Hokkaido - Otaru Canal (小樽運河) - An Otaru Must-See

A spot on just about any Hokkaido itinerary, Otaru's canal was once a part of its busy port system, even known by some as the gateway to Hokkaido. While the canal's original functions were superseded by more modern dock facilities elsewhere in the area, a portion of the historic area was fortunately preserved and restored in the 80s. These days, the old former warehouses maintain their scenic outward appearances, while housing modern shopping facilities, museums, and more on the inside, lit by old-fashioned gas lamps.