Otaru: Nostalgic Winter

Totally crashed out from the previous day's whirlwind of activities and snow fun in Sapporo (SAPPORO WHAT AWAITS), I slept like a log until the alarm blared, signaling the start of another adventure-filled day (HOKKAIDO). Today, we were heading to Otaru, and despite my excitement, a wave of sentimentality hit me - only two days left before heading home. 

It's a familiar feeling that always accompanies the end of my travels, a longing for more adventures instead of returning to the grind. But reality bites; I need to work and save before planning the next holiday. Given the choice, I'd travel 365 days a year. As I showered, I mentally calculated how long it would take to save for my next trip. Once dressed, I joined the group for the buffet breakfast.

 

Though I'm not a breakfast person back home, I found myself eagerly anticipating the Japanese buffet breakfast each day. It was like the best meal of the trip, with offerings I absolutely loved. Another amazing spread awaited - bacon, eggs, Japanese porridge, soups, and a steaming cup of coffee to warm me up before we embarked on our journey along the Pacific Ocean to Otaru.

Otaru, a charming port city on Hokkaido's west coast, boasts a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century when it flourished as a major trading and fishing hub. Its historical significance is vividly reflected in the beautifully preserved architecture, especially along the picturesque Otaru Canal, which is lined with century-old warehouses that have been converted into museums, shops, and restaurants.

This blend of history and scenic beauty makes Otaru a popular tourist destination. Visitors flock to experience its nostalgic atmosphere, enjoy fresh seafood, and explore the many glasswork studios, music box shops, and sake breweries that showcase the city's unique cultural heritage.

Undeniably, Otaru, nicknamed the "Wall Street of the North" due to its historic rows of old stone buildings, charmed me as I stood against the backdrop of the 200-meter-long Otaru Canal blanketed in snow. It felt like a magical winter kingdom. There's something truly captivating about Otaru during winter.

As I leisurely walked around, I couldn't resist stopping at a small roadside shop for a luscious Japanese soft-serve ice cream. I opted for green tea ice cream, and it did not disappoint - it’s a must-try.

Our next destination was the Otaru Music Box Museum. Stepping off the bus and crossing the road, the soft wind blew gently, making me appreciate the winter atmosphere. It was one of those soul-touching moments that felt timeless. A visit to the Otaru Music Box Museum is a must-see attraction you won't regret. Located at the end of Sakaimachi Street, we were greeted by a steam clock presented by the city of Vancouver at the entrance. The museum showcases a mesmerizing collection of music boxes, from the first floor to the third floor.

We spent at least an hour admiring the various shapes, sizes, and types of carefully crafted dolls and ornaments. Before leaving, I purchased a copper wall decoration to remember my visit to the Otaru Music Box Museum.

After our visit to the Otaru Music Box Museum, we walked to a nearby restaurant for yet another seafood steamboat meal. By then, I had my fill of seafood and steamboat - I ate sparingly, grateful not to be too hungry.

Following lunch, we made our way to Shiroi Koibito Park, owned by Ishiya, a local chocolate company known for its theme park that combines outdoor and indoor attractions.  Highlights included the "Chocolate Carnival," a parade of mechanical dolls starting every hour, the "Shiroi Koibito Railway" modeled after a steam locomotive, and "Gulliver House" for children's enjoyment outdoors. 

Indoor, the main attraction was the Ishiya Chocolate Factory, where we saw how Hokkaido's famous confectionery "Shiroi Koibito" is made, complete with a confectionery workshop where visitors can craft their own 14cm heart-shaped "Shiroi Koibito."

 

The park also featured an antique cups exhibit, a cafe offering Ishiya’s original sweets, a toy exhibition room, a souvenir store, and the "Candy Labo" candy art specialty shop. After spending almost the entire afternoon at Shiroi Koibito Park, we left as the sky darkened, and rain and snow made the weather challenging.

We hurried back to the coach and headed to a restaurant for yet another seafood meal, which by this point, I had more than my fill of. Thankfully, Japanese pickles and a salad were also part of the meal, which satisfied me as we returned to the hotel.