Uncover the Many Facets of Japan: Otaru

My first encounter with Hokkaido feels like a love letter, with each word and sentence warming the heart. From Otaru to Asahikawa, from Sapporo to Furano, these enchanting cities turn Hokkaido into our land of romance.

10 Love Letters to Hokkaido (3)
-Otaru

Dear H，

Taking the train from Sapporo to Otaru, the sight of the white waves crashing against the shores of Ishikari Bay outside the window immediately lightened my mood. Otaru gives off an initial impression of a simple and tranquil city, yet it was once the bustling commercial hub of Hokkaido. Still lined with old warehouses and with a particularly European atmosphere to its architecture, the city was adorned with numerous banks, once hailed as the Wall Street of the North, witnessing a bygone era of prosperity. 

The Otaru Canal is a stunning and serene waterway that runs through the centre of the city, providing a breathtaking backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a romantic evening. The street corner in Otaru, where the two characters played by Miho Nakayama seemingly meet by chance, adds a touch of whimsy. Every time I pass by the steep and winding slopes, I can’t help but wonder if, in the next moment, Miho Nakayama will come cycling down.

10 Love Letters to Hokkaido (4)
-Otaru

Dear H，

Arriving in Otaru, one will discover that its romantic ambiance not only wafts through the air but also extends to the exquisite crafts the town is known for. I brought back a gift for you from Otaru—a music box. After the opening of Otaru Port, Western musical instruments gradually made their way into Japan. Local shops began selling music boxes, and over time, they became one of Otaru’s renowned specialties.

The largest music box museum in Japan is located in Otaru. Housed in a European-style building dating back to 1912, the museum showcases over 3000 delicate music boxes, clocks, and dolls. After indulging in the crisp melodies of countless music boxes within the museum, I left feeling content and then treated myself to a serving of Otaru’s specialty—cheese ice-cream—across the street. Savouring the rich and not overly sweet ice-cream, I listened to the light, cheerful music emanating from the steam clock just outside the museum. 

Indeed, romance has its taste and sound. 

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