Otaru and Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru-Beach Quasi-National Park have lots stunning beauty and that attracts many visitors every year.

If you’ve seen the movie “Love Letter”, you must remember Otaru which is located in Hokkaido port and famous by the houses with the early 20th century architectural style and canal filled with Victorian style gas lamps. That special scenario attracts many visitors and makes it one of the best places to visit in Asia.

During winter celebration, candlelight Snow Festival (Snow Light Road), the whole city shines with brilliance. Local residents will float candles on the surface of canal. Nearly fifteen thousand candles and lights will lit up in this small town and make it look bright. It’s beautiful and amazing. Also, in Hand Palace, a small town right next to Otaru, you can see snow sculpture decorated with different color of light.

People give the nickname “The town of Hills” to Otaru because there are lots hills around the town like Jigoku-zaka, Funami-zaka and Mt. Tengu-yama. Mt. Tengu-yama is a famous place where visitors could have the view of Otaru and its port area. Today, visitors could easily use cable cars reaching the top of hill.

 Things to do

• Visit Shinnantaru Market (Best place to have fresh and cheap seafood.)
• Stop by Otaru Aquarium
• Hike in Mount Kenashi
• Walk on Otaru Canal, It’s really gorgeous at night especially during candle feistival.
• Visit Otaru Orgel Museum