Sakaimachi Street is peak “main character” energy. Set among historic warehouses with old-school port town charm, it’s lined with souvenir stores, glass studios, dessert shops, music boxes, and snacks you absolutely didn’t plan on eating… but did anyway. The vibe is touristy in the best, nostalgic way, especially when it’s snowing and everything feels straight out of a Studio Ghibli scene. It’s walkable, cozy, a little magical, and basically Otaru showing off, which is totally fair. Bonus: it’s just a short stroll from the iconic Otaru Canal.

Make sure you check out the Otaru Music Box Museum for its charming, old-world displays, souvenirs and fairytale vibes, and swing by Kakumarudou for the Ghibli- or Snoopy-themed snow sculptures that often pop up out the front in winter, they’re as cute as you’re imagining.