Otaru and Sapporo, Hokkaido Day 2 Free & Easy (1/5/2016) - Part 1

1st of May, 2016 - we have planned for a one-day trip to Otaru. As stated in my earlier blog, we have purchase the Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass that cost us 1,700Yen for JR Rapid to Otaru and a free one day subway pass. After breakfast, we utilised the free shutter service provided by Dormy Inn to Sapporo Station for the JR Rapid to Otaru.

This was the first time we got into a taxi in Japan. A smartly dressed driver picked us up at the lobby of the hotel at 9.00AM sharp. Japanese are very punctual, respect that!

Enjoying the taxi ride in the Toyota Crown

Arrived at the Taxi Station outside Sapporo Station

Let's go! Otaru, here we come!

With JR, the journey from Sapporo Station to Otaru takes about 1 hour. When traveling with JR, try to get the seat at the window side on your right (facing the front where the train is heading). You will be able to enjoy the beautiful sea view during your hour long journey.

Arriving at Otaru
We arrived at the Otaru Railway Station, which opened in 1903. A very nice and classic railway station. We waited for the crowd to leave the station before we spend some time for photography.

Love the weather here -sunny blue sky white clouds

We follow the recommended walkway suggested by Otaru Tourist Map, available in the station (tourist information counter). With the map, it is so easy to move around and located the best spot for taking nice picture.

Source: http://otaru.gr.jp.e.go.hp.transer.com/guide-map/ 

 Otaru Canal
The main landmark of Otaru is this canal. Many people have commented that this canal is so amazing at any time and different feeling when visiting in different season. I belief so after arriving here. I hope I can come back to Otaru again in the winter and autumn, and most importantly, will plan to stay for a night. Night time, the scene must be very nice too....

This is a tourist information center near the canal - for tours.

It was still early when we were there. Later in the noon, this place was crowded with people.

We love the fresh air here..clear sky and can even see the mountains from far

You can try out the boat tour along the canal but we choose to walk along the canal. We saw one of this boat U-turn here. I think this is the ending place of the tour.

At this end of the canal, we same some tour groups taking group photos.

Sakaimachi Shopping Street
Another tourist attraction in Otaru is the shopping street for food and beverages. We keep eating while walking along the street. Just cannot describe how wonderful it is to hangout here for the weekend.

The streets are so clean. We don't see rubbish around.

Even the 'longkang' (drain) water are crystal clear.

This stall sells delicious Korokke (croquette) for only 180Yen per piece.

This is the pumpkin korokke!!! Yummy!!!

All the shops here are so Kawaii!!!

Very old building along Sakaimachi Street - classic!

Lunch at 万次郎 (Syokudo and Teishoku Restaurant) - updated 8/8/2017

We then stopped by at a small restaurant which I think many would have missed it. According to my wife earlier research on the Internet, this restaurant serves good value for money bento set and popular among the locals.

When we got in, the restaurant was full. They have very limited seats so we waited for a short while.

It is fine to wait for our seats because the food is really good (at reasonable price too) - This Ebi Katsu Don is only 800Yen 

This seafood donburi with Bafun Uni (Sea Urchin), King Crab Meat, Salmon Roe, Egg and Rice - only 1,400Yen

Small restaurant but non-stop customer dining in here.

Address: 2-15 Sakaimachi, Otaru-shi, Hokkaidō 047-0027, Japan
GPS: 43.195540, 141.003703

Otaru Music Box Museum and Shop
After lunch, we walk along the shopping street to the Music Box Museum. It is just right at the end of the shopping street.

The Music Box Museum and Shop

Inside the building, it is mainly the shop where they sell all kinds of music boxes. It is just so many of it with different music for all.

Music box - sushi style

This is just one of the many awesome design of music box

In the music box museum, you can learn about the development of music boxes and able to see some really old music boxes; Not to miss out the miniature illustrating the time-line of music development around the world.

After visiting the Music Box Museum, we continue our food hunting along Sakaimachi Street.

Next: Never Enough of Sakaimachi Street, Otaru (Coming Soon...)

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