📝 1. Overview
Located just a short stroll from Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street is a beautifully preserved merchant district that brings the charm of old Otaru to life. With cobblestone paths, Meiji-era architecture, and rows of craft shops, cafés, and museums, the area offers a nostalgic trip into the city’s past. It’s the perfect place to sample Hokkaido treats, browse handmade souvenirs, and immerse yourself in a uniquely Japanese retro atmosphere.
🌟 2. Highlights
🎶 Otaru Music Box Museum – Classic melodies & handmade music boxes
🧁 LeTAO Main Store – Famous for double fromage cheesecake
💎 Kitaichi Glass Shops – Elegant glassware & candle-lit ambiance
🎎 Handicraft & Souvenir Shops – From chopsticks to local ceramics
🍮 Kitakaro – Hokkaido sweets, cream puffs, and soft serve
🎨 Otaru Art Base Annexes – Galleries in repurposed historic buildings
🛍️ Sakaimachi Shopping Street – Retro vibes & local culture
📸 Historical Building Walk – Preserved warehouses & shopfronts
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Front of Otaru Music Box Museum – Victorian-style exterior
- Inside Kitaichi Glass Hall – Soft-lit glass chandeliers
- LeTAO’s rooftops & dessert displays
🕰️ Best time to visit:
- Morning for quieter browsing
- Evening in winter – lights + snow = storybook feel
👜 Ideal for souvenir hunting – glassware, music boxes, snacks
🧥 Winter can get icy – non-slip shoes recommended
🍦 Don’t miss the seasonal soft-serve flavors at LeTAO & Kitakaro
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 on Sakaimachi Street
- LeTAO Main Store Café
🍰 Double fromage cheesecake, chocolate tarts, and coffee
📍7-16 Sakaimachi, Otaru
🕒 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily)
🚶 Center of Sakaimachi - Kitakaro Sakaimachi Main Store
🍮 Cream puffs, Hokkaido cookies, seasonal sweets
📍7-22 Sakaimachi, Otaru
🕒 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily)
🚶 Near LeTAO - Rokkatei Otaru
🍡 Japanese wagashi (sweets), tea café & famous Marusei butter sandwich
📍7-22 Sakaimachi, Otaru
🕒 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Daily)
🚶 On the main street
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Recommended Spots by Theme
🎶 Music & Arts
- Otaru Music Box Museum – Make-your-own music box workshops
- Otaru Art Base Stained Glass Gallery – Spiritual and colorful vibe
- Ruriko Glass Museum – Contemporary Otaru glass art
🧁 Sweets & Cafés
- LeTAO Main Store & Pathos – Desserts, tea, rooftop seating
- Kitakaro – Cream puffs, biscuits, souvenir boxes
- Gin No Kane – Bell-shaped pastries & retro ambiance
🎁 Shopping & Crafts
- Kitaichi Glass – Classic Otaru glass & lamps
- Yamanaka Chopsticks – Hand-carved designs with free name engraving
- Otaru Orgel-do – Music box fantasy world
🚗 5. Access
📍 From Otaru Canal
🚶 Just 5–10 minutes walk south via Chuo Bridge
📍 From Otaru Station
🚶 Approx. 15 minutes walk down Chuo-dori
🚌 Local bus stop available at Ironai or Marchen Cross
📍 From Sapporo
🚆 JR Rapid Airport Line to Otaru Station (~35–45 min)
🚗 ~1 hour drive via Route 5
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Best explored on foot – fully walkable district
🧭 Combine with Otaru Canal, Canal Plaza, and nearby museums for a half-day route