Hokkaido is one of Japan’s top winter destinations. Its abundance of powder-fine snow makes it a perfect spot for a winter break.
But as well as some of the best skiiing options in Japan, it’s also home to some charming small towns that are worth spending a day or two in. One of these is Otaru, an oft-overlooked town north of Sapporo with a historic past. In the 1880s it became a thriving harbour area and fishing town. Many of the warehouses, banks and government buildings from that time remain today and give the seafront area a nostalgic touch.
Walking along its restored canal gives an immediate taste of history as it’s surrounded by many of these old warehouses. A short walk away is the downtown area, home to dozens of charismatic shops and restaurants. Music boxes, seafood and glass-blowing are the main draws – some jewellery shops offer their own glass-blowing classes and then mail the results to you a few days later. Other more unusual attractions include the gravity-defying eight-deck ice-cream and the world’s largest steam clock outside Otaru Orugoru-do, a famous and sprawling music box shop.
When you do need to stop and re-fuel, the options are numerous. Most specialise in sushi – unsurprisingly the fish here is especially fresh – or there are plenty of cafes and cake options. By the canal there’s Otaru Warehouse No. 1, a German-themed joint with local brews, banana beers and brewery tour.
A short bus-ride out of town lands you at Otaru Tenguyama, a popular ski resort during the winter. The 532-metre mountain isn’t especially huge but does offer scenic views – notably at night. Most people take the 4-minute ride up via a gondola, then either take to the slopes during winter or wander around and take in the views from the various sky-decks and observatories. Visitors also tend to visit Tengu-san, a mountain god said to protect travellers and help those wanting academic success. Rubbing his long nose is the way to ensure your wish is granted. Chipmonks also hang out here from May to September.
