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Sakaimachi Hondori Street: A Journey Through Time and Taste

Explore Otaru's charming Sakaimachi Hondori Street: a historic merchant haven with unique shops, museums, and culinary delights.

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Sakaimachi Hondori Street in Otaru is a beautifully preserved merchant street, offering a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Once a vital hub for trading companies, it now invites visitors to explore its charming shops, museums, and restaurants housed in impressive Western-style buildings.

A brief summary to Sakaimachi Hondori Street

  • Sakaimachi, 堺町本通り, Otaru, Sakaimachi, Hokkaido, 047-0027, JP
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and to catch the freshest seafood served at local shops.
  • Take your time to explore the unique boutiques selling traditional crafts and souvenirs, perfect for gifts.
  • Sample the famous Otaru sushi; some of the best sushi in Japan can be found along this street.
  • Check local event calendars for festivals or markets happening during your visit for a more immersive experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Otaru Station, exit and head south towards Sakaimachi Hondori Street. You'll see signs guiding you. It's about a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, you can take a 5-minute walk from Minami-Otaru Station. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Sapporo Station, take the JR Hakodate Line to Otaru Station. The rapid train takes about 30 minutes and costs ¥800. From Otaru Station, it's a 10-minute walk to Sakaimachi Hondori Street. Alternatively, take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station. The bus ride takes about 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs ¥610 one way.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Otaru. From Otaru Station, a taxi ride to Sakaimachi Hondori Street takes only a few minutes. A short taxi ride in Otaru will likely cost between ¥950 and ¥1200. Make sure to show the driver the address: 〒047-0027 Hokkaido, Otaru, Sakaimachi, 堺町本通り.

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Discover more about Sakaimachi Hondori Street

Sakaimachi Hondori Street, located in the heart of Otaru, Hokkaido, is a vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare that provides a captivating glimpse into the city's rich maritime history. This well-preserved street showcases architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting Otaru's prosperous era as a port city. Once a crucial base for trading companies, Sakaimachi Hondori Street has transformed into a bustling center for tourists. Visitors can explore a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and boutiques, many of which are housed in historical stone warehouses that once served the herring fishing industry. The street is particularly known for its glassware shops, a legacy of Otaru's shift from glass buoy production to refined glassware after the decline of herring fishing. As you stroll along Sakaimachi Hondori Street, you'll encounter various attractions, including the Otaru Music Box Museum, a whimsical wonderland with over 25,000 music boxes. You can also visit the Bank of Japan Museum, housed in a historic building dating back to 1912, to learn about Japanese currency and the branch's history. Food enthusiasts will delight in the street's culinary offerings, especially the fresh seafood, sushi, and local sweets. Sakaimachi Hondori Street also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing local culture and traditions.

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