiful winter of Otaru decorated with warm candlelight and snow sculptures
🥃Visit Whiskey Brewery｜Taste the rich flavor of single malt whiskey
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【Encounter on the Way】
✅Otaru｜Music Box Hall, Tengu Mountain, Asari, Triangle Market, Canal Warehouse, Funamizaka
✅Niseko and Rusutsu｜Skiing, drifting, horse riding, sledding, ice fishing, snow house sauna, helicopter tour, etc.
✅Sapporo｜Snow Festival, Sapporo Tower, Hokkaido Old Government Building, White Lover Factory, Tanuki Koji Shopping Street
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【Stay】
🏡Otaru Ginrinso｜Experience the Showa Japanese retro style, the vast and pure Ishikari Bay and the bustling romantic Otaru market are all in sight
🏡Niseko Park Hyatt｜Enjoy the private terrace hot spring, overlooking the magnificent scenery of Annupuri and Mt. Yotei
🏡Rusutsu Westin｜All rooms are duplex design, enjoy the fun of ice and snow in the mountains
🏡Jozankei Chalet｜Japan's latest SLH hotel, you can bathe in the hot spring in the room and enjoy the scenery of the four seasons
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【Delicacies】
🍣Otaru Sushi｜The top seafood produced in the cold water area makes the sushi chef adhere to the 'original flavor', highlighting the freshness of the ingredients
🐏Genghis Khan Grilled Lamb｜Thinly sliced lamb and vegetables are grilled on an iron plate, which is one of Hokkaido's local dishes
🏮Sapporo Miso Ramen｜One of Japan's three major ramen, with a representative flavor of rich soup
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【Itinerary Overview】
❄DAY1｜Love Letter of Snow Country
💡Go to Otaru to watch the night view of Tengu Mountain and walk on the Snow Lantern Road
❄DAY2｜Fairy Tale Cross Street
🎏Triangle Market, Funamizaka, Music Box Hall, Glass Shop Tour, Taste Yoichi Distillery Whiskey
❄DAY3｜Dancing Niseko/Rusutsu
🏂Experience winter sports in the world-class powder snow field
❄DAY4｜Warm Jozankei
♨Experience the stunning holiday in Jozankei Hot Spring in Sapporo's backyard
❄DAY5｜Play with the Snow Festival
⛄Play with one of the world's four major snow festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival, factory visit and production experience
❄DAY6｜Farewell to Hokkaido
👋🏻Return/Continue to travel to other cities in Japan
Otaru, Japan Travel: Hidden Sushi Restaurant Miyofuku in an Alley 🍣
It's a small sushi restaurant in an alley run by an old couple.
The prices are 1700 yen, 2000 yen, and 2600 yen, and that's all on the menu.
I thought this place was very proud, so I ordered the 2600 yen set right away.
The sushi was so satisfying for the price, and the sashimi was really thick, so I don't need to say anything about the owner's kindness...👍 The sushi was not small, so I was really full, but it was so delicious that I couldn't leave any leftovers, so I ate it all.
I was so happy to have such a delicious meal for less than 30,000 won.
Regular customers sat at the tachi-sho and chatted with the owner couple, and it felt really friendly. It was a shame that I couldn't speak Japanese ㅠㅠ..
Otaru is a famous sushi area because of Mr. Sushi King,
so I was so excited to discover a hidden restaurant :)
📍Miyofuku
2 Chome-13-16 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032 Japan
Open 12:00 - 20:00
Closed on Sundays and Thursdays
#JapanTravel #Otaru #SushiRestaurant #RestaurantRecommendation #Sapporo #OtaruRestaurant
Fantastic scenery of Otaru canal
Getting There - 10 mins walk from Otaru station
Attractions - canal, port
Hotels - several hotels within the city
Food & Restaurants - seafood restaurants
Avg price per person - free of charge
Access - easy to access from Sapporo station and it could take only 1 hr drive via train
Otaru unaga is famous for it’s vide with canal and European building. Possible to talk a boat along the canal. The view of the canal is stunning not only in daylight but also with the lightning.
#hokkaido #otaru
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