Otaru City is on the west coast of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. It is a popular tourist destination for domestic and international travellers; its quaint atmosphere attracts people who love history, architecture and fun.
On this Online Experience, we will begin our tour from Otaru Museum by the Otaru Canal, where I used to serve as director before retirement. First, we will take a look at the humble beginnings of the city as a small fishing village: herring fishing brought wealth to the area. With the construction of railways and a port, it was transformed into the hub of transportation and centre of commerce and finance of Hokkaido island. The remnant of the city's prosperity is displayed in its historic buildings, stone warehouses, stately bank buildings and old merchant shops.
We will enjoy the walk on the promenade along the popular Otaru canal, which is also a great spot to take photographs. Then, we will proceed to the historic building area where former bank buildings are now repurposed as art galleries, restaurants, shops and even a gentlemen's suit factory. We will continue our walk along Sakaimachi shopping street. This is a downtown area that once flourished through wholesale business. Historic merchant shops here have also been renovated as cafes, sushi restaurants, glassware, souvenir shops, and food vendors. As we browse around the area, you will also get a chance to interact with some cheerful locals.
Finally, we will come to the famous Otaru Music Box Museum, where you will be amazed by tens of thousand of music boxes on display and feel welcomed by their soothing melodies. We will finish our tour in front of this museum while listening to the steam clock whistle, a gift from the city of Vancouver, Canada.