Romantic Port City Otaru: Explore History by Day, Immerse in Night Views by Night.

Otaru, the romantic port city in Hokkaido, attracts countless travelers with its rich history and charming scenery. During the day, you can wander among the vintage buildings and feel the atmosphere of a bygone era. At night, you can enjoy the unique night view of Otaru by the canal illuminated with lights. This time, I spent a day savoring the charm of Otaru. Nostalgic Daytime: Canal and Old Street Views Arriving in Otaru early in the morning, the first stop is the famous Otaru Canal. Walking along the canal, you can see well-preserved stone warehouses on both sides, creating an ancient and serene atmosphere that takes you back to the port era a hundred years ago. Nowadays, most of the warehouses have been converted into restaurants and souvenir shops, blending history with modern life. There are also vintage gas lamps along the canal, which complement the stone-paved roads. In the early morning, the canal's water surface is as calm as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and warehouse buildings, making you want to stop and take more photos. Next, I visited the Otaru Music Box Hall. This retro-style building is filled with various music boxes, from exquisite handmade pieces to large automatic playing machines, each one is awe-inspiring. I picked a small music box as a souvenir, taking a piece of Otaru's romance with me. Gourmet Experience: Fresh Seafood and Desserts Otaru is famous for its seafood, so I chose a small shop in the Sankaku Market for lunch and enjoyed a fresh seafood bowl. The bowl was filled with salmon, sea urchin, and sweet shrimp, each bite bursting with the fresh taste of the ocean, leaving a lingering aftertaste. After the meal, I walked into Otaru's most iconic dessert shop, 'LeTAO'. The signature double-layer cheesecake has a delicate texture, perfectly blending rich milk flavor with a light and airy feel. Paired with a cup of coffee, sitting by the window on the second floor, overlooking the streets of Otaru, made this moment particularly leisurely. Romantic Night in Otaru: Canal Scenery After Lights As night falls, the Otaru Canal reveals a completely different charm from the daytime. The gas lamps light up, and the warm lights reflect on the canal's surface, accompanied by the reflection of the stone warehouses, creating a serene and romantic scene like an oil painting. Strolling along the canal, with a gentle breeze blowing, the canal under the lights brings an indescribable sense of peace. The nights here are less noisy and more tranquil, perfect for spending time with a loved one or enjoying the beauty of the moment alone. 💞 Recommended Reason: Otaru, Where History and Romance Intertwine Otaru is a place to walk slowly and savor carefully. During the day, it has the nostalgic port charm, and at night, it has the romantic canal night view. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a romantic, you can find your moment of peace here. If you plan to travel to Hokkaido, don't forget to include this small town in your list and spend a day experiencing its multifaceted beauty.