The storied history of trade between Japan and western nations in the former financial hub of Otaru has left a veritable cultural moraine in its wake. Repurposed banks and post offices house confectionaries and galleries. Trolleys that meander up and down hilly cobblestone streets pause for passing rickshaws carrying couples from the train station to the port. At sunset, Victorian-style oil lamps and hand-lit candles illuminate intersecting canals, and their disarming European aesthetic sets the stage and the allure for this uniquely charming seaside town.
Situated near the bucolic countryside, the ski paradise of Niseko and Hokkaido's vibrant capital city, Sapporo, Otaru is a gem that exudes an easy laid-back vibe, a panoply of flavours, and a wealth of artisans sharing their crafts with all who visit.