[2024 Otaru Attraction] Travel Guide for Kitaichi Glass Otaru (Updated Nov)

Hokkaido 8 days plan during Winter - Part 1

Day 3 - T JR TRAIN to Noboribetsu (7:30am, 8:30am) 2.45 hours - Super Hakuto - We took a taxi to Date Jidaimura Noboribetsu 登別伊達時代村 0900-1600 (Adults - 2900, Child - 1500) from Noboribetsu train station - not much to play here, but a different experience for me - We then checked in hotel, and walk out again to the Jigokudani (Hell Valley) 登別地獄谷, Walk around Noboribetsu Onsen dori Yuzawa Shrine 湯澤神社, 閻魔堂, - We had dinner buffet and onsen back in the hotel. Very nice hotel to recommend indeed Day 4 - After breakfast in the hotel, took a taxi to the train station and headed to Sapporo Station (as early as possible) - in Sapporo station, we look for the luggage locker to put our luggage and then headed to Yoichi Station - Yoichi - short walking distance to the Yoichi Nikka Distrillery - ニッカウヰスキー 北海道工場 余市蒸溜所, Japan, 〒046-0003 Hokkaido, 余市郡余市町黒川町7−６(with FREE sampling) and we had our lunch here. - after lunch, we took JR Train To Otaru Minami Station (the train to otaru is an hour apart, plan your time well to catch the train, always crowded here during winter), Walk along two rows of shops to Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building 小樽オルゴール堂, Marchen Square, Le Tao Main store (cheese tart), 小樽 水天宮, Kitaichi Glass Otaru（北一硝子), Yukijirushi Parlor Otaru Shop 雪印パーラー 小樽店 (ice cream), Otaru Canal 小樽運河 (night view) - JR Train from Otaru Station to Sapporo (every 30 mins)

Very beautiful, crafted glassware of anything. Visit to just admire or select as souvenier/gifts. Bought some non-drip bottles for sauces. Requested shop to deliver to our hotel in Sapporo. Received items in perfect condition and all carefully wrapped. #GiveThanks

[Otaru Stroll] The romantic capital of Hokkaido.

Dear friends, today let's explore Otaru, a city full of romance in Hokkaido, where every corner looks like a scene from a movie. [Attraction Address] Otaru is located in western Hokkaido and is a famous port city. Otaru Canal is a landmark attraction in the city, located in the central district of Otaru, near JR Otaru Station. 🚌[Attraction Transportation] From Sapporo, take the JR Hakodate Main Line directly to Otaru Station, which takes about 30 minutes. There are buses and taxis outside Otaru Station, but walking around Otaru is also a good option, as many attractions are concentrated around the canal. 🌟[Attraction Features] Otaru is famous for its canals, glass crafts, and sushi. Otaru Canal is a symbol of history, and the gas lamps at night add a nostalgic atmosphere. Otaru's glass crafts are world-famous, and Otaru sushi is known for its freshness and deliciousness. 🗺️[Recommended Route] Otaru Canal: From JR Otaru Station, you can walk to the canal, and it is recommended to visit in the evening to experience the romance of the canal. Kitaichi Glass: Admire exquisite glass crafts and feel the beauty of Otaru's craftsmanship. Otaru Sushi Street: Taste fresh seafood sushi, recommended for its freshness and excellent taste. Music Box Museum: There are thousands of music boxes here, a paradise for music box lovers. 🌈[Travel Experience] Otaru, a place that makes people fall in love. Here, you can stroll along the canal and feel the sediment of history; in the glass craft shop, find that touch of transparent art; in the sushi shop, taste the gift of the sea. Every trip is a baptism of the soul. 🎫[Ticket Information] Most attractions in Otaru do not require tickets, but some museums and special exhibitions may require tickets. It is recommended to check the official website in advance for the latest information. ⏰[Opening Hours, Recommended Visit Time] Otaru Canal is open all day, and the recommended visit time is 1-2 days. Otaru in winter has a unique snow scene, a paradise for photography enthusiasts. 💡[Other Tips] Restrooms: There are public restrooms in Otaru Station, and some attractions and restaurants also provide restrooms. Budget: The consumption level in Otaru is moderate, and it is recommended to prepare an appropriate amount of cash, as some small shops may not accept credit cards. Sun protection: The UV rays are strong in summer, so remember to apply sunscreen. Insurance: Purchase travel insurance before traveling, just in case. Clothing: It is recommended to wear light and comfortable clothing, and keep warm in winter. Luggage storage: Otaru Station provides luggage storage services for the convenience of tourists.

A romantic date at the Starry Sky Café.

The café is hidden in the Kitaichi Stone Warehouse and is lit by 167 kerosene lamps, giving it a European feel. Sitting in the café is like a dream. The flickering light from the kerosene lamps makes the wooden space mysterious and romantic, creating the illusion of being under the stars. The walls are decorated with various glass artworks, and there is a piano in the corner. It is said that you can listen to live piano performances from 2pm to 4:30pm every Tuesday to Friday. Kitaichi Glass Kitaichi Wood Address: 7-26 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido Hours: 9:30am-5pm

Hokkaido Kitaichi Glass - Encounter the Splendor of Glassware

"Glass" in Japanese means glass, and it is also a famous specialty of Otaru. Among the many shops in Otaru that deal in glassware, Kitaichi Glass has the longest history. Nowadays, there are several Kitaichi Glass shops and art galleries in the Sakaimachi-dori area of Otaru, where you can freely visit, choose crafts, and even experience the joy of glassmaking yourself. Upon arriving at Sakaimachi-dori, you will see many Kitaichi Glass shops on both sides of the street. Nearby, there is the Kitaichi Glass Studio where you can watch the glassmaking process, as well as the Kitaichi Venetian Art Museum that displays Italian glass art and aristocratic culture. Among so many shops, the most famous is the Kitaichi Glass No. 3 Pavilion. The store itself is a retro transformation of a stone warehouse building from the Meiji period and European-style architecture. The glassware in Pavilion No. 3 is categorized and each has its own characteristics, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand yen. I believe you will definitely find the right one for yourself! Glass blowing viewing hours are 9:30-16:30 Closed on Tuesdays Painted glass bead viewing hours are 9:30-17:30 Closed on Thursdays. Walking south on Sakaimachi-dori, there is a Kitaichi Glass outlet, which is a discount store selling discontinued items, reissues of popular products, and slightly flawed items at more affordable prices, where you can find some great deals. If you are interested in Italian glass art, you might want to walk north of Pavilion No. 3 to see the Kitaichi Venetian Art Museum. In this five-story European-style building, permanent exhibitions display 17th and 18th-century European aristocratic clothing, daily necessities, etc., Museum admission is 700 yen, Opening hours are 8:45-18:00 (entry stops at 17:30). There are also European court costume experience activities, Furthermore, about 1.2 kilometers west of Kitaichi Glass No. 3 Pavilion is the Kitaichi Glass Garden Shop (Address: 1-6-10 Hanazono, Otaru City), where you can participate in a glass engraving experience and create your own unique glass cup. Experience hours are 10:30-16:30, The cost starts at 2250 yen, and the whole process takes about 1-2 hours. Additionally, there are simple experiences in making small items such as jewelry, The cost starts at 470 yen. How to get there: 1️⃣Bus: Take the JR to Minami-Otaru Station and walk for about 10 minutes to reach Kitaichi Glass No. 3 Pavilion, and about 20 minutes to reach Kitaichi Glass Garden Shop. 2️⃣Take the JR to Otaru Station and walk for about 20 minutes to reach Kitaichi Glass No. 3 Pavilion, and about 7 minutes to reach Kitaichi Glass Garden Shop.