Otaru Canal — Attraction in Otaru

Standing still, I waited. It was a snowy day of February in Hokkaido, and little flakes of snow landed on my skin, melting slowly as it meets the end of their lowly journey. The tracks rummaged, and in the corner of my eye, my transportation there had arrived. Inside the vehicle, have I waited long for the destination, though not until the point of that cobwebs and fingers began to grow.

Soon, we had arrived.

A busy train station it was, with people going about their daily lives, some needing to travel to Sapporo for their work, I suppose. Infront of my eye, was a one-point perspective of what is a small city. Despite the size of the settlement, it provided me with a sense of unfamiliar comfort.

Dressed heavy in coat, I wasn't a person that could sustain a long winter, but I am a person fond of the season. The walkways and roads were slippery, covered in piles of snow, as white as the clouds. I made my way towards the near end of the city, where I stumbled upon a fascinating view, and that's when I decided to take out my phone. Ka-cha! A picture was taken. My breath hitched, and my heart threatened to stop. Such moments in life are what inspired me to live fully. And I found myself not alone, with many people seemingly having the same reaction. I guess humans aren't so far apart from each...

Many romantic movies and dramas have been made on location here for decades, you just have to goggle and the list is easily a few pages long. Thus no surprise why many Asians consider Otaru a very romantic town and this Canal is a must visit. Still, a few rules to complete the works. Firstly, come during winter. It is simply different without the snow covered roofs though you may have to trudge through a feet of the slippery white shit. If you come during summer the warehouses simply look dirty, tired and very old. Autumn is the next close second best with lovely autumn colours and cool weather. Next, come at night. The river lights up and honestly, the darkness covered up much of the unsightly parts, if any. Lastly, don't come alone. It's probably depressing enough to see the prettier, younger couples posing for pictures and if you have to take selfies here as the only loser, you might as well shoot yourself. Bring a partner, borrow one of you have to, or, don't...

The Otaru Canal isn't just a waterway; it's a picturesque testament to the rich history of Otaru. The canal, especially in the evening light, is utterly captivating. The reflection of the city lights on the water's surface creates a symphony of color that dances between the historical warehouses adorned with ivy. A walk along the canal is a journey through time, with the gentle lapping of the water against the cobblestone pathways providing a serene soundtrack to the evening. The rustic charm of the area is accentuated by the soft glow of the gas lamps lining the walkway, casting a warm, amber light that invites romantic strolls and thoughtful solitude alike. Open 24 hours, the canal offers a unique experience at any time of day, but it's the nighttime ambiance that makes it truly unforgettable. The melding of natural beauty with the whispers of the past makes the Otaru Canal an essential visit for anyone wanting to experience the heart and soul...