The Charming Otaru Canal: A Different Atmosphere by Day and Night with European Flair

When traveling to Hokkaido, the first choice for most travelers is undoubtedly Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido. Besides experiencing the bustling city of Sapporo, we highly recommend taking a day trip to nearby cities. Today, we introduce you to Otaru, a beautiful port city known for its canal and rich historical ambiance. Although Otaru is not far from Sapporo, the two cities have entirely different atmospheres. The landmark of Otaru is definitely the Canal! The Otaru Canal was excavated in 1914. Due to the prosperous port trade at the time, the government hoped to use the canal to transfer goods from large ships to small boats, which would then transport the goods along the canal to warehouses. The canal was completed in 1923 and became an important transportation facility for loading and unloading goods in Otaru. This led to the construction of numerous warehouses and factories along the canal, with a total of 88 warehouses at its peak. As Otaru's trade volume gradually decreased after World War II, the canal fell into disuse. It suffered from blockages and lack of maintenance, leading to siltation and foul odors. The government once proposed to fill in the canal, but this met with public opposition. After negotiations, a partial filling plan was implemented. The preserved section of the canal has now transformed into a famous tourist attraction in Otaru, with the surrounding warehouses converted into restaurants and shops. The Otaru Canal offers different aesthetics in each season. From late spring to summer, it has a refreshing green vibe; in autumn, the leaves on the warehouse walls turn red, creating a melancholic scene; in winter, the riverbanks and warehouses are covered in snow, creating a romantic atmosphere. Regardless of the season, the canal and warehouses are illuminated with orange lights at night, enhancing Otaru's romantic charm. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the canal's pathways. Exploring the Taisho-era buildings and European-style architecture around the canal is also a unique experience. If time permits, you can join the Otaru Canal Cruise, which lasts about 40 minutes. On the cruise, you can listen to the crew narrate the history of the Otaru Canal and its surrounding buildings, offering a deeper exploration of the enchanting Otaru.