❄️ Otaru Canal: A Nostalgic Winter Day Trip from Sapporo! 🌊

#springitinerary #### **✨ Why Visit Otaru Canal?** ✅ **Romantic Gaslit Atmosphere** – Historic warehouses glow with **snow-covered stone streets** and **golden lanterns** at night. ✅ **Perfect for Photos** – One of Japan’s most picturesque canals (especially in winter!). ✅ **Great Food & Shopping** – Famous for fresh sushi, LeTAO cheesecake, and glass-blown souvenirs. ✅ **Easy Access** – Just **30 min by train** from Sapporo (or combine with a Shakotan Peninsula road trip!). --- ### **🚂 Day Trip Itinerary (Winter Edition)** #### **🌞 Morning: Sapporo → Otaru** **9:00 AM** – Take the **JR Rapid Airport Line** from Sapporo Station to Otaru (¥750, 30 mins). **9:30 AM** – Start at **Otaru Station**, walk 10 mins to the canal. #### **❄️ 10:00 AM – Otaru Canal Stroll** - Walk along the **promenade** lined with 1920s warehouses (now cafes and museums). - Snap the iconic **"Canal View"** near the **Asarigawa Bridge**. - Pop into the **Otaru Canal Museum** (free!) to learn about its shipping history. #### **🍣 12:00 PM – Lunch: Sushi Street** - Otaru is **Hokkaido’s sushi capital**! Try: - **Sushizen** (famous for melt-in-your-mouth uni). - **Masazushi** (budget-friendly conveyor-belt sushi). #### **🛍️ 1:30 PM – Shopping & Sweets** - **Sakaimachi Street** (5-min walk from canal): - **LeTAO** – Try their **"Fromage Double" cheesecake**. - **Kitakaro** – Cream puffs with Hokkaido milk custard. - **Otaru Glass & Music Box Museums** – Quirky souvenirs. #### **🌆 3:30 PM – Temiya Park or Tenguyama Sunset** - **Option 1**: Walk to **Temiya Park** for snowy gardens and a historic locomotive display. - **Option 2**: Take the **ropeway up Mt. Tengu** for a **bird’s-eye view** of Otaru and Ishikari Bay. #### **✨ 5:00 PM – Canal at Night** - The **lanterns light up** (best in Dec-Feb during the **Otaru Snow Light Path Festival**). - Warm up with **glühwein (mulled wine)** at a canal-side stall. #### **🚆 7:00 PM – Return to Sapporo** - Last train leaves around **11 PM**, but aim for earlier to avoid crowds. --- ### **📌 Pro Tips:** - **Winter Magic**: Visit in **February** for the **Snow Light Path Festival** (canal lit with snow candles). - **Summer Alternative**: Take a **boat cruise** down the canal (¥1,500, 40 mins). - **Avoid Crowds**: Weekdays are quieter than weekends. - **Warm Gear**: Temps drop below freezing—wear thermals and waterproof boots!