Otaru, a charming port city in Hokkaido is renowned for its picturesque canals lined with historic warehouses and glowing gas lamps. Once a bustling hub for trade and commerce, the city retains a nostalgic ambiance, with beautifully preserved architecture reflecting its rich maritime history. The city is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly sushi, thanks to its proximity to abundant fishing waters. Visitors can also explore its renowned glassworks, music boxes, and sake breweries, all of which highlight Otaru's traditional crafts and culture. In the winter, the city comes alive with its traditional 'Otaru Snow Light Path' festival which sees the streets and popular sites alit with snow candles.
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A gondola ride to the peak of Mt. Tengu offers spectactular views of Otaru and Ishikari Bay both day and night. On fine days, the mountains across the bay can be easily seen, as well as the coastline west to Shakotan. In winter, the mountain also acts as a ski slope.
Containing over 25,000 music boxes, the Otaru Music Box Museum is housed within multiple buildings which showcase western-influenced, Meiji-era architecture. Visitors can see some of the oldest musical devices found in Otaru, including French music boxes from the 19th century, a grand English organ, and pianos.
Nikka Whisky's Yoichi distillery has been in its picturesque location since 1934, and visitors may take a tour of its facilities and taste the famed whiskey. Yoichi malts are described as bold and strong with refined peaty notes and smokiness brought by the traditional direct coal-fired distillation.
A popular winter attraction in the region, Otaru’s Snow Light Path Festival draws visitors to Otaru with its nighttime illuminations which decorate the city for ten days every February.
Otaru is famous for its glassware. The craftsmen here started out making glass buoys for fishermen, and later applied their knowhow to producing refined glassware. At the Otaru Taishou Glass Palace, visitors can browse a variety of Japanese glass products, including many original pieces.
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Travel from snowy ski slopes to steaming hotsprings on this magical 9-day luxury journey through southern Hokkaido. You’ll spend time in one of the world’s best ski resorts, meander through Sapporo’s Christmas market, and see the region on ski, snowmobile, or perhaps even horseback, while staying at luxury hotels.
One of Hokkaido’s most prestigious ryokans, Ginrinsou is known for its historic charm and warm, attentive service, as well as the breathtaking panoramas granted to guests who take a soak in the warm, healing waters of its open-air free-form hot springs. Sitting atop the small Cape Hiraiso, these elegantly-designed onsens combine natural surroundings with modern, luxurious architecture, and provide expansive views of Ishikari Bay. Guestrooms are spacious and luxurious, many with their own in-room hot spring bath, many of which also grant guests with picturesque views. The rooms are traditionally-decorated with a modern twist. A large, on-site meeting room can host big groups, set up in a traditional Japanese style, with Otaru-inspired design throughout. Hungry guests can head to Ginrinsou Grill, a sophisticated French restaurant and bar, which provides elegant dining and a social atmosphere to meet with friends for a drink or karaoke session.
Years of planning went into the design and construction of this relatively young ryokan. The rooms are spacious, modern, and comfortable, each uniquely-decorated to reflect the style and feel of that particular room. Two-bedroom suites and maisonettes are available. Washrooms innovatively stream hot spring water for a private onsen-like experience, topped off by Bvlgari amenities to make for the ultimate indulgent experience. A charming garden and courtyard surround the hotel, adding to its serene atmosphere. The on-site bar and cafe serves up quality spirits and cold Japanese beer - and guests can enjoy the experience of not having to reach for their wallet or sign a bill, since everything is included in the room rate. The hotel, located outside of downtown Otaru, is an hour’s drive from Chitose Airport, and 40 minutes from the nearest train station.
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