Sakaimachi Street - Hokkaido

Sakaimachi Street (堺町通り) is a well-preserved 900-meter-long historic shopping street in Otaru City. It is located in Sakaimachi District in Otaru City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Sakaimachi Street

Sakaimachi Street details

Sakaimachi Street is a charming destination in Otaru City, Japan, that shouldn't be missed by any traveler. The street is lined with beautifully preserved merchant houses that date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. These buildings are now converted into various shops, cafes, and museums, making it a great place to explore the city's rich history and culture.

Sakaimachi Street - Otaru City, Hokkaido Prefecture

For those who love shopping, Sakaimachi Street is a paradise. The street is filled with art galleries, souvenir shops, and handicraft stores that sell traditional Japanese goods such as pottery, glassware, and textiles. The Kimura Glass Shop is one of the most popular stores on the street, and visitors can watch artisans at work as they create unique glassware using traditional techniques.

Sakaimachi Street photos (Summer)

Sakaimachi Street photos (Winter)

No trip to Sakaimachi Street is complete without sampling Otaru's famous sweets. The city is known for its confectioneries, such as Kitakaro, Rokkatei, and LeTao, which have become famous throughout Japan. Visitors can taste a variety of sweet treats like cookies, cakes, and chocolates that have been lovingly made by hand.

Manhole designs found in Sakaimachi Street

Team Nicerio visits Sakaimachi Street

Checking out the stores along the street for omiyage and souvenirs

Sharing a seat with Anpanman

The Golden Hand of Sakaimachi Street

Checking out how clean the canal is.

I first visited Sakaimachi Street with my Filipino ALT friends last January 5, 2022, during my first winter vacation as an ALT under the JET Programme. I got to revisit this famed street with my family last August 20, 2022, during our "From Osaka with Love" Road Trip with our Japanese family. It’s also my 292nd day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Both trips were memorable for me as I saw Sakaimachi Street in winter and in summer. Aside from that, I explored it with people who are dear to me making my visit more enjoyable.

Sakaimachi Street Fees

It`s FREE to enter and explore Sakaimachi Street, however, it is highly recommended that you bring cash when visiting as there are a plethora of shops and restaurants here that might be of interest to you.

Sakaimachi Street Operating Hours

Sakaimachi Street is open 24/7. However, the stores and restaurants here have varying operating hours. Please check ahead before going to your intended shop or restaurant.

Why visit Sakaimachi Street?

Overall, Sakaimachi Street is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to experience Japanese culture and history. The street's charming buildings, scenic canal, and unique shops and cafes make it a must-visit spot in Otaru City.

Getting to Sakaimachi Street

 

Sakaimachi Street can be reached in ten minutes by foot from Otaru Station or in five minutes by foot from Minami-Otaru Station. Alternatively, two of the four tourist bus lines operated by Otaru Stroller run along the street, providing frequent connections to Otaru Station.

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