Otaru Canal is one of Hokkaido’s most popular tourist destinations. Its charm is of course the beautiful scenery lined with nostalgic canal buildings.
The Otaru Canal is a waterway that was completed in 1922 and supported the shipping of the port city of Otaru, which supported the development of Hokkaido.It is a historic place with old warehouses lined up along the waterway. After its role as a canal ended, it was partially reclaimed in 1986, taking on its current appearance with walking paths and a town garden.
There are 63 gas lamps installed along the walking path along the canal, and at dusk the canal and stone warehouses are lit up, creating a completely different atmosphere than during the day.
In winter, snow accumulates on the stone warehouses and sidewalks that retain their traditional appearance, creating a northern-esque atmosphere.