Don't just visit the Canal Shopping Street! Explore Otaru's Historic Buildings.

Otaru's romantic charm comes not only from the must-visit canal but also from the Western-style historic buildings scattered throughout its streets and alleys, earning it the nickname 'Wall Street of the North.' As one of the earliest developed and most prosperous ports in Hokkaido, Otaru has had numerous banks and financial institutions since its development period, most of which adopted Western architecture of the time, exuding a historical charm. These include the former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch, the Stained Glass Museum (formerly Takahashi Warehouse), and the Nitori Museum of Art (formerly Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Otaru Branch). These buildings are very close to each other, making it easy to explore them on foot, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Especially noteworthy is the small cafe inside the Stained Glass Museum, which not only displays some artworks but is also a great place to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea after a tiring walk, leisurely soaking in the historical atmosphere of the afternoon!