Hokkaido Winter 2013 北海道冬季之旅 - Otaru Snow Light Path Festival 小樽雪あかりの路

Visited 11.02.2013

Year 2013 (14th): 08.02.2013 - 17.02.2013
Year 2014 (15th): 08.02.2014 - 17.02.2014
Year 2015 (16th): 06.02.2015 - 15.02.2015

Other than Sapporo Snow Festival, this annual event held in Otaru is equally well-received by both locals and foreigners. Otaru Snow Light Path Festival became our main objective of revisiting Otaru on our second trip to Hokkaido. This event is held over a period of 10 days at two venues, along Otaru Canal and the old Temiya railway track. As this event falls in the same week with Sapporo Snow Festival, many would also make it a point to visit Otaru this time as well.

Walked our way to Otaru Canal from Minami-otaru JR Station, exactly the same way as what we did during our first visit 6 months ago. Was embraced by the nostalgic feel as we came to Marchen intersection and strolled along the familiar Sakaimachi street - the English style steam powered clock, exquisite music box and glassware shops, cafes and confectioneries to stopover for a break. What was different this time round was the addition of snow figures constructed on both sides of Sakaimachi street, and all these works of art further emphasized the theme of love and romance - something that Otaru has always been fondly associated with. Glass lamps and snow candles, which led the way to Otaru Canal began to light up when skies gradually darkened.

Reached the canal well when the sun was setting and was captivated by its innate beauty yet again. A different picturesque of Otaru Canal was presented in front of our eyes... far different from our first encounter 6 months ago. Snow has accumulated on the path beside the canal and icicles has formed on the edge of the warehouses' roof on the other side of the canal. Glass buoys, stringed together, were placed across and on the calm waters of the canal - reminded us that this was once an important tool in the fishing industry and were manufactured by many glassware shops in Otaru at that point in time. The entire stretch of Otaru Canal was lined with many snow candles that were constructed by volunteers and visitors. The bright and occasional wavering flames, when the breeze swept by, created this sense of warmth in the cold night. Personally, I will recommend visiting the canal in the evening to experience the transition from day to night, and also to avoid the bigger crowd that will start to come in at night.

Made our way to the other venue - Old Temiya railway track. Snow has covered the entire railway track, and snow walls have piled up on the sides. Took a leisure walk through the snow path which was decorated throughout with snow and ice candles, before we made our way back to Otaru JR Station.

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Otaru Snow Light Path Festival 小樽雪あかりの路
http://otaru.yukiakarinomichi.org/

(1) Otaru Canal

View Otaru Canal in a larger map

(2) Old Temiya railway track (手宫线迹地)

View Larger Map

Hokkaido Winter 2013 北海道冬季之旅 - Kahisakan 可否茶館

Visited 11.02.2013

My second visit to Otaru. Followed the same familiar route - alighted at Minami Otaru JR Station, came to Marchen Intersection, strolled along Sakaimachi Street and made our way leisurely to Otaru Canal. Have patronised two cafes on my first trip to Otaru - Ginnokane and LeTAO. Though I was tempted to eat LeTAO's cheesecake again (still managed to sample one small piece when I walked by their shop), we decided to try something new this time round. Just as we were finding a place to warm ourselves with hot beverages and rest our legs, we found Kahisakan, a cafe housed in a red brick building, located along Sakaimachi Street.  

Was greeted by the aroma of coffee immediately when we stepped into the cafe. Seats are located on both the ground and second level of the building. Ordered some cake/sweets to go with our coffee and tea, and was pleasantly surprised that their cheesecake actually tasted quite good - very dense and smooth texture! Glad to discover another good cafe to drop by if I come to Otaru again. Found out later that they have branches in Otaru JR Station and Sapporo as well. 

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Kahisakan 可否茶館
小樽市堺町5番30号 可否茶館小樽ファクトリー
http://www.kahisakan.jp/index.html

Hokkaido Winter 2013 北海道冬季之旅 - Day 9 Itinerary: Sapporo 札幌, Eniwa 恵庭, Otaru 小樽

Day 9 - 11.02.2013 (Mon)

Breakfast: Best Western Fino Sapporo

Sapporo JR Station > Eniwa JR Station
by local train. Fee = 620 yen

Eniwa JR Station (1028 hrs) > Ecorin Village
by free shuttle bus service.

Lunch: Ten Man Restaurant in Ecorin Village

Ecorin Village (1311 hrs) > Eniwa JR Station
by free shuttle bus service.

Eniwa JR Station > Sapporo JR Station
by local train. Fee = 620 yen

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Utilised Sapporo-Otaru Welcome Pass, JR pass for one day.
Sapporo JR Station > Minami-otaru JR Station

Tea break: Kahisakan, along Saikamachi Street

Visited Otaru Canal and old Temiya railway line for Otaru Snow Light Path Festival.

Otaru JR Station > Sapporo JR Station

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Dinner: Aji no Tokeidai, in Sapporo JR Station.

Visited 33rd Susukino Ice Festival.

- End of Day 9 -

Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Otaru JR Station 小樽駅

Otaru JR Station (S15), along Hakodate main line. 

What's nearby?

(1) Sankaku market (三角市场) - market is located on your left upon stepping out of the train station. Personally have not been to this market before.

(2) Old Temiya railway track (手宫线) - walk straight along Chuo dori after stepping out of the train station. You will notice a stretch of railway track that is not in service anymore. This is the formal Temiya line, part of the first railway line built in Hokkaido in 1880. Temiya line is a 2.8 km railway line which branches out from Minami-otaru JR Station. Train service was discontinued in 1985 due to low utilisation rates. Part of the railway track was retained and has evolved into a tourist attraction in Otaru. In winter, this is one of the venues for Otaru Snow Light Path Festival which is held for around 10 days in February every year.  

View Larger Map

(3) Otaru Canal (小樽运河) - walk straight along Chuo dori after stepping out of the train station. Undoubtedly the most popular and prominent landmark that everyone will associate Otaru with.  

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Commemorative stamp:

Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Otaru Canal 小樽运河

Visited 14.07.2012

Background: In the past, the bigger vessels will unload goods into smaller ships and this canal was formally used by these smaller ships to transport the goods to warehouses located at the sides of the canal. After WWII, modern docking facilities has totally eliminated the need for this canal and there were plans were put in place by the government to landfill this canal. However, this plan was not fully executed in the end due to astounding rejection voices raised by the locals to retain this canal - which has proven to be the right decision. The canal was subsequently restored to what we see today.

Now: Scenic pictures portraying the beauty of Otaru Canal have been published in numerous travel guide books or introduced in travelogues all over the world. This high level of publicity has attracted millions of visitors to Otaru every year (which ironically only has a population of less than 150,000) - to witness the beauty of this canal at different times of the day.

At the end of Sakaimachi Street, you will notice a small canal (with a handful ducks waddling leisurely in it) on your right. Follow this canal which will eventually lead you to the famous landmark in Otaru.

The most popular photo-taking spot to capture the entire canal has got to be at Asakusabashi (浅草桥), therefore makes this place the most crowded location on this stretch of the canal. While strolling along the sides of the canal, you can find many artists showcasing their artworks portraying Otaru Canal in their very own style and perspective. A tourist information centre is also located on Asakusabashi whereby you can inquire information about other attractions in Otaru, or write and send a postcard back home.

You can never say you have been to Otaru if you have not been to this canal.

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Otaru Canal 小樽运河
- Location of Asakusabashi

View Otaru Canal in a larger map

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Commemorative stamps:

- From Tourist Information Centre at Asakusabashi -

- From Tourist Information Centre located along Chuo dori -

Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Sakaimachi Street 堺町通り

Visited 14.07.2012

From Marchen intersection, walked along Sakaimachi Street to reach Otaru Canal.
Both sides of this street are lined with shops:

(1) Seafood - being close to the fishing port, seafood has got to be fresh here in Otaru. Stopped by one of the stalls to confirm my hypothesis. Picked an abalone and a scallop from the tanks placed outside the stall and the seafood were cooked right away on the hot grill. Scallop was pleasantly sweet and abalone meat had a firm yet chewy texture.

(2) Glasswares - there are several shops selling glasswares and Kitaichi Glass (北一硝子) is the most well-known among them all. Some shops provide hands on experience to make your very own glasswares that you can bring back home as souvenirs. Do note that prior reservations/booking may be required to attend these classes. Personally have not tried this before due to time constraints.

Kitaichi Glass: http://kitaichiglass.co.jp/
List of glassware shops that provide hands on experience: http://www.city.otaru.lg.jp.e.go.hp.transer.com/kankou/miru_asobu_tomaru/kankosisetu/seisakutaiken.html

(3) Sweets and confectionery - apart from Otaru's very own Ginnokane and LeTAO, other established names from other parts of Hokkaido have set up branches in Otaru as well.

- Rokkatei (六花亭): originated from Obihiro and some of their popular products include marseillan butter sand biscuits (raisins and cream sandwiched between two pieces of biscuits), chocolate biscuits sandwiched with white chocolate (雪やこんこ) and strawberries coated with white or milk chocolate.
- Kitakaro (北菓楼): originated from Sunagawa and is well-known for their Baumkuchen layered cake.

Both Rokkatei and Kitakaro is located side by side, along with LeTAO main shop.

View Otaru Sakaimachi in a larger map

Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - LeTAO

Visited 14.07.2012

LeTAO is another famous confectionery with several shops located in Otaru. Particularly wanted to visit the main shop located at Marchen intersection. This building comprises of three levels: shop on its ground floor, cafe on the second floor and an observatory on the top floor.

No admission fee/minimum expenditure required in the shop to enter the observatory. Take the lift up to the third floor and climb the stairs to reach the highest point of the building. You can get a very good view of Marchen intersection, Sakaimachi Street and Ishikari Bay from the observatory.

Couldn't resist the temptation after seeing the delicious looking cheesecakes in the shop and decided to go for a second round of coffee/tea break in their cafe. Ordered a slice of Tropique Double Cheescake and a milk pudding to share. Was definitely impressed by their signature cheesecake - soft and creamy texture, unveiling rich flavours in every mouthful! Apart from their popular cheesecakes that have brought them fame, LeTAO has other products such as Royale Montagne (chocolate in a pyramid shape) and cheese flavoured langue de chat (named "Ironai“) that can be brought back home as souvenirs/gifts.

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LeTAO
http://www.letao.jp/global/en/index.html
< 5 mins from Minami-otaru JR Station

大きな地図で見る

Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Ginnokane 银の钟

Visited 14.07.2012

Background: Ginnokane is a famous sweets & confectionery shop which originated from Otaru. The main shop (一号馆), which was formally a bank, is located conveniently at Marchen intersection (童话交叉点).

Souvenir shop is located on the ground floor. Some of their more popular products include Camembert cheese cake and lavender flavoured langue de chat. As samples are provided, you can try them before deciding what to purchase.

Decided to drop by its cafe, that occupies the second and third floor, for a quick coffee/tea break. What attracts most people to this cafe (I think) is their pretty & exclusive cups & saucers that can be purchased together with the drink. All of them are printed with their logos and there are various designs to choose from (prices vary with the design too). Each drink set comes with a small piece of cake as well. Many Hello Kitty fans made it a point to pop into this cafe when they come to Otaru, to purchase cups imprinted with their favourite character!

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Ginnokane 银の钟
www.ginnokane.jp
Main shop located at Marchen intersection (童话交叉点).
< 5 mins walk from Minami Otaru JR Station.

大きな地図で見る

Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Otaru Music Box Museum 小樽音乐盒堂 & Yume no oto 梦之音

Visited 14.07.2012

In Otaru, you will find yourself surrounded by many European style buildings, admiring intricate artworks and handicrafts such as glasswares and musical boxes, dropping by unique coffee houses/cafe - a strong artistic ambience and nostalgia can be felt in this small town.

Two musical box shops are located at Marchen intersection (童话交叉点):

(1) Otaru Music Box Museum - has an extensive collection of musical boxes, in different shapes and sizes. From the conventional ones in wooden boxes, to those decorated with adorable looking figurines or even Japanese style ones (with Neko or nigiri sushi), one will definitely be spoilt for choice in this place! There is also a wide range of melodies you can choose from - classics, anime theme songs and even the latest pop songs. Do note that not all of musical boxes are made in Japan, so do check the labels/stickers on them to confirm the manufacturing country.

Unknowingly spent a substantial amount of time choosing a musical box with my desired combination. Opted for a DIY of musical box - chose a simple wooden box to house the mechanism that plays my preferred melody.



A popular photo-taking spot is located just outside the shop - a steam powered clock that sounds a chime every 15 minutes and whistles hourly to tell the time.

(2) Yume no oto - also owned by Orgel Doh, this shop which is of a much smaller scale is a heaven for cartoons and anime lovers. All the musical boxes sold in this shop are decorated with cartoon and anime characters - from Disney characters to Ghibli Studio's Totoro and lately very popular Rilakkuma, you just can't stop exclaiming "kawaii" in this shop!

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Otaru Music Box Museum 小樽音乐盒堂
http://www.otaru-orgel.co.jp/english/e_main.html
< 5 mins walk from Minami-otaru JR Station

大きな地図で見る

Yume no oto (Character House) 梦之音
http://www.otaru-orgel.co.jp/english/e_yumeoto.html

大きな地図で見る

Hokkaido Summer 2012 北海道夏季之旅 - Minami-otaru JR Station 南小樽駅

Minami-otaru JR Station (S14), along Hakodate main line.
Minami-otaru is one train station before Otaru if you are travelling from Sapporo. 

You can choose to alight either at Minami-otaru or Otaru JR Station to start your tour of Otaru:
(1) Minami-otaru JR Station is closer to Marchen intersection. The only Uniqlo store in Otaru is located at the foot of this train station too (location shown in the map below).

View Larger Map

(2) Otaru JR Station is closer to Otaru Canal, old Temiya railway track and Sankaku.

My route:
Alighted at Minami-otaru JR Station > Marchen intersection > Sakaimachi Street > Otaru Canal > Ended tour at Otaru JR Station.

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Commemorative stamp: