A picturesque port city in Japan has hired security guards to control selfie-taking tourists at a popular photo spot. Tourism officials in Otaru, a small city on the island of Hokkaido, Japan deployed security guards this week to patrol Funamizaka Slope, a steep street known for its stunning views of the port and sea. The location, made famous by the 1995 Japanese film Love Letter, has become a hotspot for visitors seeking the perfect Instagram-worthy photo, causing congestion and safety concerns. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOKKAIDO LOVE! official_intl (@hokkaidolove.intl) According to a report by The Guardian, the move comes ahead of the Lunar New Year Spring Festival when large crowds are expected to flock to the area for coveted photos Officials say the guards are there to prevent selfie-tourists from blocking the narrow street and disrupting traffic as they pose for pictures. Authorities have tightened control following a tragic incident earlier this month when a Chinese woman died after being struck by a train in Otaru. Her husband told police she had been trying to take a photograph at a location featured in the 2015 Chinese film Cities in Love and failed to notice the approaching train. A post shared by đ‘ș𝒆𝒐𝒏 柣 (@xuanews) “This road is lined with houses and has heavy traffic,” a city official tells Japanese news agency the Mainichi Shimbun “Tourists standing on the street or walking side by side often make it impossible for vehicles to pass The impact on residents has been significant and this fiscal year has been particularly severe.” There have also been reports of tourists entering private property without permission to take the perfect photo for social media Frustration is mounting among locals in Japan as the country struggles with overtourism with visitors blocking roads for photos and ignoring local customs Last year, PetaPixel reported on how the city of Kyoto was planning to stop tourists taking photos of Geishas — with tensions over the issue reaching boiling point Unruly tourists were also poking camera lens-sized holes in a black screen erected to obstruct a popular view of Mount Fuji in Japan. Image credits: Header photo licensed via Depositphotos Become a PetaPixel Member and access our content ad-free Overseas tourists are blocking roads or walking onto railway tracks in Otaru to capture its views stoking local resentment and complaints of overtourism Authorities in Japan are stepping up measures to deter crowds of overseas visitors from taking risks in their quest for the perfect photo, in another attempt to address the negative impact of a record surge in inbound tourism. Tourism officials in Otaru, a small city in the northernmost main island of Hokkaido, deployed security guards this week to prevent people congregating on Funami-za, a steep street and the perfect spot for photos of the port and sea in the distance. Earlier this month a Chinese woman died when she was struck by a train after walking onto railway tracks in Otaru. Her husband reportedly told police his wife had been trying to photograph a location from the 2015 Chinese film Cities in Love and had not noticed the approaching train. The deployment of security guards is in response to complaints that groups of visitors are clogging up the narrow street when they stand to take photographs of the area, which was also a location in Love Letter, a 1995 Japanese film that was also a hit in China and South Korea. Read moreThe latest crackdown on shoddy behaviour by visitors coincided with figures showing that a record 36.7 million people visited Japan last year, with the government aiming to increase the figure to 60 million by the end of the decade. “This road is lined with houses and has heavy traffic,” a city official told the Mainichi Shimbun. “Tourists standing on the street or walking side by side often make it impossible for vehicles to pass. The impact on residents has been significant, and this fiscal year has been particularly severe.” “People are even entering private property without permission to take photos,” Hidetoshi Itagaki, an 80-year-old local resident, told the Kyodo news agency. Otaru’s popularity has soared beyond pre-pandemic levels. Almost 98,000 foreign tourists spent at least a night in the city in the six months from April last year, the highest number since records were first kept in 1997. The actual number is believed to be even higher, as many tourists stay in nearby Sapporo, the biggest city in Hokkaido, the Mainichi said. Read moreOfficials have been encouraging visitors to visit Japan’s regions to take the strain off “must-see” locations such as Kyoto But the surge in visitors is putting a strain on infrastructure and causing resentment among locals the problem has come to a head in recent months despite the introduction last year of multilingual signs asking visitors to respect their surroundings and local residents A weak yen and an increase in international flights to Japan have fuelled the surge in inbound tourism with South Koreans comprising the single biggest group The influx has proved a boon for hotels and shops as tourists spent a record „8tn yen ($50.8bn) last year, according to government data. Japan’s seven major convenience store chains said their combined sales had reached a record high in 2024 thanks in part to prodigious consumption of snacks and drinks by foreign tourists But overtourism has also led to a rise in complaints about overcrowding drinking on the street and other nuisance behaviour Last year a Chilean Instagram influencer was forced to apologise after filming herself doing pullups on a sacred torii shrine gate in Hokkaido, while a video of a man who appeared to be a foreign tourist kicking one of Nara’s famed deer prompted outrage on social media an American man was arrested for using his fingernails to scratch letters representing his family members’ names into a torii at Meiji Jingu shrine in Tokyo Authorities have introduced fees and capped visitor numbers on Mount Fuji and erected a screen to prevent people from congregating at a spot popular for taking photos of the mountain This week the Japan Tourism Agency released 22 pictograms encouraging visitors to be better behaved They include signs urging them to travel light to avoid heavy luggage blocking access to trains and buses welcomed visitors once more in early April after having been closed for repairs for the past 18 months The historic landmark in the Hokkaido port city of Otaru is a museum that vividly recalls the region’s heritage as a center of herring fishing please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent The museum had shut its doors in September 2023 after heavy rains caused an embankment in front of the building to collapse The facility’s reopening on April 5 was preceded by a ceremony held inside the museum We encourage everyone to visit and see these exhibits that offer glimpses into the herring fishing industry of the past,” said Shinya Ise The repair project involved reinforcing the collapsed slope with a concrete block retaining wall about 5 meters tall and 40 meters long the walkway under the eaves of the building was widened The total cost of the restoration work was about „44 million The Otaru Nishin Goten will remain open for the current season until Nov with no scheduled closures during this period Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun Fellow Stripes Japan writer Takahiro Takiguchi recommended I visit Otaru while I was around Sapporo I took his advice because there is a famous seafood market there that I wanted to check out it took my fiancĂ©e and me about 40 minutes to get to Otaru Station from Sapporo Station and soon I discovered there was much more to this coastal city in Japan than a fish market I have been using the Skyscanner app to find the best deals on plane tickets I usually check both to find the best deal you can use Google Translator on a GPS app and see what is available More options show up when using the local language Our first stop was the Sankaku Fish Market but that didn’t discourage me from entering Squeezing through crowds I found stalls selling live fish If you want to eat some seafood at the market expect to wait because of the crowds the market has a service set up to make that happen I managed to have a good time checking out all the sea creatures for sale I found something I would never expect— sea urchin-infused ice cream Hachi is an ice cream shop run by Marumasa Ogawa Food my fiancĂ©e immediately dragged me inside to give it a try I refused because I prefer simple ice cream she ordered only one cup (880 yen) because I’m certain my stomach couldn’t handle this for breakfast and I can tell you it tastes just like you’re eating sea urchin with a soft serve texture They accept credit cards and yen and you can buy sea urchin at retail I first heard about LeTao while I was visiting the Stellar Place Mall in Sapporo Station I thought it was a nice little cake shop on the B1 floor there are 5 LeTao specialty stores on one street in Otaru Each store has a variety of different snacks It may feel like you’re in a loop as you’re walking down Sakaimachi Street because of all the glass accessory stores and LeTao stores the first Letao was sweets gift specialty store that sold fluffy souffle omelets and a limited-edition item called the Lefe Fromage The next LeTao was a chocolate specialty store featuring everything chocolate a “creamy chocolate cake” with a dash of brandy whipped into Hokkaido fresh cream and chocolate mousse I purchased this cake because it said “Hokkaido fresh cream” and had it shipped back to my house in Tokyo My fiancĂ©e still calls me a thief because she only had one bite and saved it later She’s learning that she can’t do that with me around Right across the street they had LeTao’s largest store it was filled with lots of ice cream sundaes A short walk down is the LeTao Fromage Danish I ordered the Otaru Nama Fromage (fresh cheese) Danish and the Sausage Fromage (sausage and cheese) pie with a small coffee The last LeTao on the street was called Otaru and specialized in Western confectionery A first timer in Hokkaido should definitely try LeTao we stopped at one of the many souvenir glass accessory shops to buy something to remember our visit A fun fact about Otaru is that it is known for its historical canal district We didn’t have time to visit the canal district But we did bring some glass art back with us There are many little glass shops in the area that sell jewelry The glass is a bit pricey but the memory of Otaru is worth it I bought a glass art piece featuring a turtle and dog on a tatami mat I started a small collection of glass decorations a reminder of my travel across Japan Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan Today's print edition Home Delivery A 61-year-old Chinese tourist was fatally struck by a train in the city of Otaru on Thursday morning after stepping onto the tracks to take photos visiting the coastal city with her husband entered the Hakodate Line tracks near Asari Station at around 11:30 a.m according to Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); She was struck by a Rapid Airport train and rushed to a hospital in critical condition The accident occurred about 50 meters from a railway crossing in an area off-limits to the public Hokkaido Railway temporarily suspended train services following the incident affecting 19 trains and approximately 8,200 passengers The incident has added fuel to concerns about the influx of foreign tourists into Otaru where local residents say visitors frequently disrupt daily life The city has become a social media hot spot Residents have reported an increase in dangerous behavior trespassing on private property and ignoring traffic rules “Tourists regularly take photos between the crossing gates Trains have been stopped multiple times as a result This was an accident waiting to happen,” one resident said to Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting 'A train is coming!' but they don’t move,” another resident told local broadcaster Sapporo TV With the Lunar New Year approaching at the end of January authorities anticipate an even greater surge in visitors Calls are growing for immediate countermeasures to balance tourism growth with local safety and quality of life In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division Security guards were deployed Tuesday at a popular tourist spot in Otaru famed for its appearance in an acclaimed movie to prepare for an expected surge of visitors during the Lunar New Year holidays The move comes as the city has been grappling with increasingly troublesome behavior from foreign tourists on film location tours including a recent incident where a Chinese woman died after being hit by a train while taking photos on the train tracks is a key location for the 1995 Japanese movie "Love Letter," which enjoyed great popularity in China and South Korea Complaints have risen over tourists blocking narrow roads to take photos of the slope Guards in three locations were seen Tuesday holding signs in English and Korean advising visitors not to trespass on private property or take photos in the middle of a road The measures will stay in place until the end of March with local police also increasing patrols in the area "People are even entering private property without permission to take photos," said Hidetoshi Itagaki But he acknowledged that the security presence so far has reduced the number of people obstructing roads a 23-year-old university student from China's Sichuan Province said that it was sad to see Chinese tourists causing trouble in Japan which was featured in the 2015 Chinese movie "Cities in Love," Hokkaido Railway Co is considering adding safety announcements in English and Chinese on its trains Over 90,000 foreign tourists stayed in Otaru during the first half of fiscal 2024 Gov’t pictograms target tourists behaving badly 30% of tourists to Japan experienced overtourism problems in 2024 Over 85% wary of bad tourist behavior at national parks: poll To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible Join the news democracyWhere your votes decide the Top 100 Reasons for you to sign up to our newsletter here A major tourist destination in Japan has resorted to hiring security guards due to the extreme measures visitors go to in order to get the perfect picture Otaru is a small harbour city in the northernmost main island of Hokkaido It’s known for a street called Funamizaka slope (also Funami-za) which visitors flock to for pictures of the sea and the port in the distance The steep location was used in the 1995 Japanese film Love Letter and the 2015 Chinese film Cities in Love Authorities are attempting to deter crowds from risking their lives while trying to get pictures at this scenic spot after a Chinese woman died after being struck by a train The woman’s husband reportedly told police she had been trying to take a picture of the slope and had not noticed the approaching train Locals have also complained about a growing number of visitors trespassing on private property and blocking roads in their pursuit “The road is lined with houses and has heavy traffic Tourists standing on the street or walking side by side often make it impossible for vehicles to pass The impact on residents has been significant and this fiscal year has been particularly severe,” a city official told the Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun The city’s popularity has surged in recent years almost 98,000 foreign tourists spent at least one night in the small city in the six months from April 2024 the highest figure since records began in 1997 The actual number is believed to be much higher Japan remains a popular destination for foreign tourists However overtourism has led to a number of problems in other parts of the country Authorities have been forced to introduce fees and have capped visitor numbers on Mount Fuji A screen was erected in the town Fujikawaguchiko due large numbers of tourists congregating in an area outside a Lawson convenience store to photograph Mount Fuji If you are planning on visiting Japan in the near future, perhaps you'd want to try the viral mayonnaise drink that divided food bloggers How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel Sign up to our free indy100 weekly newsletter Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt A small and picturesque port city in Japan has hired security guards to police selfie-taking tourists Known for its pretty canal lined with well-preserved 19th and 20th-century warehouses Otaru is bracing for excess visitors arriving for the lunar new year offering vantage points for sea views and Instagram-worthy shots With tourists expected to gather on the famous Funamizaka slope for the Lunar New Year Spring Festival Otaru is stepping up efforts against overtourism Guards will prevent visitors from flocking to take coveted pictures of the sea and the port and clogging up the area including the 1995 Japanese film ‘Love Letter’ and the 2015 Chinese film ‘Cities in Love’ Locals in Japan are growing increasingly frustrated as the country grapples with overtourism and disruptive tourist behaviour such as blocking roads for photos and disregarding local customs Data from the Japan National Tourism Organisation reveals that 33.38 million people visited Japan between January and November of 2024 alone outpacing the previous record of 31.88 million set in 2019 Otaru’s security moves come after a 61-year-old tourist reportedly made her way onto the tracks of a local train line to get a photo when she was struck and killed by a train the female tourist stood on the tracks for a photo opportunity and did not notice the oncoming train The death prompted locals to express concern over tourists as they attempted to recreate scenes from their favourite movies with near-death incidents occurring as visitors engaged in risky behaviours to get the best photos a resident told a local TV station that the incident was “an accident waiting to happen” “Tourists regularly take photos between the crossing gates. Trains have been stopped multiple times as a result.” In response to the growing pressures of overtourism and poor visitor behaviour in Japan security guards have been deployed at key spots in Otaru earlier to manage the influx of overseas visitors and prevent further accidents guards stationed at three popular locations held English urging curious tourists to respect private property and avoid blocking roads while taking selfies The security measures will stay in place until the end of March The drastic move comes amid concerns about increasing tourist numbers' environmental and social impact especially during peak seasons like the Lunar New Year This isn’t the first time Japan has taken unusual measures to manage visitors Kawaguchiko has also seen an influx of tourists all vying for the perfect shot of Mount Fuji local officials have cracked down on misbehaving tourists has several scenic photo spots popular with visitors and photographers black screen on a stretch of sidewalk to block the view of the famous mountain and curb crowds Japan is also rolling out etiquette guidance for foreign tourists to manage over-tourism and improve visitor behaviour Signs in busy areas will remind visitors to observe local customs to stay aware of their surroundings when taking photos These measures are part of a broader campaign to address growing concerns over disruptive tourist behaviour with local authorities also distributing informational leaflets and using digital signage in multiple languages to promote respectful travel practices Japan’s hotel and tourism industry has seen a rapid recovery of late Both visitors from abroad and locals have driven demand with some tourists keen on venturing to Japan’s outlying regions This tourism resurgence in areas off the beaten path has been aided by a growing nostalgia for the Showa (1926–89) and Taisho (1912-26) periods especially among Japan’s younger generations seeking unique experiences exemplifies Tabist’s mission of supporting lodging facilities with new systems while preserving and making full use of the character and unique traits of each property Tabist Kaihourou Otaru incorporates the Former Itaya Residence a Designated Historic Landmark of Otaru City that was built in the 1920s While at one time it was feared that it would be demolished the building has been transformed into a commercial space with its rich heritage fully intact Tabist’s first flagship property, “Tabist Ginza,” is located in the bustling shopping district of Ginza It is popular among visitors for its convenient location The main building houses a restaurant that offers a breakfast buffet made with local ingredients Guests can choose between plans that include or leave out breakfast For those wishing to savor some Taisho era ambience the breakfast option is highly recommended With each one measuring over 45 square meters the rooms offer panoramic views of Otaru Port which can also be seen from the large communal bath Every room at Tabist Kaihourou Otaru is outfitted with NELL mattresses that are specially designed to reduce tossing and turning just like the rooms that feature them in Tabist Ginza Tabist Kaihourou Otaru utilizes a number of technology solutions including cashless payment terminals based on the PayCAS service provided by SoftBank Corp which also handles PayPay QR code based payments Tabist also handles all communications with online travel agencies (OTAs) with its centralized management system as well as hotel background management operations and customer support Nearby attractions include the Otaru Canal the popular confectionery store "LeTAO," and the soothing melodies of the Otaru Music Box Museum Otaru also boasts numerous ramen and sushi restaurants that feature fresh local ingredients to provide a diverse culinary experience The atmosphere of Tabist Kaihourou Otaru contrasts with the metropolitan charm of Tabist’s other flagship property For those wishing to explore a more relaxed side of Japan outside the bustling urban centers Tabist Kaihourou Otaru provides a truly unique experience Check availability at Tabist Kaihourou Otaru Tabist GINZA: Affordable and Comfortable Accommodation with Special Amenities in the Heart of Tokyo OYO Japan Rebrands as Tabist to Offer New, Localized Travel Experiences Planning to Visit Tokyo on a Budget? Three Hotels that Won’t Break the Bank (Posted on July 25, 2024)by SoftBank News Editors Information is current as of the time of publication. Company names, service names, titles and other information are subject to change. Failed to save quote. Please try again later. You cannot quote because this article is private. HomeDestinationsInterestsTop Places to Travel by MonthSearchMenuBest time to go to Japan Enjoy the spirit of event with tiny illuminated snow statues transforms the historic port city into a mesmerizing winter wonderland Scheduled to run from February 8 to February 15 the festival features thousands of handmade snow lanterns and candles that illuminate the town’s streets The festival’s charm lies in its two main venues: the Otaru Canal (Unga Kaijo) and the former Temiya Railway Line (Temiyasen Kaijo) This iconic location is adorned with floating glass buoys containing candles creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere Visitors can stroll along the canal’s pathways lined with restored warehouses and gas lamps while admiring rows of snow sculptures illuminated by flickering lights Situated along the tracks of the decommissioned railway this venue features intricate snow lanterns It has become a hub for international volunteers fostering cultural exchange among visitors residents also contribute to the magical ambiance by displaying handmade lanterns outside their homes and shops ensuring that every corner of Otaru exudes warmth and creativity The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival runs daily from 5 pm to 9 pm, allowing visitors to experience the illuminated scenery under the night sky. This timing aligns with the nearby Sapporo Snow Festival enabling tourists to attend both events during their stay in Hokkaido Otaru is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Sapporo The city’s infrastructure supports a variety of accommodations visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Otaru’s glassware shops which showcase the region’s rich cultural and culinary heritage The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival began in 1999 as a grassroots initiative by local residents and volunteers The event’s goal was to bring warmth and light to the harsh Hokkaido winters while preserving the city’s historic charm Inspired by Sei Ito’s novel Snow Light Path the festival emphasizes themes of connection and tranquility the festival remains committed to its original ethos of community participation and handmade artistry Each candle and lantern is carefully crafted and maintained by over 2,000 volunteers ensuring the event’s intimate and heartfelt atmosphere endures Unga Kaijo area Temiyasen Kaijo areaUnga Kaijo areaTemiyasen Kaijo areaLast updated: December 12, 2024Authors: , People interested a collection of four historic buildings nestled around the historic Otaru Canal which now serve as museums and galleries Demons and Ghosts features over 100 woodblock prints from the ukiyo-e era (17th through 19th Centuries) depicting demons from folk tales among other scary entities from Japanese lore “Summer in Japan is traditionally associated with ghost stories and haunted houses,” said Ayako Isozaki Despite the scary nature of Demons and Ghosts Isozaki said that the weekends see many parent and children visitors many of the monsters are from folk tales or have a charming appearance One particularly gruesome section of the exhibition titled “Bloodthirsty Paintings” has a curtain hung across its entrance with a warning sign allowing visitors to decide whether they want to take a look There are also two upcoming reservation-based special tours of the exhibition beginning with the 8 August “Yokai (ghost / monster) Day” tour and the 10 August “Oban desu (old hag)” tour adult guests are invited to enjoy a “Spooky Martini” at Bar Ignis located on the first floor of the Unwind Hotel & Bar in front of the former Mitsui Bank The cocktail is a mix of coffee-infused gin and drained coffee and costs JPY1,500 (US$10.30) Ghost and supernatural-oriented exhibitions have become something of a trend at Otaru Art Base with similarly-themed exhibits having taken place in 2019 and 2022 Although the woodblock prints displayed in Demons and Ghosts all date back to the late Eido and Meiji Eras “It seems that people’s curiosity about scary things has always been the same,” said Isozaki The Demons and Ghost exhibit began on 19 July and will run through 2 September with various discounts for students from elementary through high school For more information, visit the Demons and Ghosts exhibition page Sign up to receive Powderlife and Summerlife Digital Magazines as they are published and select other topics that interests you Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Powderlife is passionate about delivering exceptional service We believe it’s the little things that make a ski holiday so special Let us do the ground work for you and help you plan the perfect holiday Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value" Unlock exclusive perks as a Powderlife Member A link to set a new password will be sent to your email address Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy © 2007-2025 Powderlife Privacy Terms Cookies features ukiyo-e style masterpieces from the Edo through Meiji Eras (16th through 19th Centuries) depicting seasonal celebrations and motifs Many events shown in the prints are familiar cultural activities that are still enjoyed in Japan like cherry blossom viewings and firework festivals when there was a time period of particularly cold winters show denizens of Edo (present day Tokyo) frolicking in significant snow accumulations something unheard of in Japan’s capital today Works from some of the most famous ukiyo-e era artists will be on display like Utamaro Kitagawa and some prints from Hiroshige Utagawa’s One hundred Famous Views of Edo series Pleasures of the Seasons will run through 6 October everyday from 9:30am to 5pm with the exception of Wednesday 25 September Admission is JPY1000 (US$7) with discounts for elementary through high school students and free admission to those with a disability certificate There are also two free curator-led gallery tours on 17 and 22 September at 11am for those who have paid their entry fee for the exhibit For more information, see the Pleasures of the Seasons exhibition page Guards at Funamizaka slope in Otaru will help regulate visitor flow to popular tourist spot featured in 1995 Japanese film ‘Love Letter’ I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Japanese city has hired security guards to oversee a scenic vista after it became inundated with tourists Officials have been stationed to manage the overflow of tourists during the lunar new year holidays at the Funamizaka slope in Otaru of Hokkaido prefecture. The spot, featured in the 1995 Japanese film Love Letter is popular with tourists for its views of the sea A Chinese tourist was struck by a train and killed while taking pictures on the tracks near the slope earlier this month Her husband said she was trying to photograph a location featured in the 2015 Chinese film Cities in Love and did not notice the oncoming train There have been a growing number of complaints by residents about visitors blocking roads and trespassing on private property The impact on residents has been significant and this fiscal year has been particularly severe,” a city official told the Mainichi Shimbun On Tuesday, guards were stationed at three places carrying signs in English, Chinese and Korean urging visitors not to trespass on private property or take photos in the middle of the road The guards will remain deployed until the end of March and local police will step up patrols in the area “People are even entering private property without permission to take photos,” local resident Hidetoshi Itagaki Japan welcomed a record 36 million tourists in 2024 according to official numbers released this month Otaru saw over 90,000 foreign tourists staying in the city during the first half of fiscal 2024 the highest number since records began in 1997 The record surge in tourists has been attributed in major part to a weaker yen which has made Japan more attractive to international visitors. The soaring numbers, however, have sparked concerns about “overtourism” at popular destinations leading to challenges in managing visitor flow and preserving local environments Last year the Japan Tourism Agency launched a travel etiquette – a series of guidelines encouraging better behaviour from tourists such as travelling light and “minding your manners” It also produced 22 pictograms designed to be easily replicable for hotels guesthouses and other local establishments with messages like “Selfie sticks prohibited” The Japanese government has an ambitious target of attracting 60 million visitors each year by 2030 Meanwhile, following the death of the Chinese tourist near the Asari station, Hokkaido Railway Co is considering adding safety announcements in English and Chinese on its trains. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies govt and politics"},{"score":0.62698,"label":"/travel/business travel"},{"score":0.5773,"label":"/travel/specialty travel"},{"score":0.573549,"label":"/business and industrial/business operations"},{"score":0.55944,"label":"/business and industrial/construction"},{"score":0.551934,"label":"/travel/tourist facilities"},{"score":0.548311,"label":"/law 1 in the Hokkaido city attracts tourists from around Japan and around the world Japan -- Nestled along a picturesque canal in Otaru is a building with weathered brick walls and green-framed windows that transports visitors straight to a "Little Germany." Inside is a microbrewery and pub called Otaru Soko No 1 that has served authentic German-style beer brewed with locally sourced soft water and imported German malt since its opening in 1995 or "warehouse," is an appropriate name The brewery and pub are located in one of the many picturesque old-fashioned warehouses found along Otaru Canal Camille Van Puymbroeck is a Belgian freelance journalist with a big interest in anything lifestyle and ecology-related Nothing makes her more happy than visiting a former Soviet building Her work has previously been published in Metro The small port city of Otaru, located on the island of Hokkaido, has hired security guards to prevent tourists from taking selfies. The news comes after a 61-year old tourist was killed by a train in Otaru while trying to take a picture. The visitor stepped onto the tracks of a local train line, however, when doing so, she didn’t notice the train that was approaching, which struck and killed her. According to a local, this wasn’t the first time tourists created dangerous circumstances for the perfect shot. “Tourists regularly take photos between the crossing gates. Trains have been stopped multiple times as a result”, they told a local television station according to The West Australian. ĐŸĐŸŃĐŒĐŸŃ‚Ń€Đ”Ń‚ŃŒ эту публОĐșацою ĐČ Instagram ĐŸŃƒĐ±Đ»ĐžĐșацоя ĐŸŃ‚ pilsung (@pillter_) Otaru has served as the backdrop for many a movie in the past The 1995 Japanese film “Love Letter” and the 2015 Chinese film “Cities in Love” in particular still attract many tourists to the town visitors who all flock together on the same spots in order to recreate their favourite movie scene thus creating dangerous circumstances both for themselves and for others which has a population of 100,000 people itself recorded 98,678 overnight international visitors last year Day visitors making the journey from Sapporo In an attempt to streamline the many tourists the city has now hired security guards who will be stationed on popular locations Their job is to keep people from trespassing on private property and to avoid road blocks due to visitors taking selfies and other pictures three guards have been stationed in the popular Funamizaka neighbourhood known for its typical Japanese wooden and a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan With the current festive period of Lunar New Year being extremely busy in the country the plan at the moment is to keep the guards in place at least until 31 March Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website Statistics cookies collect information anonymously This information helps us to understand how our visitors use our website History Town Spots Golden Kamuy is a popular manga by Satoru Noda set in Hokkaido during the Meiji period depicting a battle for a gold nugget believed to have been left behind by the Ainu people The total number of copies of the series has exceeded an astonishing 29 million (as of August 2024) and the live-action film released in January 2024 was a huge hit which has been airing on WOWOW since October of the same year is a great way to experience the world of Golden Kamuy even more deeply we will introduce the sacred site pilgrimage spots in Otaru city in detail The first place we recommend you visit is the Otaru City Museum Canal Hall There are plenty of documents and exhibits about the history and nature of Otaru which prospered during the Meiji period through finance and herring fishing "Otaru in the late Meiji period has a strong image as a financial district energetic town where many roughnecks gathered in hopes of getting rich quick," says museum director Ishikawa Naoaki By learning what Otaru was like in the Meiji period including photographs of the old streets and tools used at the time you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the world of "Golden Kamuy." Approximately 20,000 items are on display showcasing Otaru's history from the Ainu era to modern times Photos of the old Otaru streetscape were used as production material for Golden Kamuy Many herring fishing gears that appeared in episode 2 of the drama are also on display as well as the anime and live-action staff visited the museum and thoroughly researched real materials from the Meiji period Director Ishikawa was surprised at their dedication "They researched so thoroughly." The donated autographed colored paper by Noda Satoru is on irregular display for a limited time to prevent fading The current display is scheduled to run until January 22 the film script and the Ainu costume "tetarape" are also on display Click here for details and maps of "Otaru City Museum Canal Hall" is dotted with locations used in the second episode of the drama The herring fishing grounds where tattooed prisoner Henmi Kazuo worked were filmed in front of the popular seafood restaurant Aozuka Shokudo Filming also took place at Otaru City Herring Palace on a small hill but it is currently closed and cannot be entered The Herring Palace is a historical building designated as a tangible cultural property by Hokkaido The "Old Shiratori Family Guard House," located right next to the Herring Palace and filming took place in the rugged Maehama area so you can take a stroll and reminisce about the drama's scenes Also nearby is the "Otaru Aquarium," which is recommended for visiting in combination with other sightseeing The former Shiratori guardhouse is a historic building designated by Otaru City and built in the 1870s About a 10-minute walk up the mountain from Shukutsu Beach you will find the "Nishin Goten Otaru Guest House." Within the grounds of this building is the "Former Aoyama Villa," the interior of which is open to the public for a fee it appears as the luxurious mansion of the herring fishing boss where Henmi was employed It was the model for the room where Lieutenant Tsurumi played the piano the dry landscape garden depicted on the back cover of volume 4 of the manga and the luxurious toilet that surprised Asirpa *The "ri" in Asirpa's name is lowercase A magnificent dry landscape garden and a luxurious wooden mansion The "Hidai Tenrai Room" on the second floor of the annex was the model for the original story The Arita porcelain toilet that Asirpa was amazed by its beauty *The "ri" in Asirpa's name is lowercase is a magnificent example of the skills of palace carpenters you can enjoy herring soba noodles while looking out at the courtyard Click here for details and maps of "Otaru Guest House (Former Aoyama Villa)" Otaru Romankan is located along Otaru Sakaimachi Hondori Many fans will recognize the building from its exterior this is the model for the bank that Hijikata Toshizo attacked in the original novel and film to retrieve his beloved sword and inside is a shop selling accessories and glass goods The fire wall "udatsu" that appeared in the original novel is located at the Taisho Glass Museum Main Store has been renovated and handmade glassware is displayed and sold here The wall rising up on the left side of the building is a type of fire wall called "udatsu." we also recommend stopping by the Otaru City Museum Main Building It's about a 20-minute walk from the Canal Museum mentioned at the beginning of the article you'll find the steam locomotive "Shizuka," a must-see for fans of the original work This model of the steam locomotive in which the deadly battle unfolds at the climax of the story brings to life the final battle between Hijikata Click here for details and maps of "Otaru Romankan" Click here for details and map information for "Taisho Glass Shop Main Store" Click here for details and map information for "Otaru City Museum Main Building" And for the final stop on your Golden Kamuy pilgrimage be sure to visit Shinkuraya Hanazono Main Branch in Hanazonocho Hanazono dango appears as an important prop in the scene where Lieutenant Tsurumi interrogates Sugimoto so why not end your Golden Kamuy journey by eating the famous Hanazono dango soft dumplings are priced at 400 yen each and come with tea Click here for details and map information for "Shinkuraya Hanazono Main Store" After working at an advertising agency and then at a magazine editorial department A Hokkaido native living in Sapporo who loves to eat delicious food "Radio Love is Unstoppable!" Personalities from NHK and four commercial stations in Hokkaido come together Close-up and interviews on a passionate live broadcast "I couldn't help but laugh" - Paleontologist in "formal attire" photo with giant ammonite unearthed in Hokkaido goes viral "His serious face is heartwarming" "Why is there something like this?" What is the warning sign at Memanbetsu Airport that says "No handcuffs allowed" In the background is that famous tourist spot Do you really know about "drift ice" "It's so exciting to be able to go into this space" - Inside the romantic mining heritage site → The fact that you can tour for just XXX yen is a hot topic "I really want to go" Do you eat Hokkaido's osechi on New Year's Eve? The unusual Hokkaido osechi culture and 8 classic osechi dishes Seasonal “news” of Hokkaido can be checked by category You can check the information of your “town” in one place Events” held throughout the province are easy to find and can be saved This page has been automatically translated by Google Translate service “The Joyful Practice Before Spring,” will kick off in March with a band set performance Following the recent success of his “Yakai Tour 2024~2025: Laughing Cracks,” which sold out all venues in Tokyo and Nagoya from December 2024 to January 2025 Ozora Kimishima will again be joined by his regular members: Shuhei Nishida (Guitar) The performances in Otaru at GOLDSTONE on March 9th (Sunday) and Fukuoka at BEAT STATION on March 21st (Friday) will mark the first time performing in a band set for these locations with these venues hosting the largest capacities in their history “The Room Where Sound Happens,” on March 5th (Wednesday) The EP will include tracks like “Lover,” which was released as a single in December 2024 Ohzora Kimishima Band Set “Yakai Tour 2025: The Joyful Practice Before Spring” the Ohzora Kimishima Band Set is soon ready to present a new perspective The “Joyful Practice Before Spring” will begin This tour will visit not only the major cities of Tokyo but also marks our first time performing in Fukuoka and Hokkaido this will be the largest tour I have ever done preparations are underway to show something you can only see now I hope you’ll look forward to the spring of 2025 Let spring come without a single thread out of place Venue: Otaru GOLDSTONEEvent Date: Sunday, March 9, 2025Opening/Start: 16:15 / 17:00Ticket Type: StandingCharge: „6,500 (plus drink fee)Inquiries: SMASH EASTPhone: 011-261-5569URL: https://smash-east.com Venue: Fukuoka BEAT STATIONEvent Date: Friday, March 21, 2025Opening/Start: 18:00 / 19:00Ticket Type: StandingCharge: „6,500 (plus drink fee)Inquiries: BEAPhone: 092-712-4221URL: https://bea-net.com Venue: Osaka ZEPP NAMBAEvent Date: Friday, April 4, 2025Opening/Start: 18:00 / 19:00Ticket Type: 1F Standing, 2F Reserved SeatingCharge: „6,500 (plus drink fee) / 2F Reserved Seating „7,000 (plus drink fee)Inquiries: SMASH WESTPhone: 06-6535-5569URL: https://smash-jpn.com/ Venue: Nagoya ZEPP NAGOYAEvent Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025Opening/Start: 17:00 / 18:00Ticket Type: 1F Standing, 2F Reserved SeatingCharge: „6,500 (plus drink fee) / 2F Reserved Seating „7,000 (plus drink fee)Inquiries: JailhousePhone: 052-936-6041URL: https://www.jailhouse.jp/ Venue: Tokyo ZEPP HANEDAEvent Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025Opening/Start: 18:00 / 19:00Ticket Type: 1F Standing, 2F Reserved SeatingCharge: „6,500 (plus drink fee) / 2F Reserved Seating „7,000 (plus drink fee)Inquiries: SMASHPhone: 03-3444-6751URL: https://smash-jpn.com/ Pre-Sale Ticketing: January 29, 2025 (Wednesday) 19:30 – February 9, 2025 (Sunday) 23:59URL: https://w.pia.jp/t/kimishimaohzora-g/ Ticketing Sites URL:Ticket Pia: https://w.pia.jp/t/kimishimaohzora-g/Lawson Ticket: https://l-tike.com/ohzorakimishima/e+ : https://eplus.jp/ohzora-kimishima/ NiEW Best Music is a playlist featuring artists leading the music scene and offering alternative styles in our rapidly evolving society the NiEW editorial team proudly curates outstanding music that transcends size Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Japanese version personal experience life festival Otaru City Summary citation element ć°æšœćž‚ The content may change without prior notice Please be sure to check the organizer's official website for the latest information on the event Japanese version This work, USS Rafael Peralta Conducts Port Visit in Otaru, Japan, by PO1 Devin Monroe, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright Hokkaido — A three-day event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Hokkai Seikan Otaru Factory No 3 Warehouse was held at the warehouse facing Otaru Canal and Canal Park in Otaru In addition to the usual sightseeing cruise boats extra boats were operated to transport passengers between the two event venues 12 to 14 by nonprofit organization Otaru Creative Plus to explore ways to utilize the scenic warehouse as a pilot program to liven up the city’s North Canal area drinks and other miscellaneous goods at the event venues “The buildings I see every day look different when seen from the boat,” said a 41-year-old Otaru woman who took the transport boat “I think the boats are worth operating as a means of transportation as well.” Does a good restaurant need a modern design I do not often ask myself this question when I finish dining out Throughout the past nine reviews Brandon and I have written for Bulldog Bites it has usually followed that the better restaurants have had more creative designs is a restaurant that answers unasked questions for you Otaru may disappoint people who expect restaurants to have the swagger and hipness of places like Mecha restaurateurs partner up with branding firms and are bent on making a building whose design attracts you before you even have thought about the food Otaru is located underneath Temple Street Parking Garage by the Temple and George Street intersection It has a polished black facade like every other restaurant lining the garage chef Sunny Cheng argues that this visual wow-factor does not matter His wasabi green walls and the white linen cloth are forgettable eyes and ears turn toward the restaurant’s wooden bar behind which Cheng and his sous-chefs make sushi Picked up every week from vendors in New York City the fish lay on the other side of the wooden bar’s glass partition dark red and fleshy pink indicate the joy of what is to come better than any graphic or unique artifact hanging on the wall Cheng wants you to appreciate the sushi making you can look right at the chefs as they cut the delicate slivers of toro These slices are then placed on top of rice rolls which the chefs wrap around pickled radishes and scallions the chef adds a drop of tofu sauce onto each roll Watching people blowtorch salmon to crispness or carefully press a fingertip’s worth of wasabi into a rice ball can be daunting but Cheng jumps into or starts any conversation with ease making it so the bar never goes silent for too long he blushes as if he were hearing this for the first time While I did appreciate the newfound spiciness from the mayo when I dipped my scallop roll into soy sauce the clean texture of the fish and the way the flavors start off disjointed and then slowly merge together outweighs the benefit soy sauce may add And when it comes to “omakase” Otaru makes the soy sauce decision for you “omakase” means to respectfully let another decide what is best so this dinner choice allows the chefs to do all the deciding for you The sushi that the chefs create almost always deviates from the circular rolls that are traditionally thought of when sushi comes to mind tuna and all other kinds of fish (sometimes the chefs show you a picture book with the fish you are eating) is given the dominant roll All the herbs and sauces piled on top accentuate the meat and encourage diners to embrace and enjoy raw fish Although the full “omakase,” which comes 10 ten pieces of sushi three types of sashimi and miso soup is unfortunately a $95 but a meal I encourage Yalies to try at some point throughout their time here This restaurant is already on the map for New Haven residents Every night that I dined there the house was full It is taking Yalies a bit longer to get with the times unaware that Otaru reaches capacity even on weekdays Chae-yeon and Mi-Joo had a special emotional trip in Otaru a port city in Hokkaido that retains romance MBC's entertainment program "Reaching You," which will air at 11:40 p.m will feature an analog emotional travelogue co-produced by MBC and Japan's ABC The travel "recommender" records the audio guide himself and delivers it to the "traveler" to share memories "separately and together" at the same place at different times famous for her "unnie collector" in the entertainment industry will go on a "separately and together" trip with her lovely sister Mi-Joo It contains a travelogue between Hokkaido and Otaru in Japan prepared by Lee Chae-yeon for the Americas who will become a traveler Lee Chae-yeon prepares for the trip with the desire to deepen her friendship with Mi-Joo who boasts such brilliant connections across actors and singers that she is nicknamed "unnie collector," looked forward to a trip to communicate with Lee Chae-yeon The travel theme that Chaeyeon prepared for Mi-Joo is "I hope that Chae-yeon reaches Mi-Joo and Mi-Joo reaches Chae-yeon." Otaru which is the best destination for Chae-yeon and Chae-yeon can't hide her excitement by recording audio guides in an excited voice while planning a route full of her taste in Otaru ▶ Why did Mi-Joo shout at the Otaru restaurant menu prepared by Chae-yeon It was during lunchtime that the two people's trip which continued to communicate at the same place at different times Mi-Joo will face the menu of Otaru restaurants prepared by Chae-yeon As it is a trip that follows Chae-yeon's taste Mi-Joo will leave a loud video message for Chae-yeon What was Chae-yeon's lunch menu that Mi-Joo couldn't handle I will face Chae-yeon's big eatery that I have been hiding Listen to Chae-yeon's pre-recorded audio guide and have time to share each other's favorite menus in various menus Mi-Joo also boasts an appetite as much as Chae-yeon and digests desserts to confirm what the two have in common What Chae-yeon wanted to share with Mi-Joo continued into the evening where you can capture the romantic night view of Otaru Mi-Joo talks with Chae-yeon's audio guide voice and leaves a feeling that she is riding with him who said she felt like traveling together all day sympathizes with Chae-yeon after listening to Chae-yeon's concerns left in the audio guide who faced a special gift prepared by Chae-yeon in advance at the place where she finished her trip The trip that Chae-yeon wanted to reach Mi-Joo will Mi-Joo be able to continue with her desire to reach Chae-yeon once again An analog emotional trip MBC 'I hope to reach you' with Lee Chae-yeon and Mi-Joo will air at 11:40 p.m ※ This service is provided by machine translation tool Spots Animal is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year but did you know that it also has a unique lineup of original goods but they're there so I want to check out the merchandise series on a regular basis The original mini towels featuring the Slaty-backed Gull and Black-tailed Gull are accompanied by a note stating "They're here on their own." These animals which are not kept as pets but often wander into the premises have unexpectedly been turned into merchandise and are now joining the ranks of the aquarium's souvenir corner are you lol," "The 'I'm here on my own' phrase is cute," and "This aquarium is too free," while people who have actually visited the aquarium have expressed their sympathy they're here like they own the place," and "This is really what it was like." about the birth of this "I'm Here" series The idea was born during a meeting to think up new designs for merchandise and black-tailed gulls at the Marine Mammal Park so why not use those as a motif?" This led to the decision to make merchandise As these creatures are not kept in captivity there are warning stickers on the packaging to avoid any misunderstanding Original mini towel: Black-tailed Gull (I'm here by myself) they are here on their own," is indescribably cute and the item has become so popular that it is sometimes out of stock Original mini towel sparrow (it's here by itself) Original mini towel: Black-backed gull (I'm here by myself) Original mini towel Carrion crow (I'm here by myself) Both "carrion crows" and "big-billed crows" come to the premises so the staff carefully researched which species visited more frequently and then created goods featuring "carrion crows." This shows the staff's commitment to the animals that live there You can meet the birds that appear in the "Right There" series at the Marine Mammal Park located down the hill from the main aquarium building which makes dramatic use of the natural ocean and wild birds that live outside the aquarium also drop in to play which is an attraction as you can enjoy a scene that is as close to nature as possible be sure to check out the merchandise at the souvenir shop *Goods can also be purchased at the online shop "Penta's Souvenir Shop." See details and maps for "Otaru Aquarium" on Domingo [7 minutes walk from Sapporo Station] Enjoy hot springs A comfortable stay at the 605-room "Sapporo Hotel by Granbell" [Updated for 2025] A complete guide to accessing Daiwa House Premist Dome (Sapporo Dome) and nearby hotels "So cute it's unfair" - Feel the healing power of a sleeping miniature horse [Information on the early opening on April 25th] Sapporo Odori's newest attraction Floor details and highlights of "4PLA" opening in summer 2025 A hotel in the center of Sapporo with a superb sauna and large public bath Experience the warmth that is unique to Hokkaido at "Danyuki Sapporo" [2025 Edition] 7 recommended cherry blossom spots in the Kitami and eastern Hokkaido areas Enjoy cherry blossom viewing in the great outdoors Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp The Hokkaido Brewery Keeping German Tradition Alive beckons with promises of crystal-clear air Journey to this island of abundant nature and wide-open skies—and be sure to make a stop in the port city of Otaru while you’re at it Located on the west coast of the prefecture still lined with warehouses from the port’s bustling past Located among the old warehouses is a brewhouse producing authentic German beer and serving hearty German-style cuisine Just how did authentic German brewing methods find their way to this corner of Japan Drop by for a brewery tour to find out—and then sit back and enjoy a tipple or two German beer may be the last thing you would expect to find in a northern Japanese port city a German brewmaster was brought in to ensure an authentic method of production in both spirit and practice who is in fact a descendent of the method’s originator But why the emphasis on traditional methods It all comes down to a belief that the old way results in a finished product that is superior to beer produced using modern Otaru Beer is made at two facilities in Otaru—the Otaru Zenibako Brewery which can be found on the outskirts of town and produces bottled beer for over-the-counter sales and beer for business use; and the Otaru Soko No 1 makes good use of the city’s early architecture Its stately stone walls are as worthy of admiration as its refurbished interior Built in 1924 and used as a warehouse for many years the former storage building is distinguished by its timber framing and high ceiling drawing the attention of visitors as they enjoy their beers Otaru Beer is unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in Japan The traditional German production method causes the beer’s shelf life to be short and its sensitivity level you won’t find any of the brewery’s beer available beyond a hundred-kilometer radius of the brewery the yeast is not removed at the end of the manufacturing process While this leads to a rich flavor and high nutritional value it also means that the beer is sensitive to temperature and vibration Should the beer become too warm—it tops out at twenty-four degrees Celsius—or get bounced around too much Authentic German beer with a lunch of German cuisine set aside about twenty minutes to get better acquainted with your beverage by taking a tour Join one to hear all about beer as well as the brewery’s history which are available in bottles over the counter and in stores and on draft at restaurants The bubbly weiss has a banana-like fruitiness and goes well with dishes without too strong a flavor of their own it is best enjoyed with appetizers such as sausages or terrine and with meat dishes which have been popular in Germany for over five hundred years an herbed beer cocktail of weiss and woodruff syrup The brewery also produces a lightly carbonated apple cider whose subtle sweetness lets the pleasant tartness of the apples shine through Designated drivers and visitors preferring nonalcoholic drinks will find oolong tea Among the historical warehouses that border the Otaru Canal delight in historically authentic German beer and delicious German cuisine Take the opportunity to savor flavors that hark back 250 years and become familiar with the methods brought to Japan from halfway around the world Otaru is located on the west coast of Japan’s northernmost prefecture The nearest major city to Otaru is the prefectural capital of Sapporo There are direct flights from Tokyo and other domestic airports to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport Otaru is approximately one hour and forty minutes by train from the airport and fifty minutes by train from Sapporo Station 1 can be reached on foot in approximately twelve minutes 1 is located in a popular tourist area along the Otaru Canal visitors will find the bridge Asakusabashi a top site for taking photos and the embarkation point for the sightseeing boat Sushi lovers will want to explore Sushiyadori Tengu without breaking a sweat by hopping aboard the Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Otaru Tourist Information (English) Otaru Beer (Japanese) Otaru (English) Hokkaido (English) The beer produced by Otaru Beer is brewed using authentic German brewing methods a German brewmaster has overseen production using methods that are more than 250 years old while beer cocktails and apple cider produced by the brewery are also served German beer brewed using traditional methods is a rarity in Japan Otaru Beer is only available in the Otaru area Helen hails from a small town in Central Canada Shortly after completing an honors degree in history a desire to study karate in its birthplace drew her to Japan she has earned her second dan in Goju-ryu karate fallen head-first into Japanese culture by way of cross-cultural marriage and written about Japan for a variety of publications Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages Gourmet It opened in 2015 and moved to its current location in 2021 gives off a very clean and cute impression you'll see a row of delicious-looking "Today's Muffins" (from 320 yen including tax) The types change daily and are baked in the store every day Clockwise from the top of the photo are "Earl Grey Strawberry Mascarpone," "Chocolate Orange," "Caramel Banana," and "Beef Butter Mascarpone." The outside is crispy and the inside is moist Eat it for breakfast and you'll feel happy from the morning It's called "Old-fashioned Pudding" (380 yen including tax) It's a firm pudding that's the exact opposite of the soft gooey pudding that was popular for a while The slightly bitter caramel also gives it a retro Team Buchi Neko has many connections to Hokkaido's tourist spots and facilities There are many wonderful resources in Hokkaido that we take for granted when we live there We will spread the word about the charms of this wonderful place Running a "Neo Community Center" where people and things from Kushiro come together | Kotoe Kimura recommends three "special things" in Kushiro [2025 Latest] Top 15 ramen shops in Sapporo recommended by locals The hot soup with the aroma of dried sardines will soak in your mouth Try the "Eifukucho-style Chinese noodles" at "Daikokuken" in Nanae-cho Sapporo's lunch buffet (5) Not only the food but the view and service are also top-notch The ever-evolving classic buffet JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo Restaurant & Bar "SKY J" It looks delicious!" Did you know that in Sapporo you can only get "Rokkatei's fresh cakes" at their directly managed stores? Experiences many people may have a strong impression of a ski resort there are plenty of places to play and see on the summit but it can be a bit hard for those who are not used to it This is a historic shrine dedicated to Sarutahiko Okami we met the Nose-smoked Tengu near the shrine It is said that if you stroke the Nose-smoked Tengu's big nose and make a wish you should gently stroke the tip of the nose.. Now that you've finished making wishes How about gliding through the air on the "TENGUU Zip Line" while looking down on the city of Otaru Gliding through the air with a spectacular view as your backdrop is an experience you won't have very often Photo courtesy of Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway and Ski Resort Another popular attraction is the 400m long Tenguyama Slider You can adjust the speed of the bobsled yourself so it can be enjoyed by both children and adults As you slowly make your way to the starting point in an automatic car you can take the "TENGUU Hot Air Balloon" 30m up into the sky.. the panoramic view from there will be an irreplaceable memory and TENGUU Hot Air Balloon are all paid attractions that are only available in the summer why not try interacting with the cute little animals There is a "Chipmunk Park" on Mount Tengu The chipmunks running around your feet are just adorable put it down and wait for them to come and eat This park is also only open in the summer because the chipmunks hibernate in the winter We recommend the "Tengu Soft Serve" (400 yen including tax) The karinto shaped like a tengu's nose surprisingly goes well with the soft serve ice cream The shop attached to the cafe sells "Tengu's Tall Clogs." It is said that if you climb onto these clogs and pray quietly Tengu will open the way and grant your wish they are also said to be associated with finding love Behind Takageta is the entrance to the Otaru Ski Museum and after passing through the museum you will arrive at the Tengu House On display here are about 700 large and small Tengu-related items collected from all over Japan The Tengu masks that cover the entire wall are particularly impressive The projection mapping inspired by Tenguyama is also a sight to behold Many people are probably surprised to learn that Tenguyama has so many things to see and attractions to enjoy Please come and enjoy a fun time at Tenguyama 5 easy-to-participate social good events in Hokkaido [May 2025] A big transformation for your usual illuminations We tried out a mysterious camera lens that makes stars and hearts appear [2025 Latest Edition] A winter tradition in Hokkaido [Updated for 2025] Enjoy Tomamu's winter How to enjoy the fantastic "Ice Village" and the spectacular "Frost Terrace" [Updated for 2025] Experiences that can only be had in the Sea of Okhotsk Restaurant & Farm Inn "Takahashi Farm & Shorthorn Kingdom Maburitto" (Erimo Town) - Full of the charm of shorthorn beef's "red meat" Japanese version sport Summary citation element ć°æšœćž‚ They are blocking streets to take pictures at an elevation that offers views of the port blocking traffic and creating headaches for residents and this fiscal year has been particularly severe,” a city official said The narrow street also appeared in the Japanese movie Love Letter Eighty-year-old Hidetoshi Itagaki told the Kyodo news agency that tourists enter private property without permission to take photos The city has posted signs asking tourists to respect their surroundings Related: Here’s How to Navigate Japan With Kids Japan welcomed 36.8 million tourists in 2024, breaking the 2019 record of 32 million. South Koreans led the charge, with Chinese travelers making up the second-largest group. Tourists spent more than $50 billion in the country last year, providing an economic boon for businesses. The government plans to attract 60 million tourists by 2030 but locals are already feeling the strain across the country Crowded public transportation, rising hotel prices, and littering are among the issues residents face. Additionally, some tourists’ behavior—such as dancing in crowded metros or public spaces and kicking a deer in Nara—has irritated the polite nation, which values rules and customs. Kyoto and Tokyo were included on Fodor’s No List 2025 due to the challenges these popular destinations faced in 2024 However, millions of jobs depend on tourism, making overall management a major focus for Japan. Travelers tend to concentrate in a few areas, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Mount Fuji. To alleviate congestion, the government is working to promote regional destinations and activity- and nature-based tourism. Fodor’s Go List 2025 highlighted Nikko as a must-visit destination this year for its forest trails tourism in Japan is expected to continue growing beautiful “Land of the Rising Sun,” consider exploring destinations that are slightly off the beaten path Related: The Surprising Way to See Fewer Tourists in Japan The location in question is the Funamizaka Slope, situated in a small city of Otaru on the island of Hokkaido. Made popular by the 1995 Japanese film, Love Letter, it features a steep street which offers a stunning view of the port and sea. This contributed to the street’s status as a popular tourist attraction in Japan. Visitors have been reported to engage in disruptive and even dangerous behaviours for the sake of the perfect social media-worthy photos and selfies. One resident noted that people have trespassed onto private property just to snap photos. A post shared by HOKKAIDO LOVE! official_asia (@hokkaidolove.asia) Funamizaka is a narrow and busy street flanked by houses and is easily blocked by groups of tourists The security guards posted are tasked to deter visitors from disrupting traffic and other unwanted activities that may inconvenience the locals Despite the use of multilingual signs asking visitors to behave appropriately a Chinese woman was killed by a train in Otaru while attempting to take a photograph and was unaware of the moving train This isn’t the first time Japan has resorted to such measures to keep tourists from disrupting the peace Other notable places in the country include a Lawson convenience store in Kawaguchiko which prominently features Mount Fuji in the background Its popularity as a location for photo ops prompted the installation of a black screen to obstruct the view of the mountain (Source: The Guardian) Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.  ©2024 VIJANDREN RAMADASS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ©2024 LOWYAT, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ©2024 LOWYAT By Jan 13 a former internal member of the governing council representing Academic Board who died on Sunday 12th January and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Monday the Rector said the entire Polytechnic community was in deep shock and sorrow over the demise of such a diligent and intelligent public servant who gave his all to the service of the Polytechnic and humanity extended the Polytechnic’s deepest condolences to the immediate family associates of the deceased and the good people of Ikuehi Ihima Okehi Local Government over the irreparable loss we remain consoled by the impressive records of his service to the institution particularly “We pray God in his infinite mercy grant his family well wishers and the Polytechnic community the strength to bear this loss May God forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest By May 01 Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) says increased access to finance as a fundamental pillar for sustainable livestock development made this known during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement in Lokoja Otaru said the engagement was aimed at enhancing access to finance for livestock farmers and key actors in the value chain clusters across Kogi state He noted that limited access to finance remains a major constraint preventing livestock farmers from adopting innovative technology and good animal husbandry practices to scale up their agribusiness enterprise in Kogi state clarified that L-PRES is distinct from traditional grant-based safety-net and poverty alleviation empowerment programs as it primarily focuses on credit support targeted at already established committed and business-minded individuals farmers and Key Actors in the livestock sector Otaru further disclosed that US$70 million has been earmarked for this critical sub-component of the project with funding being managed by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) “Our core mandate in Kogi State is to sensitize the profiled livestock farmers/Key Actors at the Value Chain Clusters and effectively link them to accredited Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) operating within the state,” he stated He also revealed that the DBN has accredited 17 PFIs in Kogi State The State Coordinating Office had previously engaged these institutions in a strategic meeting to deliberate on reaching out to the Profiled Livestock Farmers and Key Actors at the Value Chain Clusters for implementing this credit based intervention program Highlighting the importance of alignment with state-level priorities Otaru reiterated that the project focuses on Kogi State’s designated priority livestock value chains namely: poultry with particular emphasis on beef production The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security described the initiative as a rare and valuable opportunity extended to livestock farmers in Kogi State He urged beneficiaries not to take it for granted but to seize the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the livestock sector the Commissioner for Livestock Development encouraged farmers to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and be prepared to meet their loan obligations He emphasized that this financial intervention presents a practical and timely opportunity that must be maximized the Managing Director of the Kogi Agricultural Development Project (ADP) reaffirmed the readiness of the Livestock Extension Agents to provide technical support and advisory services He assured participants that the Livestock Extension Agents assigned to the Value Chain Clusters will carry out their responsibilities diligently and in accordance with established standards The engagement brought together a wide range of stakeholders including representatives of the Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) livestock farmers/key actors at the value chain clusters and State Steering/Technical Committee members The forum served as a collaborative platform to identify existing challenges and develop strategies to improve access to credit and financial services an essential ingredient for enhancing productivity commercialization and resilience in the livestock sector Spots was actually originally a fishing warehouse stone-clad warehouse built in 1891 (Meiji 24) was renovated and opened as a new store in 1983 (Showa 58) you can still see the trolley tracks that were actually used when the store was a fishing warehouse 3 Building is currently divided into three floors with different themes: the Western Floor The Western Floor is lined with colorful tableware and wine glasses there is a wide selection of glass tableware that is perfect for the dining table Many of the pieces have a modern feel that only glass can provide so you'll probably want to buy everything The country floor is also lined with colorful glassware What sets it apart from the other floors is that it also has a large selection of lighting fixtures Considering that Kitaichi Glass started out with oil lamps these lighting fixtures are definitely worth paying attention to They will add a nice accent to any interior and create a wonderful space Kitaichi Hall is a cafe located next to the Western floor The recommended items are the "Special Chiffon Cake" (430 yen including tax) and the "Royal Milk Tea" (350 yen including tax) The perfect amount of sweetness will soothe your fatigue after exploring the three floors We will spread the word about the charms of this wonderful Hokkaido