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Nostalgia and Romance in Japan's North: Otaru

Day 01 Tokyo - Otaru

Arrive at New Chitose Airport from Tokyo. This 1.5-hour flight takes you to a whole different side of Japan. Continue your journey to Otaru by train. The “Airport” train will take you directly to Otaru-Chikko station. There, the driver from your ryokan tonight, Ginrinsou, will greet you and take you to the historical inn.

About Otaru
Otaru is situated in the western part of Hokkaido, facing Ishikari Bay. It has developed and prospered as "the sea gateway to Hokkaido" for the last 100 years and has gained the nickname “Wall Street of the North.” The glassware stores, coffee shops, restaurants and shopping malls along the Otaru Canal have been converted from stone or brick warehouses, which were used for storage in the days when commerce flourished here and the canal was crowded with jostling barges. When night falls, oil lamps on the cobbled streets are lit, and the town evokes a gentle, nostalgic mood.

Otaru's nickname is the “town of hills,” due to all the steep slopes here, including Jigoku-zaka (Hell Hill) - as the name implies, a very steep slope - and the long, winding Funami-zaka. Mt. Tengu, which towers behind Otaru, is a popular ski resort in winter. There is an observation point on Mt. Tengu, and the panoramic view encompassing the whole of Otaru and its port area is absolutely wonderful. There are also cable cars to take you to the mountaintop.

15:00 Check in at Ginrinsou. Ginrinsou is located in central Otaru. Priding itself on its historical heritage, architectural legacy and impeccable service, Ginrinsou is one of Hokkaido's most prestigious ryokan. You can experience the ultimate relaxation by soaking in its beautiful open-air hot spring bath, set high atop a small cape with a breathtaking panoramic view of Ishikari Bay. For your dining pleasure, French cuisine, as well as an outstanding selection of Japanese foods featuring seasonal seafood delicacies, is available at the ryokan's tastefully decorated Ginrinsou Grill.
Ginrinsou had its beginnings over 130 years ago, in 1873. At that time the local waters, teeming with herring, brought unprecedented wealth to the local region and gave rise to the “herring estates” of the prosperous herring entrepreneurs. Sparing no expense, they called in master craftsmen, who selected the very best of the world's wood and stone and erected magnificent private estates. Ginrinsou started out as one of these “herring estates,” and was moved to its present location, high atop Cape Hiraiso, in 1938 and reopened as a ryokan. In 1986, after the successful drilling of a natural hot spring, the beautifully landscaped open-air bath with its awe-inspiring view of Ishikari Bay was completed. Cherishing this legacy, Ginrinsou offers glimpses of bygone days and a grandeur rarely seen nowadays, as evidenced by its red cedar hallways and imposing rooftop tower. Designated as one of Hokkaido's 100 most important cultural properties, it remains to this day a relaxing refuge for ryokan lovers attracted by its superlative trademarks - breathtaking panoramas, inviting hot springs and exquisite cuisine, all presented with personalized, heart-warming hospitality.
19:00 Dinner Hokkaido is famous for its local seafood, especially herring, crab and salmon. At Ginrinsou, you can enjoy local seafood and vegetables that give pleasure not only to your palate, but to your eyes and your spirit as well.
Day 02 Fun in the powder at a ski resort near Otaru It's wintertime in Hokkaido - why don't you come and enjoy the cold weather and snow to create some special memories? Let's rent skis or a snowboard and skiwear and jump into the white power snow. Don't worry if you're new to snow - a 1-day experience course for you to try the sport is available at both ski resorts on the mountain.
Tenguyama Ropeway This Otaru landmark is just 15 minutes from the city center. A four-minute ropeway (cable car) ride takes you to the top of Tenguyama, the mountain overlooking the city. In the daytime, you can see spectacular views of the port of Otaru and Ishikari Bay. The night view from the summit of Tenguyama is equally breathtaking, and is famous as one of the top three in Hokkaido. Even if you don't ski, Tenguyama is worth a visit. For a preview, check out this website: http://www.cks.chuo-bus.co.jp/tenguyama/en/winter/
Asari Ski Resort (Asarigawa Onsen) Asarigawa Onsen Winter Resort is also about 15 minutes from Otaru. Located near the seaport, the upper reaches of Asari Ski Resort provide spectacular views across the water. This hill is suitable for beginners to intermediate skiers, as well as snowboarders. Families can have great fun sledding.
19:00 Dinner Otaru's abundance of natural bounty from sea and land alike enables the Ginrinsou Grill to offer both sophisticated French cuisine as well as a selection of sumptuous seasonal seafood and other Japanese delicacies, living up to the highest of expectations. Its distinctive architecture further enhances your dining experience and ensures that this will be a truly memorable occasion.
Day 03 Exploring Otaru Take a train to Otaru station, just two stops away from Otaru-Chikko station, taking only 8 minutes. Grab a street map from the Visitors Center in the station and take off to explore the snowy city of Otaru.
Sakaimachi Dori This is a fun-filled street with souvenir shops, restaurants and coffee-and-sweets shops.
Glassware Otaru is famous for its glassworks. The craftsmen who started out making glass buoys for fishermen later applied their knowhow to produce refined glassware as well. If time permits, try creating your own glass cups or bowls - a perfect souvenir of your stay in Otaru.
Music Box Museum This fascinating museum, which dates from 1912, is symbol of Sakaimachi Dori and displays a variety of historical music boxes. The Steam Clock in front of the building, a gift from the Canadian city of Vancouver to Otaru, is powered entirely by steam, well worth stopping by to see. Then, you might try making your own music box at the Handicraft Studio.
Sweets shops Hokkaido is famous for its unique sweets shops. From chocolate to cheesecake, you will be overwhelmed by the variety of the region's original sweets. Otaru Sushi Street Otaru is famous for its sushi thanks to its long history as a fishing port, and fresh seafood can always be found at reasonable prices. About 20 restaurants await, for you to enjoy sushi made with locally caught seafood. Sushi Street is a nice place to stop for lunch during your trek around Otaru.
Otaru Canal The Otaru Canal was a central part of the city's busy port in the first half of the 20th century. It became obsolete when the modern docks were built, but it was beautifully restored in the 1980s. The Canal takes on a mysterious atmosphere when night falls and the old-fashioned gas lamps are lit. In February, during the winter festival called the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, the combination of snow and lantern light creates a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere.
17:30 Return to Ginrinsou and soak in the hot spring bath to loosen your muscles after your long walk. 19:00 Dinner: Ginrinsou's expert chefs prepare Japanese kaiseki haute cuisine - an entirely different menu from your first night, and a new set of delightful and delicious experiences.
Day 04 Otaru to your next destination 11:00 Check out from Ginrinsou. The ryokan's shuttle bus will take you to Otaru-Chikko station, where you will continue your journey. *Ginrinsou will be closed from 15th February to 20 March 2015 due to heavy snow

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