Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Kitakaro is one of Hokkaido's best-known confectionery brands. Located along Kitaichijo-dori, Sapporo's historic avenue leading toward Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, its main store occupies a former library built in 1926 as Hokkaido's first full-scale public library.

After serving as a library and later an art museum, the historic building was transformed into Kitakaro's flagship store in 2016 through a renovation designed by internationally acclaimed architect Ando Tadao. Original features, including the grand entrance hall and decorative details, have been carefully preserved, creating a unique blend of historic architecture and contemporary design.

The first floor offers Kitakaro's signature sweets, exclusive products, and a small gallery featuring works by Sapporo-born painter Migishi Kotaro. Upstairs, the spacious café serves parfaits, cake sets, and Japanese-Western favorites such as omurice. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves holding around 6,000 books pay tribute to the building's past as a library and create a relaxing atmosphere.

Reservations are available for personalized Baumkuchen, a popular ring-shaped layered cake, with custom messages branded onto the cake. Reservations must be made at least five days in advance, and personalized messages may be available in Japanese only.

Housed within four beautifully preserved historic buildings, Otaru Art Base is an immersive space where the city’s former prosperity meets world-class art and craftsmanship.

Step from the lively Otaru Canal into the cool, quiet interior of the Stained Glass Museum. Inside, your eyes are drawn to a radiant kaleidoscope of color. Around 140 stained glass masterpieces—once part of British churches in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—capture the soft natural light, casting jewel-like reflections across the floor. Time seems to slip away as you stand surrounded by their glow and the quiet presence of history.

The journey continues at the Nitori Museum of Art and the Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch. Vast former banking halls open above you, where soaring atriums and six classical columns echo the energy of Otaru’s golden age. Discover the delicate beauty of Art Nouveau glass, or wander through basement galleries filled with the faint, comforting scent of aged wood.

Here, architecture and artistry come together to tell the story of a city at its peak—inviting you to slow down, look closer, and experience Otaru through light, space, and time.

A historic canal where glowing gas lamps and stone warehouses create a timeless, nostalgic scene.

The Otaru Canal is an iconic symbol of Hokkaido's maritime history, featuring a 1,140-meter waterway lined with beautifully preserved stone warehouses. At dusk, 63 gas lamps flicker to life, reflecting a warm orange glow on the water’s surface and transforming the area into a romantic destination.

Gently curving through the city, the Otaru Canal is a testament to the early 20th-century prosperity of this port town. Completed in 1923, the canal was once a bustling hub where small boats transported cargo from larger ships. Today, it is divided into two distinct areas: the "North Canal," which retains its original 40-meter width, and the southern section, where scenic walking paths have been carefully developed.

As you stroll along the cobblestone paths, the faint scent of the sea breeze and the gentle lapping of the water create a soothing atmosphere. The heavy stone warehouses and charming historic buildings that line the canal have been reimagined as cozy cafes and restaurants, perfect for a relaxing break during your walk.

The canal’s true beauty reveals itself at twilight. As the 63 gas lamps are lit, the entire area is bathed in a soft, ethereal light. The sight of the illuminated warehouses shimmering on the water’s surface feels like a scene from another era. Whether you are feeling the cool breeze against your skin or listening to the quiet stories of the past, a slow walk along the Otaru Canal offers a moment of pure magic that changes with every season and hour of the day.

The sight of countless snow candles creating a fantastical scene in the port town of Otaru attracts many tourists every year.
A romantic time when candlelight flickers in Otaru, where many retro buildings remain. About 200 "floating ball candles" bob on the canal, while charming objects line the walking paths. Highlights are scattered throughout the city, including the former JNR Temiya Line site and objects on Mt. Tengu, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful winter-only scenery of Otaru. Though the temperature drops below freezing, this is a quiet event with a nostalgic and warm atmosphere.

*The date(s) and contents of the event are subject to change. Please visit the official website for details.