The Former Temiya Line is a historic promenade utilizing the site of Hokkaido's first railway line. It was a route that transported coal and goods during the Meiji era, and today, the tracks and stone pavement are preserved as they were, making it a spot where you can stroll and feel the history of Hokkaido's railways.

The promenade of the Former Temiya Line is located in the center of Otaru and can be accessed directly from Otaru Canal. If you walk along the canal towards Iro-nai, you can reach the entrance in about 6 minutes, and the promenade continues from Iro-nai to the Shinkocho area. It is recommended to visit it in conjunction with the canal.

The tracks laid on the stone pavement remain as they were, making it a popular photo spot with a retro atmosphere. You can walk on the tracks and take pictures combining them with the gas lamps and stone warehouses along the path. During the evening illumination, it creates an especially magical atmosphere.

Otaru Canal is located in Otaru, Hokkaido. It's about a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station, and about 30-40 minutes by rapid train from Sapporo Station, making it ideal for a day trip.

The biggest highlight is the stone warehouses lining the canal, such as the former Otaru Warehouse. During the day, you can enjoy the historic scenery, and at night, the gas lamps create a romantic atmosphere. Taking a canal cruise is recommended to enjoy a panoramic view of Otaru's cityscape from the water.

You can enjoy it all year round, but each season has different charms. Summer (July-August) offers beautiful blue skies and stone pavements, while winter (December-February) features a fantastic atmosphere with snowscapes and illuminations. The evening to night is especially recommended, as the gas lamps create a picturesque scene when lit.

The Otaru Canal Cruise is a sightseeing cruise where you leisurely travel along the canal in a small boat lit by lamps. You can enjoy the stone warehouses and the historic scenery along the canal from a waterfront perspective that cannot be seen from land. You can enjoy a 40-minute boat trip while listening to a guide's commentary on Otaru's history and highlights.

The boarding point is near Otaru Canal Chuo Bridge, accessible by about a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station. There are two types of cruises, day cruise and night cruise. During the day, you can enjoy the historic cityscape, and the night cruise, with its gas lamps and reflections on the water, is particularly popular. Operating schedules vary by season, so it is recommended to check in advance.

Adult tickets cost around 1,800 yen, and same-day tickets can be purchased. However, night cruises, especially in the evening, can be crowded, so advance reservations through the official website are recommended. The cruise takes approximately 40 minutes and is a perfect activity for concluding your Otaru sightseeing or creating special memories.

Otaru Sushi Street is a street lined with sushi restaurants in the heart of Otaru, a gourmet spot symbolizing "Otaru, the city of sushi." Many sushi restaurants, from long-established ones to popular ones, serve Otaru sushi made with fresh seafood such as sea urchin, salmon roe, scallops, and crab caught in the waters near Hokkaido, making it an area highly praised by gourmets.

Otaru Sushi Street is located in the Hanazono-cho area, about a 9-minute walk from JR Otaru Station, making it easily accessible from the central part of Otaru for sightseeing. It's also within walking distance of Sakaimachi Street Shopping Arcade and Otaru Canal, making it a convenient location for dinner or lunch to conclude your sightseeing.

Popular restaurants tend to be crowded day and night, so making a reservation in advance is recommended for peace of mind. Many restaurants offer relatively affordable set menus during lunchtime, allowing you to enjoy authentic Otaru sushi while keeping costs down. Trying an omakase course with seasonal ingredients is highly recommended to savor the best seafood of the day.

Sakaimachi Street Shopping Arcade is the most bustling shopping and gourmet area in Otaru. It's home to Otaru's leading souvenir shops and sweets shops, such as Kitaichi Glass and LeTAO, and features stores housed in renovated historic buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras, making it a street where you can enjoy both sightseeing and shopping at once.

It's located about a 10-15 minute walk from Otaru Canal, or about an 8-minute walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station. Since it's within walking distance in combination with the canal and the former Temiya Line, it can be naturally incorporated into your Otaru sightseeing route. The street spans about 1300 meters, and a leisurely stroll is recommended.

You can find a wide selection of Otaru's famous sweets, including LeTAO's Double Fromage cheesecake and soft-serve ice cream. There's also a rich variety of Otaru-specific souvenirs, such as glass products from Kitaichi Glass and music boxes from the Music Box Museum. The great charm of Sakaimachi Street is being able to enjoy shopping while eating and strolling.

UNGAPLUS is a select shop that handles original products related to Otaru's history and culture, and quality goods from the ports of call of the Kitamaebune. With the theme of "Giving Otaru," we are committed to manufacturing "Otaru-ness" from product development to package design, in collaboration with local businesses, creators, and artists. It's a shop where those looking for Otaru souvenirs or gifts can find unique items.

UNGAPLUS operates a physical store at 2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido, in the historic "Former Otaru Warehouse." It is located right by the Otaru Canal and can be accessed by a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station. Business hours are from 10:00 to 18:00.

The store is divided into four spaces, offering a wide range of products including original sweets, marine processed foods, and crafts that make delightful Otaru souvenirs and gifts, works by artists residing in Hokkaido, original apparel with Otaru themes, and quality goods from Kitamaebune's ports of call across Japan. As an online shop is also available, those who cannot visit the store can order items.

The most convenient way from Sapporo is by JR Hakodate Main Line, with the rapid "Airport" train taking about 32 minutes from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station. From New Chitose Airport, it's also easily accessible for tourists from outside Hokkaido, taking about 75 minutes without transfers.

Half a day to a full day is a good目安 (estimate) if you want to leisurely explore the main areas like the canal and Sakaimachi Street. If you include glassblowing experiences, the Music Box Museum, and meals, a 1-night, 2-day trip will be more fulfilling.

Dusk to night is especially recommended. The gas lamps light up along the stone warehouses, and the reflections on the water create a scene representative of Otaru. In winter (January-February), the "Otaru Snow Light Path" event is held, offering a magical atmosphere.

Sushi, seafood bowls, and grilled seafood are particularly famous. Otaru is home to many famous sushi restaurants, so much so that there's even an area called "Sushi Street." Also, local sweets like LeTAO's cheesecake and soft-serve ice cream are not to be missed.

Experience workshops and shops are concentrated on Sakaimachi Street. You can visit many shops just by walking along the street, such as specialty glass stores like Kitaichi Glass and the Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building.

Otaru Station, the canal, and Sakaimachi Street are all within walking distance (about 10 minutes from the station to the canal). Major spots are compactly located, so you can easily sightsee without a rental car.

Each season offers different charms. Summer (July-August) has mild weather, perfect for strolling, and autumn (September-October) offers beautiful foliage and seafood. Winter features snowscapes and the "Snow Light Path," and spring has relatively fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed visit.

Otaru city has hotels and ryokans with natural hot springs scattered throughout. Additionally, the Asarigawa Onsen Village, about 30-40 minutes by car from Otaru, is popular as a quiet hot spring resort in the mountains.

Hands-on glass workshops (blown glass, sandblasting, etc.) offer plans that elementary school students can participate in. Also, the Otaru Aquarium (Shukutsu area) is a popular family-friendly spot where you can enjoy seal and dolphin shows.

Sapporo (about 32 minutes) is a given, but Yoichi (Nikka Whisky Distillery, about 20 minutes) and the Shakotan Peninsula (summer Blue Cave Cruise, about 1 hour) are also popular day trip courses. You can explore a wide area of western Hokkaido based in Otaru.