The dreamy Fairy Tale Crossroads is the starting point of Otaru Sakaimachi Dori, and the street is filled with delicious sweets, beautiful glass crafts, and all kinds of unique little shops.
Along the way, you can try snacks like melon cups and sweet tempura, and also find souvenir shops selling items like kombu and shredded squid. I recommend getting off at Minami-Otaru Station and taking a relaxed stroll toward the Otaru Canal. It’s a bit of a walk, but with all the eating and browsing along the way, you’ll get there before you know it.
Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street | Review by Star
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Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store
Founded in 1987, this is the very first location of a popular hamburger chain that now operates 17 stores mainly in Hakodate. In addition to classic items like hamburg steaks, they offer more than ten unique original burgers, including one filled with jingisukan (grilled mutton), showcasing a truly creative lineup.
The Chinese Chicken Burger is a must-try when visiting Hakodate. The unique sauce was amazing, even for someone like me who usually isn’t into Western-style sauces. One bite and I was hooked.
I also highly recommend the Hakodate-exclusive coffee milk. The fries were crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, with a great crunchy texture.
They also have special stamps inside the store. I heard each branch has a different stamp design, so it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys collecting souvenir stamps. -
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Mt. Hakodate Observatory
The Mt. Hakodate Observatory is the final stop of Mt. Hakodate Ropeway. The first floor features an inside lounge, the Ryoubi Park popular among locals as a less-crowded area to enjoy the night sceneries. The second floor features a summit shop, and restaurant selling Mt. Hakodate original goods. The third floor features a tea lounge, and the fourth floor features an observatory lounge.
This is one of the locations featured in Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram, and also the spot where Heiji confesses to Kazuha.
It’s also known as one of the world’s top three night views. After dark, you can enjoy Hakodate’s unique city lights and bay scenery. The weather wasn’t ideal when I visited, so visibility was slightly affected, but it still couldn’t hide the charm of the beautiful view. -
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Hakodate Bugyosho
Hakodate Magistrate’s Office faithfully recreates the Edo Shognate’s security base around Japan’s northern territory. It is built at the original location in the former Goryokaku (the star-shaped fort), using as much similar skills and provisions as those in the Edo Period, such as pine beams, Bingo tatami mats or sliding doors with hand-made paper.
This is also a must-visit spot for Conan fans. That roof is the one Kaito Kid stood on. You can buy a ticket to tour Hakodate Magistrate’s Office. There’s a shop across the way where you can buy a castle visit certificate, as well as Hijikata Toshizo merchandise and goshuin-style castle stamp books.
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