Northwest of Sapporo, the port city of Otaru is most famous for the Otaru Canal Cruise. The cruise is an immersive way to learn about the history of the port town and Hokkaido as a whole.
History of Otaru Canal
Photo by: PIXTA/ gandhi A town with a rich history in sea trade.
In the mid-Edo period, the route around the Sea of Japan connected Osaka and Hokkaido and ushered in merchant ships called kitamae-bune (northbound ships). These vessels channeled through the port of Otaru at the height of the Meiji period. The canal relieved the trade congestion around the port. However, as time passed, the emergence of the automobile industry foresaw the decline of the sea trade and the closure of the canal. Nevertheless, the people of Otaru fought to protect the canal’s memories. As a result, half of the canal’s original width was filled in, while the other half was retained.
Canal Cruise Route
Photo by: PIXTA/ Masa A relaxing way to explore Otaru.
Today, elegant Victorian-styled gas lamp posts, benches and flower boxes line the lovely cobblestoned promenade along the 1.1 km-long canal. Sometimes, artists come to paint and sketch. The preserved stone and brick warehouses have been converted into galleries, restaurants and cafés. The site is also noted for the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, which is held every February, when the pathway glitters with snowball candles made from fishing gear.
The cruise departs from Chuo Bridge, which is easily reached from Otaru Station. The route passes through the South Canal, where the Japan Coast Guard and patrol boats are stationed. Then, it heads for the Asahi Bridge by the Hokkai Can Factory (1924), considered the largest can factory in the Orient at that time. Approaching Kitahama Bridge at the North Canal, passengers can spot the Former Shibusawa Warehouse (1895), Otaru Branch of NYK Line Building (1906), barges, yachts and fishing boats. Past the Ryugu Bridge are the impressive Former Ohie Warehouse (1891) and Former Otaru Warehouse (1890). Finally, the boat returns to the South Canal around the most photographed Asakusa Bridge.
