While walking through the shopping street, we discovered this uniquely charming café. This “Café Kōcha Hikari ni Tsuite” is a coffee shop built in the 8th year of the Showa era. It’s said to be filled with a classical atmosphere, and it doesn’t have fixed opening hours — you really have to get lucky to catch it open since it’s not open every day.
The coffee here is made using an old-fashioned roasting method, which is quite special. Originally, we planned to come back for afternoon tea at this café, but unfortunately... we ran out of time, and we didn’t pass by here on our way back, so all we could do was leave with some regrets. We’ll just have to save it for next time. Otherwise... I really wanted to check out its classic European-style decor inside.
After passing the shopping street, as we continued toward the Otaru Canal, we came across the remnants of the “Temiya Line” — the oldest railway in Hokkaido ! If it weren’t for the signboards, you’d never guess what it actually was.
The Temiya Line played an important role from 1880 to 1985. This railway was part of the Horonai Railway that connected Sapporo and Temiya. Starting from Minami-Otaru, it passed through the Otaru Canal and extended toward the Temiya area, leading to Otaru Port. Back then, it was a crucial transport route for the economic development of Hokkaido ! To commemorate this history, a small section of the line has been preserved.
Not far from the ruins of the “Temiya Line” is the Financial Materials Museum, housed in a repurposed former branch of the Bank of Japan in Otaru. The building has a very distinctive style. Designed in the Renaissance architectural style, it looks very European and truly exudes a European vibe even under the snow. I really love this building.
Inside, you can visit for free and learn about the history and operations of the Bank of Japan. I’ve heard you can even hold a one-hundred-million-yen note in your hands, which sounds pretty unique. Unfortunately... once again, due to lack of time, we couldn’t go in. In Otaru, we really accumulated quite a few regrets — there were so many places we didn’t get to explore. To properly experience Otaru, even a whole week wouldn’t be enough !
Continuing down the street, when you see this row of shops, it means the Otaru Canal is not far ahead.
Here, you can also spot rickshaws soliciting passengers. Honestly... I’ve been to Japan so many times, but I’ve never ridden in a rickshaw before ! I’d really love to find a chance to try it out. (Though I’m afraid it might be expensive.)
Recommended Reading:Following in the Footsteps of Movies: Must-Visit Filming Locations in Hokkaido from Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese Dramas
After crossing the street, you’ll arrive at Otaru’s most famous attraction — the “Otaru Canal.” The Otaru Canal was constructed starting in 1941 and took nine years to complete. It stretches 1,140 meters in length and is 20 to 40 meters wide, with walking paths along the shore.
If you have time to visit, you can take a stroll here and enjoy the walkways lined with relief prints and monuments that document Otaru’s history. Unfortunately, when we went, the prints and monuments were covered in snow due to the accumulation.
But... taking a walk while enjoying the snow is still quite a pleasant and beautiful experience.
Actually, the night before, we had come to the Otaru Canal after coming down from the ski slopes. Our main goal then was to look for food and to take a look at the canal’s night view.
I found that the canal looks really different during the day compared to the night. At night, aside from being beautiful, it also has an exotic romantic feel. It would be great for couples to take a stroll here in the evening.
However... the wind at night in winter is quite strong. Although the scenery looks romantic, it’s really super cold. If you’re interested in admiring the night view, remember to dress warmly.
Overall, I think staying overnight at a nearby hotel would be a fantastic experience. Here’s me sharing the views from both daytime and nighttime.
At the Otaru Canal, there are usually volunteers around who not only provide explanations but also help with taking photos. We happened to meet a volunteer uncle with amazing photography skills who took pictures for us. The photos turned out really beautiful — he had a great eye for angles.
If you want to learn about the stories of the canal or need help taking photos, you can always find these volunteers. I think it’s a pretty nice service. The only downside is that the volunteers we met didn’t speak Chinese. Their explanations were lost on us — totally over our heads, like “a duck listening to thunder,” you know?
After taking photos by the canal, you can actually take a stroll to Otaru Kanemachi Street. You can also grab a bite to eat around here before heading there. There are quite a few restaurants nearby, but... I personally don’t recommend the Otaru Canal Cafeteria.(A lot of bloggers online recommend it.)
Because we ate here the night before and were left with a bad impression. The variety of ingredients wasn’t great, and honestly, the food was pretty ordinary — not bad, but not particularly delicious either. The biggest issue was the terrible service attitude. It was the first time I’ve experienced bad service in Japan.
As for how bad the service was — I don’t even want to talk about it anymore. I was this close to swearing. It was basically the kind of service that makes you angry. If you still want to go and eat there, well... think carefully for yourself?!
Recommended Reading:How to Enjoy Hokkaido’s Drift Ice in Winter? Icebreaker Experience & Attraction Recommendations Cheat Sheet
Otaru Canal
■ Address: 5-4 Minatocho, Otaru, Hokkaido
Café Kōcha Hikari ni Tsuite
■ Address: 2-11-8 Higashifune, Otaru, Hokkaido
■ Phone: 0134-22-0933
■ Business hours: 10:00–18:00 (subject to seasonal changes); irregular holidays
Former Osaka Branch of the Bank of Japan Financial Museum (Old Otaru Branch)
■ Address: 1-11-16 Shikanai, Otaru, Hokkaido
■ Phone: 0134-21-1111
■ Business hours: 9:30–17:00 (last entry at 16:30); closed on Mondays
■ Official site: http://www3.boj.or.jp/otaru-m/
This article is authorized content provided by HowToTrip blogger Aileen Happy Life, originally published at: [Hokkaido] Must-visit Spots in Otaru – Strolling Along the Otaru Canal
Authorized reprint from [Tripbaa Quba]Original source: [Must-Visit Spots in Otaru, Hokkaido!Scenic Spots for a Walk Along the Otaru Canal]
Executive Editor: Hovis
Proofreading Editor: Reese