Canal and Sakae-machi Street Historic District (Otaru Unga to Sakae-machi Rekishi-gai)

Canal and Sakae-machi Street Historic District (Otaru Unga to Sakae-machi Rekishi-gai) Review

The canal is sandwiched between a contemporary shopping area and the port, eight blocks downhill from the station. Former banks and trading homes have been converted into generally charming glass and clothing stores. Don't miss the music-box collection and the musical steam clock at Marchen Square on the eastern end of the Sakae-machi district. Hordes of bus tours descend on the strip, but for some quiet time, dive into one of the cool, dark stone buildings and escape 21st-century Japan. A one-day pass (¥750) on the replica trolley is a useful energy-saver; and sunburned rickshaw runners offer tours (starting at ¥3,000 for two people).

In the port you may see Russian, Chinese, and Korean (North as well as South) ships loaded up with used cars, bicycles, and refrigerators. The Russian presence is quite noticeable, and there has been a history of tension between locals and sailors at Otaru bathhouses. Summer sightseeing boats leave the dock just beyond the Chuo Bridge for a 25-minute, ¥550 trip to the Herring Mansion area. Boats also go for an hour beyond this area along the mineral-stained cliff coastline. For those ready to leave Hokkaido, there is also a ferry to Niigata.