Herring fishing! Coal mining! And would you believe… even music box manufacturing? Otaru, located on the island of Hokkaido, has certainly experienced a history of boom cycles, but the herring era, when its waters supplied all of Asia, holds a significant place in the city’s history. Icons remain in the form of 19th-century tycoons’ “herring mansions” — like the coast-hugging Otaru-shi Nishin Goten — which still captivate visitors. Beyond its historical significance, the island’s scenic natural attractions, such as national parks and its rugged west coast, offer timeless appeal. The freshness of the sushi is, of course, unsurprising, while the local whiskey distillery — perhaps surprisingly — uses traditional Scottish methods to produce a smoky malt. Do not miss exploring the nearby capital city, Sapporo, and its attractions, such as Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill at Hokkaido Agricultural Experimental Station, which showcases the pastureland of Sapporo’s outskirts, and the 482-foot Sapporo TV Tower at Sapporo Odori Park, which offers stunning city views, day and night.
