Otaru, Hokkaido

Located 25 minutes by train to the west of Sapporo, Otaru is a pleasant port city and an ideal choice for a day trip. In recent years, tourism has developed considerably in Otaru. Most of the attractions can be found in the vicinity of the canal which runs through the bayside area and is adorned with Victorian-style street lamps. Otaru attracts a large number of Japanese tourists as well as Russian visitors.

Otaru is well known for its beer, and Otaru Beer, next to the canal, is a popular restaurant with a medieval germanic theme. Otaru is also known for the freshness of its sushi. The town also has substantial shopping arcades and bazaars. A cluster of Edo period style buildings called Denuki Kouji is located across the street from the canal on the main road and offers a host of Japanese restaurants and bistros to cater to every taste. For a special treat try the fried chicken at Naruto.

Popular souvenir items include hand-blown glass and music boxes. A number of shops have these items on offer around the canal area and along the tourist street which runs adjacent to the canal.

Otaru’s best season for walking is Summer and early Autumn. In Winter, enjoy the floating candle event which occurs just after the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Access: Trains run directly from Sapporo Station every quarter hour. The trip takes about 40 minutes. Cost is 1240 yen round trip. Buses are also available from JR Bus station located under Esta in the station and Chuo Bus Center. - See more at: http://gosapporo.com/things-to-do/day-trips/otaru/#sthash.dglmFczy.dpuf

From:

http://gosapporo.com/things-to-do/day-trips/otaru/