Nestled quietly along the western coast of Hokkaido, Otaru is a charming port town steeped in nostalgia. Just a 40-minute train ride from Sapporo, the moment you step off the train, you’ll feel time slow down. While Otaru is a well-known destination, its true essence lies in its serene canals lined with stone warehouses and gas lamps, as well as its retro cafés and Western-style homes that preserve the spirit of Showa-era Japan. It is the perfect setting for a peaceful and romantic 2-day escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you arrive in Otaru around midday, begin your journey with a leisurely walk through the canal district, located just ten minutes on foot from the station. Once a vital center of maritime trade, Otaru Canal is now the town’s most iconic and picturesque feature. As you stroll the cobblestone paths, you’ll pass renovated warehouses housing cafés and galleries—places where the past and present softly intertwine. By late afternoon, gas lamps begin to glow, casting delicate reflections over the water and transforming the area into a dreamlike scene.

As evening falls, enjoy an early dinner at one of the canal-side restaurants housed in a traditional home. These venues offer creative Western-inspired dishes centered around fresh local seafood and seasonal vegetables. Here, you can lose track of time and fully immerse yourself in the pleasure of dining. After dinner, take a quiet evening walk through Otaru’s softly lit streets. As the daytime crowds fade, the warm lights glowing from historic windows create a mood that is both intimate and poetic.

For accommodation, choose a small, independent inn or a converted historic building to truly embrace the spirit of Otaru. Staying in a Western-style villa with views of stone-paved streets from your window will feel like stepping into the pages of a romantic novel. In this gentle, warmly lit space, you can reflect on the day in peaceful solitude—a luxury only a town like Otaru can offer.

The next morning, after a light breakfast, set out early to explore Otaru’s retro cafés—hidden gems that still preserve the charm of Japan’s Showa era. These nostalgic establishments feature antique furniture, hand-drawn menus, and house-blended coffees crafted with care. One café might have walls adorned with vintage record covers; another might fill the room with soft light filtering through stained glass. The atmosphere in these places offers a warm, gentle distance from modern life—an ideal comfort for travelers seeking a moment of peace.

Time spent in these cafés is not merely a break in the day—it becomes a destination in itself. Sitting by the window, you can watch the flow of life along the canal or the quiet streets below, losing yourself in a book or simply in thought. Locals and travelers mix naturally in these serene spaces, reflecting Otaru’s uniquely welcoming and nostalgic spirit.

In the afternoon, take time to visit artisan shops that showcase Otaru’s handmade traditions, such as glassblowing studios and music box workshops. Beyond the tourist souvenir stores, you may find one-of-a-kind creations in the ateliers of local craftspeople. The town’s gentle, handcrafted ambiance lingers in the air, providing a soft and meaningful close to your journey.

Otaru doesn’t dazzle with bold attractions or flashy trends. Instead, it offers quiet scenery pulled from memory and time to reconnect with yourself. Even within the span of just two days, the slow passage of time here becomes something precious. And when you experience Otaru’s rare ability to pause time, even briefly, the memory will remain with you—calm, vivid, and lasting.