Looking about Otaru

An extract from today's issue of the VNPC Bulletin - the Cruisers are now learning something about the attractions of the seaport of Otaru on the west coast of Hokkaido.

Looking about Otaru.

Here is an over view of what might interest Cruisers in Otaru; two morning markets which offer fish, Sankaku Market near the main train station has the usual Hokkaido seafood offering’s including King Crab.  Rinyu morning market is away from the main town area, opens at 7am most days and is very popular with Japanese visitors as a visit to Trip Advisor will confirm.

Can’t face another fish market?  O.K.  Take a walk, or maybe a cruise on a small launch, along the Otaru Canal; it is only about a kilometre in length and will give you a glimpse into Otaru’s port past.   More interested in shops and glitz and spending money?  Try the Otaru Orgel Museum where there are three floors where music boxes can either be admired or purchased. I am as puzzled as you might be about the use of the word orgel which apparently is a German word relating the organ as a musical instrument.

Anyone who fancies glass-ware can go along to the Otaru Taisho Glass Palace where, among other things, glass bead-making sessions are on offer. Further along is the Kitaichi Third Glass Pavilion; this store has wonderful glass lamps and visitors can watch glass blowers at work.

Numerous cafes in Sakaimachi Street will provide the ardent shopper with sustenance to get them through another round of Japanese souvenir shops.

Prefer a more organized tour with an English speaking guide?  Read the next article

This is a special photo selected for this blog post. The Cruisers had to be satisfied with the top picture in the VPNC Bulletin.