After 2 days in Sapporo after landing, I traveled to Otaru(小樽) for different sight. Otaru is just about ~35 minutes away from Sapporo. It is known for its well-preserved old architectures around the canal. Also, there is fresh seafood market and well-known dessert shop with limited edition dessert specifically for Otaru. Even before getting to Otaru tho, the train goes thru stretch where it is right by the ocean. I can see the wave so close to me. I went during the winter, seeing the waves while everything else is white out is pretty cool.
I was lucky enough to get a room for decent price at Dormy Inn Premium Otaru. Dormy inn is an established hotel chain across Japan. This is already the second time I have been with them and both times have been pretty good so far.
After the relaxing onsen, they also provide refreshment like yakult(morning) or ice cream bar(night) free of charge. Besides that, there is also complimentary ramen at night after 9:30. Portion is not big, but it is nice to have some warm soup after a cold day out.
Otaru is a small town that is probably worth 1-2 days of visit. First is the canal that was used years ago but preserved until today. there is also tour shuttle ferry in the canal for sightseeing. But during the whole 3 days I was there, the temperature is just too cold to sit there for a long time.
Another attraction is the steam clock and the music box museum right behind it. When I did my trip planning, I was surprised to find a steam clock that just looks like the one in Vancouver Gastown. Turns out it’s made by the same person and shipped over.
Food wise, there are a lot of tasty options to choose from. From seafood bowl, soba, sushi, to fried chicken. The dormy inn I stayed at also offers seafood buffet breakfast for 2300 yen. I did try it once. The quality and the price is definitely worth it if you like the seafood. But for the last morning, I opted to go to the seafood market by the train station that is famous for various amazing looking raw seafood donburi.
The soba restaurant would also have English instructions to teach foreign customers HOW to enjoy the soba in Japanese way.
Dessert wise, the famous LeTao actually originate from Otaru. The main store offers a wide range of their product, Otaru limited desserts, and a second-floor cafe. Unfortunately, there was a long line up and I didnt want to wait. Luckily enough there is a store besides dormy inn that offers most of the stuff I want to try. I got the double fromage cake and the puff. They both tasted amazing!
Overall, I would say my stay in Otaru was pretty good. The food is wonderful, and it is pretty relaxing to be there. I did not visit every recommended scenery there. Maybe one day I’ll be back to visit again!