Japan Diaries 4: Day 707
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Day 707: October 9, 2023
Monday – 3-Day “Sports Day” Road Trip D3
Today is Sports Day, a national holiday here in Japan. It also marks the last day of our thrilling 3-Day "Sports Day" road trip around the picturesque Shiretoko Peninsula. Originally, we planned to visit the town of Niki for some grape picking. Still, upon realizing that we hadn't fully explored Otaru City yet, we decided to spend our day exploring this vibrant city instead.
Sports Day Road Trip Day 3
We started our day by checking out of our cozy accommodation, Hostel Junpu Manpan, in Otaru City (小樽市) at approximately 8 AM. Excitedly, we set off to drive around the city, eager to uncover the treasures it had in store for us.
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| Otaru Canal |
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| The water fountain in the Chuobashi Street Garden |
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| During our visit, the Otaru Canal Promenade was pleasantly quiet, with only a few tourists around, making the experience even more enjoyable |
Our first stop was the famous Otaru Canal, a beautifully preserved waterway that carries the charm of Otaru's bygone days. As we strolled along the picturesque canal, our eyes were treated to the sight of quaint shops, cafes, and warehouses that once bustled with the activity of merchants. The atmosphere was enchanting, and we couldn't help but take numerous photos to capture memories of our revisit to this historic area.
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| Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck |
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| We didn't miss the opportunity to have a family photo taken at this "Otaru Photo Frame" |
Next on our itinerary was the Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck. From this elevated viewpoint, we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding sea and landscape. It was truly a sight to behold, and we relished Hokkaido's striking natural beauty.
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| Otaru City Museum Main Building |
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| This museum is the main branch of the Otaru City Museum |
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| The centerpiece of the museum was the "Shizuka" |
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| Father and son bonding |
Moving on, we made our way to the Otaru City Museum Main Building, a cultural gem that showcases the city's rich history and heritage. The museum's exhibits were fascinating, offering insights into Otaru's development as a bustling port town. We immersed ourselves in the displays, learning about the traditions and achievements of the local community.
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| Otaru Steam Locomotive Museum |
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| Otaru manhole cover |
Just outside the city museum is the Otaru Steam Locomotive Museum, a nostalgic tribute to the age of steam locomotives. The museum transported us back in time, allowing us to marvel at the magnificent locomotives that once traversed Hokkaido's rugged terrain. It was a delightful experience, especially for history enthusiasts like us.
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| Sumiyoshi Shrine's main torii gate |
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| Sumiyoshi Shrine |
Before concluding our visit to Otaru City, we made a stop at the serene Sumiyoshi Shrine. Here, we paid our respects and offered prayers for our safe journey back home. The tranquil ambiance of the shrine provided a moment of reflection and gratitude, reminding us of the incredible experiences we've had throughout this road trip.
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| On our way to Ishikari City, we filled up Riri's tank first at Modasekiyu Kanayamaten in Sapporo City |
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| First stop in Ishikari - 2nd Street Ishikari Branch |
Next on the itinerary was Ishikari City (石狩市), where we planned to devote the afternoon to indulging in retail therapy. Our first stop was 2nd Street Ishikari. We spent hours scouring through racks of vintage clothing and quirky goods, discovering hidden treasures along the way.
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| COSTCO Ishikari |
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| We ordered our favorite pizza and tried this season's soft cream |
To wrap up our shopping spree, we decided to visit COSTCO Ishikari, a haven for wholesale goods and bulk shopping. Laden with our purchases, we bid adieu to Ishikari City at around 5 PM, embarking on our journey back home to Rumoi City. It took us a little over two hours to reach our humble abode, arriving just past 7 PM.
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| Time to eat before the long drive home |
Reflecting on our overall experience, while we didn't have the opportunity to explore any new municipalities today, we were nevertheless able to discover a plethora of hidden gems within Otaru City. The city's unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty left an indelible mark on our hearts.
As we conclude our memorable 3-Day Road Trip, we are thrilled to announce that we have visited a total of seven new municipalities in Hokkaido. This achievement brings us closer to our goal of exploring all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido, currently marking our progress at 121/179.
Signing off for now, with anticipation for our next adventure.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Week 102
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 102
Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck
Otaru City Museum Main Building
Otaru Steam Locomotive Museum
Sumiyoshi Shrine
10 More Things to Do in Otaru City
10 Things to Do in Sapporo City
10 More Things to Do in Sapporo City
10 Things to Do in Ishikari City
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