Otaru Sakaimachi Street

Wednesday, August 7, 2019 Updated

Historic Shopping District | Otaru

Sakaimachi Street in Otaru is a collection of shops, cafes, restaurants, and museums housed in traditional buildings by Otaru Canal. The street is lined with stores selling fresh desserts, snacks, music boxes, traditional Japanese crafts, and more. Sample fresh sea-food from vendors who cook it on the grill as soon as you order, or just take some snacks home for later.

Fans of sea-food are recommended to dine in Otaru, as many of the Japanese people consider Otaru home to some of the tastiest and freshest fish in all Japan. For those reluctant towards sea-food, Sakaimachi Street is also filled with decadently sweet desserts and cafe shops for a quick pick-me-up or just a little treat for yourself.

Traditional Japanese Crafts
Souvenir Shopping

Traditional Japanese Crafts<br>Souvenir Shopping

While visiting the Sakaimachi street, be sure to visit the vintage steam clock at the front of the famous Music Box Museum. The stunning grandfather clock releases steam every hour, while the museum inside houses over 15,000 unique music boxes. These boxes range from classic music to hits by current pop-stars. Otaru is also well known for producing high quality glass works, many which can be purchased along Sakaimachi. Some vendors also offer workshops and glass-blowing displays for tourists to try for themselves. There are also other stores along the street offering traditional Japanese crafts, snacks, and souvenirs. Sakaimachi is great to enjoy the culture and crafts of Otaru, amazing food, or just to find a new gift for that special someone back home.

Great Food & Fun Experiences

Before your day ends at Sakaimachi, Japan Deluxe Tours recommends a visit LeTAO, an Otaru essential for lovers of cheesecake and sweets. The Double Fromage is said to be their most well-known product and is a must. LeTAO has three branches spread across Sakaimachi street for you to enjoy no matter how far down the road you go.

In case you're too tired after all the sweets and shopping along Sakaimachi, enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride along the way with a charismatic puller at your service. The Rickshaw was once the most prominent means of transportation in old Japan, but is still a highly-rated tourist activity thanks the the plucky spirit of the pullers and smooth rides. Come enjoy the beauty of Otaru and Sakaimachi street with Japan Deluxe Tour's fully guided Hokkaido Tour, or ask your travel agent to arrange a custom private package to see the best spots of Hokkaido!