Yokoso Hokkaido – Otaru (小樽)

Otaru Canal is a well-known water passageway for trade and transport many years ago. However, it has ceased its commercial use about 60 years ago. Now, it has become an oasis in a busy town offering a charming space for the residents.

(Otaru Canal - tranquil and serene)

On a weekend afternoon, there is even a rock concert along the Otaru Canal to add some ‘spice’ to the tranquil waterway.

(A rock concert entertaining the passerbys)

There is a quintessential little retail space located a short walk down the canal. The area is like a miniature Western town with many two to three-storey country-like buildings lining two sides of the road. Most of these shops retail or display musical boxes, cafes or confectionery. Occasionally, there may be odd surprises as one turns a corner to discover a shop selling local Hokkaido produce like melons and snacks or a shop selling stuff toys.

This cake & coffee shop is where we have a little butter cake with a small cup of aromatic coffee. The butter cake simply melts in one’s mouth. Ah, what an idyllic way to spend an afternoon.

(We get to keep the adorable little cup for souvenir)

This building houses one of the widest arrays of exquisitely made musical boxes along the street. The clock tower outside the shop emits steam and chimes every hour. The musical boxes come in all sorts of sizes, designs and themes. For first-time visitors, complimentary chocolates are also given.

LeTao is a famous confectionery with many mouth-watering chocolates and other cakes. Similarly, Rokkatei boasts one of the most exquisite chocolate strawberry in town where a thin dark chocolate crust wraps a whole strawberry. Yummy.

Although this is only a short street, the many confectionery and musical boxes shops are certainly captivating enough to keep you occupied for a couple of hours.