Located a bit west of Sapporo, Otaru was a major port from the start of settlements on Hokkaido. For a while it was one of the richest areas in Japan due to the thriving herring industry. Although that industry is gone due to overfishing, fishing is still popular here as a sport and commercially. And like Monterey in California, which had a thriving Sardine industry, many of the former fishing facilities have been turned into tourist related buildings, places that are great to look at but contain shops that are dedicated to part you with your money. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed visiting Otaru and would return given the opportunity. Plus what they have done with the buildings is great on the eye.

We did have a couple of surprises here, first was the Otaru Sankaku Market (Otaru Triangle Market). Located next to Otaru Station, this market sells fresh seafood and has many inviting small restaurants and cafes. Walking through this was amazing, enough that Kim said she does not need to go to Toyosu Fish Market in central Tokyo anymore, it would disappoint after this one. The next surprise was Kitaichi Hall, with its beautiful wood interior lit by oil burning lamps. The aroma from the lighting gave this cafe an old, authentic feel.