A Day Trip to Otaru: Eat, Travel, Shop, All in One Day.

**Review of a One-Day Trip to Otaru** Otaru is a small seaside town near Sapporo, filled with a romantic atmosphere, old canals, famous sweet shops, and fresh seafood. It's perfect for a relaxed one-day trip. --- ### **Morning** **1. Otaru Canal** - The city's landmark, perfect for a leisurely walk and classic photo ops. - Gondola rides available for scenic views. **2. Kitakaro Café** - Famous Japanese sweets café, try the "Baumkuchen" and "Cream Puff". **3. Sankaku Market** - A small fish market near Otaru Station. - Recommended fresh seafood rice bowls (Kaisendon) like sea urchin and salmon. --- ### **Late Morning - Noon** **4. Sakaimachi Street** - Main shopping street with sweet shops, souvenirs, and glassware. - Recommended sweet shop "LeTAO" for their famous cheesecake. - Glassware shop "Kitaichi Glass" and music box shop "Otaru Music Box Museum". **5. Otaru Music Box Museum** - A collection of music boxes with various designs, perfect for souvenirs. **6. Lunch at Asahi Shokudo** - Delicious and affordable seafood rice bowls, recommended "Uni Don" (sea urchin rice bowl). --- ### **Afternoon - Evening** **7. Kitaichi Glass Museum** - View and purchase handmade blown glass souvenirs. **8. Aoyama Flower Tea House** - A charming greenhouse café decorated with flowers. **9. Return to Otaru Canal in the Evening** - Beautiful reflections of lights on the water, especially in winter. **10. Dinner at Otaru Masazushi** - A long-established sushi restaurant in Otaru, using fresh seafood. --- ### **Recommended Souvenirs** - LeTAO cheesecake - Kitakaro sweets - Music boxes from Otaru Music Box Museum - Glassware from Kitaichi Glass **Summary:** Otaru is a small town that is easy to explore in one day. It offers a romantic atmosphere, fresh seafood, delicious sweets, and beautiful souvenirs, perfect for a relaxed trip from Sapporo. ### **Getting There:** - From Sapporo, take the JR to Otaru Station, about 30 minutes. - Most places are walkable, or you can rent a bike/take a taxi.