D9 Otaru 小樽

9~21May2024 13D13N Hokkaido adventure

Taking the 7.33 am local Hakodate line for Otaru.

We were early because we planned to drop off our luggage and head for breakfast.

Although a second time visiting a seafood market in Hokkaido, in Otaru, visiting the Sankaku Market is a must. It's also unavoidable since seafood is the staple food of the people here surrounded by the sea.

Passing through Asari station by the beach

Arrived after 50 mins. Excited, as Otaru is a beautiful traditional town.

Our hotel is just opposite the train station.

The bus terminal is on the right of the train station.

Dormy Inn Premium Otaru Natural Hot Spring

Don Quijote is just across the hotel.

Dropping off luggage quickly so that we can go for breakfast.

But first, we helped ourselves to coffee, as free coffee and tea are provided for hotel guests.

Sankaku Market 三角市場 is opposite the hotel, beside Otaru station.

The stores open generally from 8 am - 5 pm.

Takinami Donburi 北のどんぶり屋 滝波食堂

We tried the most popular Hokke Fish (Greenling).

While SK only eats salmon, also a popular local fish.

乙女のきもの Otome no Kimono

We reserved on En Activity to wear Kimonos for 1-hour from 10 am.

Our clothes selection to dressing and doing our hair by the 2 stylists took about 30 mins.

We were just minutes away from the tracks of the Former Japanese National Railway, Temiya line.

Heading to the canal next for more photos

Otaru Canal

Heading back as the 1-hour was almost up.

The kind owners brought our umbrellas to let us take photos with it.

Last minute photos.. 😜, we can't bear to take off the beautiful kimonos

Continue our itinerary to the shopping street next.

Otaru Taishou Glass Museum

From this canal, head to the right and we will arrive at Sakaimachi Dori.

But we diverted a little to the street in front, to get a popular fish snack for breakfast for the next day.

Kamaei Otaru - famous in Otaru for its delicious fish cakes

Sakaimachi Street 堺町本通り

We wanna shop and eat as much as we can!! Shops here generally open from 9 am - 6 pm.

Luckily, we will not be outdoors a lot, look at the fierce sky, it was already starting to drizzle as we walked into the street.

We wanted to visit for tea break, but worry it might get too crowded later.

So might as well visit during lunch time when it is less crowded.

Le Tao Main Branch  ルタオ本店

We got a seat upon entering. 😎

Buying Le Tao tea for souvenir

We next climbed up the building to view the viewing gallery

And level 1 for more souvenirs

Otaru cafe x Hello Kitty

The Steam clock of Otaru - plays a short sound every 15 mins.






Otaru Music box Museum 小樽オルゴール堂 本館

Trying out the cream puff at Rokkatei

Then, Otaru Rainbow soft cream for the 8-layer ice cream

We got it!! The 8-layers for 800 yen.

Trying our best to finish up

Snoopy Cha-ya

Miffy Kitchen

Getting chopsticks for my Rebbie sis

More snacks 😋

It was a long walk back to hotel, checked-in.

Requested hotel concierge for nearby dinner recommendations.

They gave us a map, coupons and recommendations.

We went to a restaurant just opposite of our hotel as we walked too much since the morning.

We did not want to walk anymore.

Yamazaru Otaru Station 山の猿 小樽駅前店

We did spend some time shopping at Donki after dinner.

And headed back to hotel for onsen

"Yonaki Night Soba Service" at 10.30 pm

Good night from hotel.