Otaru is a romantic city, and its history is abundant with influence from foreign lands. It flourished as a commercial port town and was the center of economic activity in Hokkaido; so much so, in fact, that it once was known as the “Wall Street of the North.” A great number of banks, warehouses, and other historical buildings erected during the prosperous Meiji (1868-1912) and Taisho (1912-1926) eras remain standing to this day.
Taken on Feb11.2012
AloJapan.com