Recommended glass shops and glass works in Otaru

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About Otaru Glass

The history of glass, and its origins, is actually unclear. Currently, the oldest known glass, as recognized by many researchers, is believed to have been made approximately 4,500 years ago (around the 25th century BC). It originated in the region known as the "Ancient Orient," stretching from the Tigris-Euphrates River basin, known as Mesopotamia, to the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Some researchers believe that Egypt was the birthplace of glass, but recently the theory that Egyptian glass was introduced from Mesopotamia has gained increasing support.

Otaru Glass

Glass has been used since ancient times in human history, but Otaru, now famous as one of Japan's leading glass towns, began its history with the production of oil lamps, a daily necessity, and floats for fishing. In the late 1800s, the Meiji government began developing Hokkaido, and Otaru, which became the center of Hokkaido's logistics network via maritime transport, saw a rapid increase in population. Many financial institution branches opened in the area, and the city became known as the Wall Street of the North, and it also developed as an international trading port. It was around this time that the glass industry began.

Otaru Glass

At the time, glass kerosene lamps, rather than electricity, were the main lighting source in Hokkaido homes. Glass factories used scrap glass to produce lamp tubes, as well as household items such as bottles and goldfish bowls. From the late Edo period through the Taisho period, the manufacture of glass products developed, centering on glass floats developed for use in herring fishing, which was a major industry in Hokkaido. Demand then began to decline with the spread of electricity and the decline of herring fishing.

Otaru Glass

The era of glass products as daily necessities and practical items came to an end, and an era of producing glassware, vases, and other crafts began. The popularity of glass crafts in Otaru spread rapidly when Kitaichi Glass, founded in 1901, began selling glass oil lamps to tourists as souvenirs. Since then, many glass crafts with a focus on color and design, exuding a sense of comfort and warmth, have been created. At the same time, many glass artists were born, and glassware was reborn not as tools but as tableware such as vases and glasses, and the city grew as a glass town. There are over 60 stores in Otaru that manufacture and sell unique works and glass souvenirs, supporting the glass culture and brand.

Otaru Glass

Give Otaru as a gift.

From the "Old Otaru Warehouse" overlooking the canal,
From UNGAPLUS, which brings you the "Story of Otaru" that walked alongside the Kitamae ships,
We will introduce you to "Places to visit in Otaru."

Please enjoy Otaru.

Otaru Glass Recommended Shops

Otaru Tourism - Otaru Glass Shop①

UNGAPLUS

Good luck from the shipping town of Otaru...

May the flow that has been protected without interruption be your ally and open up your luck.

During the Meiji period, Otaru flourished as the gateway to the development of Hokkaido.
Kitamae ships flapped their pure white sails across the ocean, traveling to and from Honshu and bringing many goods and cultures to this area.

UNGAPLUS delivers original products that incorporate the history and culture of Otaru, as well as high-quality products from the ports of call of the Kitamae ships, from the former Otaru Main Warehouse, the first commercial warehouse in Hokkaido, built by Kitamae ship owners Nishide Magozaemon and Nishitani Shohachi.

The story of Otaru, which has walked alongside the Kitamae ships, can be heard from this place.

We are looking forward to your visit and have a wide selection of original items that are only available here and make great souvenirs.

Store name　UNGAPLUS
address　2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru
phone　0134-65-8150
Opening hours　10:00~18:00
Closed days　Open everyday
Home page　Click here

Otaru Tourism - Otaru Glass Shop②

Kitaichi Glass

Kitaichi Glass, famous as a tourist destination in Otaru, has 17 stores in the city, including glassware galleries such as Building No. 3, as well as restaurants and cafes. Kitaichi Glass is Otaru's leading glass brand and has grown alongside Otaru's modern history. ...See more

Facility name　Kitaichi Glass
Address　1-6-10 Hanazono, Otaru City, Hokkaido
phone　0134-33-1993
Opening hours　08:45-18:00
Closed days　Open everyday
Home page　Click here

Otaru Tourism - Otaru Glass Shop ③

Otaru Taisho Glass Museum

Otaru Taisho Glass is the flagship store of Otaru Glass, which has 13 stores throughout Hokkaido, mainly in Otaru City. It is said that many outstanding glass works were created in Japan during the Taisho era. Based on the concept of "conveying the beauty of the Taisho era to the present day," Otaru Taisho Glass exhibits and sells a wide variety of glass products, including Japanese-style glassware that inherits the style of the time. ...See More

Facility name　Otaru Taisho Glass Museum
Address　1-1-8 Ironai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
phone　0134-32-5101
Opening hours　9:00-19:00
Closed days 　Open everyday
Home page　Click here

Otaru Glass Recommended Works

Otaru Tourism - Otaru Glass Recommended Works①

Otaru Glass Float Glass

"Asahara Glass Factory x UNGAPLUS"

In order to pass on the techniques of float manufacturing, Asahara Glass Factory, which continues to produce floats in Otaru Tenjin, has produced an original UNGAPLUS glass.

Otaru's glass industry began with everyday items such as storage containers for daily necessities, oil lamps, and fishing floats. As demand for glass products declined over time, they evolved from practical items to more stylish designs, remaining deeply rooted in Otaru's culture.

Online shop here

clear
The warmth of the glass, made from recycled materials in their natural color, evokes the image of old-fashioned household utensils.

sea blue
The refreshing blue glass evokes Asahara's lifestyle, a deep love of nature.

retro green
A retro-style glass reminiscent of the floats that were made from recycled glass from alcohol bottles.

navy blue
This deep blue glass is reminiscent of the sea at night, and retains the warmth that can only be achieved through hand-blown glass, which is made one by one by artisans.

size
Diameter: approx. 8.5cm, height: approx. 9cm
*As these are handmade items, each one will vary in color, size, etc.
*The actual product color may appear slightly different depending on your monitor settings.

Otaru Tourism - Otaru Glass Recommended Works②

Otaru Glass Otaru Retro Kiriko

Glass artisans blow the glass material one by one, then use a potter's wheel to draw guide lines called "waridashi" to create the pattern. Kiriko artisans then cut the surface of the glass one by one by hand to create the pattern.

The glass is shaped through a number of processes. The way the beautiful cuts reflect the light is beautiful, and it is known as a high-quality craft, but we have worked with Otaru artisans to create glasses that have the gentle sway of the handmade glass material and a nostalgic cut pattern that makes you feel like you are holding the retro townscape of Otaru in your hands.

The cuts engraved into the simple clear glass sparkle gently. Enjoy Kiriko glass, which blends into your everyday life and evokes memories of the "good old days."

Online shop here

size
Rim approx. 9cm, height approx. 9.2cm
*As these are handmade items, each one will vary in color and size.
*The actual product color may appear slightly different depending on your monitor settings.

Otaru Tourism - Otaru Glass Recommended Works③

Otaru Glass Shiraho Glass

During the Meiji period, Otaru flourished as the gateway to the development of Hokkaido. Kitamaebune ships flapped their pure white sails across the ocean, transporting many goods and cultures to and from Honshu.

The Shiraho Glass is inspired by the sails of the Kitamae ships that crossed the Sea of Japan. It was made in a seaside workshop in Otaru, the city of glass. You can enjoy the changing atmosphere depending on the color of the drink you pour into it.

Online shop here

size
Diameter 8.3cm x Height 9cm
*Please note that as these are handmade, each pattern will have a different texture.

Otaru Tourism - Recommended Otaru Glass Works ④

Otaru Glass Wind Chime "Sounds of Summer"

The wind chime "Summer Sounds" was created by commissioning the glass part to "KIM GLASS DESIGN," which has a workshop on the seafront in Shukutsu, Otaru.

We have created a wind chime that produces a cool sound that is perfect for the summer in Otaru, the city of glass. Enjoy the beautiful sound of the crystal glass that is created as the wind passes by.

The glass is given a unique look with molding, and the brass fittings and stainless steel cord create a simple design. The brass tongues make a beautiful sound when they hit the glass. The understated tone of the strips allows them to blend in with a variety of interiors.

Online shop here

Otaru Tourism - Otaru Glass Recommended Works ⑤

Otaru Glass Kagami Mochi

Glass mirror mochi from KIM GLASS DESIGN, which has a studio in Shukutsu, Otaru. There are two types and three sizes of each.

The "White" has a sandblasted surface that gives it a powdery texture. The "Clear" can be displayed by removing the orange part and putting rice inside.

It can be used every year and is a great addition to your interior.

Online shop here

Type and size
・White small approximately 65×75mm
・White Medium approx. 85 x 95 mm
・White large approx. 110×125mm
・Clear small approx. 65 x 75 mm
・Clear Medium approx. 85 x 95 mm
・Clear Large approx. 110 x 125mm

KIM GLASS DESIGN

KIM GLASS DESIGN is a glass workshop located on the seaside of Shukutsu, Otaru. They pour their heart and soul into the glass melted at 1,300℃, and create their products with the hope of bringing a smile to the faces of those who hold them in their hands.

Representative Naoki Kimura has served as the executive chairman of the Otaru Glass Market, which is held in conjunction with the Otaru Ushio Festival, for the past few years, and despite his young age, he is leading the new glass scene in Otaru. In 2017, he was selected as a TOYOTA LEXUS NEW TAKUMI, and is a creator who continues to take on new challenges every day, such as expressing "Otaru ware" in new ways using glass.

Beautiful glass is born from a variety of expressions, born from solid techniques. From simple, stripped-down everyday items to beautiful crafts that incorporate the delicate sensibilities of the Japanese in their patterns, to playful and uniquely shaped objects, the breadth of expression is astonishing.

Otaru Tourism - Otaru Glass Recommended Works ⑥

Otaru Glass Tanuma Glass

Glass from Glass Studio Tanuma, located in Otaru, is made using highly transparent clear glass, giving it a beautiful shine.

Online shop here

Flower pattern glass <br>The sides have vertical lines and the bottom is shaped like a flower.
size
Approx. diameter 9 x 7cm

Milk pitcher <br>Although it is small, it has a thick bottom and is stable.
size
Width 5.5 x 5.5, height 6 cm

Flower Cutlery Rest <br>A cutlery rest in the shape of a flower. The air bubbles inside give it a luxurious shine.
size
Width 5.5 x 5.5, height 2cm

Ring-shaped chopstick rest <br>These chopstick rests are slightly larger than regular chopstick rests and are shaped like a ring that wraps around the chopsticks.
size
Width 3.5 x 2, height 3.5 cm

Otaru Tourism - Otaru Glass Recommended Works ⑦

Otaru Glass Recycled Glass

This thin-blown glass is made from recycled window glass from discarded cars in Hokkaido. It features fine vertical moiré lines and a thin rim less than 2mm thick, created by artisans through blowing.

The simple design makes it easy to use in everyday life, and the quality is not overly strict, so you can enjoy the individual differences in color and shape and feel the warmth that can only come from something handmade.

Online shop here

Sour Glass Material: Recycled Glass Size: Height 135mm, Diameter 78mm
Capacity: 430ml

Cafe glass Material: Recycled glass Size: Height 85mm, Diameter 85mm
Capacity: 345ml

Float glass Material: Recycled glass Size: Height 130mm, Diameter 85mm
Capacity: 300ml

Free cup Material: Recycled glass Size: Height 85mm, Diameter 85mm
Capacity: 345ml

Fukagawa Glass Crafts

Founded in Fukagawa Ward, Tokyo in 1906, the company moved to Otaru in 2003 and continues to produce a wide range of glass products, including commercial tableware, household goods, and high-end cut glass, while continuing to carry on the glassblowing techniques established by its predecessors.

UNGAPLUS

Good luck from the shipping town of Otaru...
May the flow that has been protected without interruption be your ally and open up your luck.

During the Meiji period, Otaru flourished as the gateway to the development of Hokkaido.
Kitamae ships flapped their pure white sails across the ocean, traveling to and from Honshu and bringing many goods and cultures to this area.

UNGAPLUS delivers original products that incorporate the history and culture of Otaru, as well as high-quality products from the ports of call of the Kitamae ships, from the former Otaru Main Warehouse, the first commercial warehouse in Hokkaido, built by Kitamae ship owners Nishide Magozaemon and Nishitani Shohachi.

The story of Otaru, which has walked alongside the Kitamae ships, can be heard from this place.

We are looking forward to your visit and have a wide selection of original items that are only available here and make great souvenirs.

Click here for details on "UNGAPLUS" Store name　UNGAPLUS

address　2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru

phone　0134-65-8150

Opening hours　10:00~18:00

Closed days　Open everyday

Home page　Click here