Perhaps it’s the intrepid traveler in me or maybe it’s the aspiring photography buff that pushes me to go farther. In Otaru, I found myself at the end of the line; the bus would take me no further. No problem, just another opportunity to explore the cliffs near the Hiyoriyama Lighthouse and get a free glimpse at the sea lions in the aquarium. But I notice the sun is peaking through the clouds further up the coast and I see the winding road leading to the Shukutsu Panorama Observation Platform. I can’t resist and so it’s another hike up the hill and another experiential reward and of course – more photographs.
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The scenery of Shukutsu
Will hike for photos
Community writer
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Otaru Rail Museum
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Wouter Thielen
10 years ago
Freezing oceans! That must be a sight. "Winter is coming!"
Yes, get past the very touristy Otaru Canal Area and Sakaimachi Dori and it's your typical Hokkaido fishing town. Although the Old Aoyoma Villa in Shukutsu is stunning
Nemuro to the east and Abashiri in the north have the ocean freeze over in winter, and the views of icebergs floating down to Abashiri from the north as winter transitions to spring is something of an attraction the town advertises
Chris Barnes
10 years ago
Nice photos RS. Telloyd it sure does get cold in Otaru during winter, however not cold enough to freeze the ocean over. The old canal in Otaru occasionally freezes over, but i have seen Gannets break the ice its that thin!
Anonymous
10 years ago
Otaru looks like one gritty fishing village -- but beautiful scenery. I imagine it gets REALLY cold in the winter. Does the ocean freeze over I wonder?
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