Otaru (小樽) is a small harbor city, about half an hour northwest of Sapporo by train. It is well know for it's beautifully preserved canal area and interesting herring mansions, which make Otaru a pleasant day trip from Sapporo or Niseko.
This is a very short blog on Otaru from our 2020 trip, so please check out my other blog on Otaru, as we love spending time in this special place every year. There are so many things to do and see in Otaru and we never tire of the place - the Canal, Nichigin-Dori, Nikka Whisky Distillery, just to name a few.
You will pass many places selling fish, known as a sakanaya 魚屋, さかなや in Japanese.
Make sure you try the local cuisine.
One of the famous streets in Otaru, where you can eat as much as you want, sample some of the delicacies and visit the many souvenir (omiyage お土産, おみやげ) shops.
Whilst there are many places to eat that have fish and meat, I can still find a lovely vegetarian meal in Otaru.
Don't forget to try the ice cream - a favourite for Peter.
A local delicacy.
Sayonara さよなら from Otaru.
