Store Information
Creating Together with the Community
We collaborate with local companies, artists, and creators to offer original products imbued with “Otaru spirit.” Otaru, which flourished as a trading port in the Meiji era, still preserves many historic buildings—stone warehouses along the canal, bank architecture symbolizing Japan’s modernization, and more. The town is developing around its rich heritage. We offer gift items that encapsulate this history and culture, as well as confections, seafood products, and crafts created together with local residents—each conveying the spirit of Otaru.
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Delivering the Charm of the Region
Hokkaido is a land of rich nature that changes with the seasons — mountain ridges, brilliant autumn colors, serene snowy scenes, and vast landscapes. “Handcraft of the North” is born from dialogue with this land. We bring you works born from the perspectives of creators who have long lived with and looked upon Hokkaido’s great nature.
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Bringing Traditional Clothing to the Present
In Otaru’s heyday as a busy port crowded with Kitamaebune ships, the area around the canal was filled with dock workers (nakashi). The old Otaru Warehouse, located right at the ship berths, was where many of them worked. Inspired by their workwear, the original brand “NAKASHI” was born. Reflecting on the life and tools of the Meiji and Taisho periods, we share the stories Otaru has woven through time.
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Sharing Regional Quality Goods
From the Meiji to Taisho periods, Otaru prospered as Hokkaido’s gateway for development. Linked by the Kitamaebune ships sailing between Osaka and Hokkaido, the city thrived with the herring fishery. These merchant ships not only carried cargo but also bought and sold goods at each port, spreading products and cultures across Japan. Our store features tools related to the herring trade and carefully selected items from port towns connected by Kitamaebune, sharing the history it wove.
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UNGAPLUS opened in December 2019 inside the “Former Otaru Warehouse,” Hokkaido’s first commercial warehouse built in 1893. Blending Japanese and Western styles, the brick and stone building still overlooks the Otaru Canal with timeless elegance. From its historic office hall—now part of the Otaru Canal Plaza—UNGAPLUS offers original goods inspired by Otaru’s culture, together with fine items from Hokkaido and other Kitamaebune port towns, sharing the enduring story of Otaru.
SHOP INFO
Store name: UNGAPLUS Address: 2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan Tel: 0134-65-8150 Business hours: 10:00–18:00 (Closed during New Year holidays. Please check in advance.) There is no dedicated parking lot, so please use nearby parking facilities.