📝 1. Overview
Kitaichi Glass, founded in the early 20th century, is one of Otaru’s most iconic artisan brands—blending traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance. Originally catering to Hokkaido’s fishing industry with oil lamps and floats, the company has transformed into a cultural landmark. Today, visitors can explore beautifully curated glass galleries, shop for handcrafted glassware, and relax in an enchanting café illuminated by hundreds of oil lamps. It’s a must-visit for those seeking beauty, history, and a touch of magic.
🌟 2. Highlights
🪞 Glassware Showrooms – Elegant displays of cups, lamps, vases & more
🕯️ Oil Lamp Café (Kitaichi Hall) – Candlelit atmosphere with 167 oil lamps
🛍️ Glass Shopping Paradise – From everyday tableware to ornate souvenirs
🎨 Craftsmanship Demonstrations – Watch live glassmaking (seasonal)
🏮 Historical Architecture – Stone warehouses with wooden-beam interiors
🎁 Gift Wrapping & Shipping – Available for domestic and international delivery
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Inside the Oil Lamp Café – soft glow, vintage charm
- Facade of the main warehouse – rustic stone + signage
- Product displays with reflections of colored glass
🕰️ Go early (10:00 AM) or late afternoon to avoid tour crowds
🛍️ Shopping is tax-free with passport (for eligible purchases)
🧳 Fragile items? They’ll pack it for you—no worries
☕ Combine your visit with a relaxing tea break at the café
🧤 Don’t touch unless indicated—some items are delicate and pricey
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 near Kitaichi Glass
- Kitaichi Café (Oil Lamp Café)
☕ Tea, coffee, and sweets in a softly lit, romantic setting
📍Inside Kitaichi Hall, 7-26 Sakaimachi, Otaru
🕒 8:45 AM – 6:00 PM (Last order 5:30 PM)
🚶 Right inside the glass hall - LeTAO Main Store Café
🍰 Cheesecake & dessert plates with tea/coffee
📍7-16 Sakaimachi, Otaru
🕒 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🚶 3 min walk - Amato
🍡 Retro Japanese sweets & red bean parfaits
📍6-4 Sakaimachi, Otaru
🕒 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🚶 2 min walk
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Explore Around Kitaichi Glass
🏮 Within Kitaichi Complex
- Glass Hall – Traditional glass styles, tableware, lighting
- Western Glass Pavilion – Contemporary designs and art glass
- Handmade Zone – One-of-a-kind artisan pieces
🎁 Craft & Souvenir Area
- Yamanaka Chopsticks – Personalized gifts with engraving
- Otaru Orgel-do – Music boxes + glass fusion designs
- Marchen Cross Corner – Great photo stop with shops nearby
☕ Café Break Zone
- Oil Lamp Café – Relax after shopping in dreamy candlelight
- Gin No Kane – Bell-inspired cakes in a cozy setting
- Kitakaro – Grab cream puffs & biscuits before heading on
🚗 5. Access
📍 From Otaru Canal
🚶 Approx. 6-minute walk south along Sakaimachi Street
📍 From Otaru Station
🚶 15–20 minutes down Chuo-dori to Sakaimachi
🚌 Stop at Marchen Cross (メルヘン交差点)
📍 From Sapporo
🚆 JR Rapid Airport Line to Otaru Station (~35–45 min)
🚗 ~1 hour by car via Route 5
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Entire Kitaichi complex and nearby attractions are walkable
🛍️ Great half-day plan: Combine with LeTAO, Music Box Museum & Otaru Canal