Welcome to Otaru, we have snow!

Temperature – 1

Visitors travelling by train from Sapporo can enjoy breathtaking coastal views on their journey to the port town of Otaru. This charming town is known for its beautiful historical buildings and a picturesque canal, where visitors can take boat rides during the warmer months.

My knowledge of Otaru comes primarily from the anime, Golden Kamuy. At the Otaru station, you can find a poster of Asirpa. Fans of the show will be delighted to explore Otaru, as many of the old streets and buildings resemble those depicted in the series. Golden Kamuy is known for its attention to detail and was supported by the Hokkaido Tourism Board, which means that many of the locations featured in the show can be visited in real life. The name Otaru has Ainu origins, and carvings discovered in Temiya Cave date back to A.D. 400, highlighting the rich history of the Ainu people.

Otaru’s trading port was established in 1899 for trade with the United States and the United Kingdom, solidifying Otaru’s status as a significant port town.

Otaru surprised me a little by having a steampunk aesthetic. The canals are lined with Victorian lampposts, and Canada gifted the city a steam clock that chimes every hour. There’s also a music box museum that fulfils the obligatory gears section on the steampunk checklist, along with numerous old factories that date back to Otaru’s coal-mining days.

There is a ropeway to Mount Tengu, as well as a popular ski resort in Otaru. Many schools organize ski trips to this resort because it offers two courses: one that is suitable for beginners and another that is more advanced, catering to those looking for a greater challenge on the slopes.

I visited Otaru in January, and the amount of snow was staggering—perhaps the most I have ever seen in my life. The roads were flanked by snowbanks that were about three meters high, making the cars appear shorter than the snow surrounding them. I couldn't even see the old railway line, as it was buried under meters of snow.

The walk to the harbour was an adventure; I could hardly find the path. When I first arrived, the weather was sunny, and the boats on the canal were operational. However, after I enjoyed another bowl of soup curry and took a short stroll to the harbour, a blizzard hit.

Otaru High Street is worth exploring, as it is lined with many local businesses and eateries offering regional cuisine. I encountered numerous tourists during my visit and had brief conversations in English with some of them. If I had more time on my trip, I would have considered spending a night in Otaru. Overall, I had a fun experience, although the weather did limit my exploration.

During the summer, Otaru enjoys warm weather that is more pleasant than the sweltering heat found in other parts of Japan. The coastline features numerous beaches, providing perfect spots for relaxation and exploration. As a port town, Otaru also offers various boat trips and ferry services. If you ever get the chance to explore Hokkaido, Otaru should be on your bucket list.