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One of the real pleasures of traveling in Hokkaido is getting in touch with nature and enjoying the wonderful scenery.

First of all, I will introduce you from the Otaru Canal, which is a representative sightseeing spot in Otaru, and the observatory where you can enjoy the view of Otaru city.

1. Otaru Canal

When you get off Otaru Station, the first thing you want to head to is the Otaru Canal.

Although it is the northernmost part of the town, this Otaru Canal is the center of sightseeing in Otaru.

Otaru Port was the gateway to the development of Hokkaido.

Initially, they were unloaded from a ship parked offshore using barges.

However, as the amount of luggage handled has increased, the Otaru Canal was created by reclaiming the sea surface in order to increase the distance that barges can berth so that luggage can be transported efficiently.

The Otaru Canal, which was completed in 1918, has a total length of 1,140 m and is not a canal dug inland, but is reclaimed off the sea surface, so it is characterized by a gentle fan-shaped curve.

After the war, the wharf quay was improved and the canal ended its role.

After more than a dozen years of controversy over whether to reclaim the road or leave the canal landscape, part of it was reclaimed in 1986, and half of its width was changed to a road.

A walking path has been developed along the canal, and it has become what it is today.

At night, 63 gas lights on the promenade are lit.

The atmosphere at night is excellent, so it is recommended to visit after the evening.

The illuminated stone warehouses are also beautiful and must-see.

Sightseeing information on the Otaru Canal

Access: 8 minutes walk from Otaru Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line

2. North Canal

Heading west from the Otaru Canal, which has many tourists, there is a slightly wider canal.

This is called the North Canal and is a recommended spot with relatively few tourists.

The recommended walking path is about 40 minutes from Kitahama Bridge to Chuo Bridge, where the statue of the "girl calling the seagull" is located.

The photos from Chuobashi are especially popular.

The northern canal is not reclaimed and remains at its original width of 40m, so many work boats and small boats are still moored.

The old Ukon warehouse and the old Shibusawa warehouse built in the Meiji era are left in the surrounding area, and it is full of retro feeling.

North Canal Tourist Information

Access: 15 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station

3. Kenashiyama Observatory

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If you want to enjoy the night view of Otaru, Mt. Kenashi is recommended.

Mt. Mohashi is a mountain with an altitude of 548.2m, and there is an observatory at an altitude of about 470m.

The mountain road to Kenashiyama Observatory is a very winding road and is not recommended for beginners.

If you go, try to drive slowly without being impatient.

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In fact, it is a mountain that is also a "bearer" for those who suffer from thinning hair.

If you run along the coastline from Otaru, cross Sapporo and continue on the coastline to the north, you will find a town called "Mashike-cho".

If you look at the direction of "hair growth" from this "Mt. Kenashi", it is said to be an auspicious mountain for those who are suffering from thinning hair because of the pun that "you can expect hair growth from Mt. Kenashi".

I don't know the truth, but whether you are suffering from thinning hair or not, why not take a look at the spectacular view of Otaru from Mt. Kenashi (also in the direction of Mashike).

Tourist information of Kenashiyama Observatory

Access: 35 minutes by car from Otaru Station

Address: 4-chome, Tenjin, Otaru

Map: Google Map

Closed: Winter

Official URL: Kenashiyama Observatory

4. Tenguyama Observatory

Otaru Tenguyama is a mountain with an altitude of 532m, and like Mt. Kenashi, it is a place where you can enjoy the night view of Otaru.

The night view from Mt. Tengu, which is said to be the "three major night views of Hokkaido," allows you to enjoy the night view from a different angle than Mt. Kenashi.

In addition, Otaru Tenguyama has a combination of "No. 1 Observatory" where you can see the ropeway up close, "No. 2 Observatory" where you can see Otaru along with nature, and "No. 3 Observatory" which is full of nature through the forest. There are five observatories.

One of the observatories on the summit of Mt. Otaru Tengu is the observatory called "Tengu Sakura Observatory".

A single cherry tree called "Tengu Sakura", which is over 100 years old, is planted here.

It is also known as the last cherry blossom to bloom in Otaru, and it is a beautiful observation spot where you can see the scenery of Otaru along with a beautiful single cherry blossom.