Otaru – Delightful new port in Japan
When calling on Japan, most cruise ships sail as far north as Tokyo. Few venture to explore the northern cities of Honshu and Hokkaido. As the first leg of the Asia-Pacific cruise, the Seven Seas Mariner begins its Pacific crossing in the north starting from the whacky little town of Whittier, Alaska. From there she calls on Kodiak, Alaska’s largest island, and Dutch Harbor. Sailing north of the arcing Aleutian Islands, she officially arrives in Asia via Petropavlosk, Russia on the Kamchatka Penisula. From there it is a two day sail south to the north islands of Japan. This approach affords guests a chance to experience an area of the world few travelers see.
On the island of Hokkaido, the city of Otaru is the port for Sapporo. Most people remember Sapporo from the 1972 Winter Olympic Games. Keeping that in mind it makes sense that the hills of Otaru are covered with ski runs! Otaru is called Little Sakhalin for its proximity to the Russian island. The harbor is filled with Russian ferries and fishing boats. Russian patrons were equally well represented in the department stores and groceries. Just north of Hokkaido are the Kurile Islands, also belonging to Russia they were of strategic importance to both sides during World War II.
Otaru is an old city founded on its fishing fleet. Ornately decorated brick warehouses line the canals leading from the harbor. In the late 1800’s they were used for the processing of herring. Though herring is still a major part of the city’s economy, many of the old buildings are being renovated as part of gentrified pedestrian promenade that includes colorful shops, galleries and cafes. Though the northermost city in the country prices were much more reasonable than the uber-pricey capital city of Tokyo. Otaru hopes to attract more tourists in the future as it promotes itself as a four season resort. Guests onboard the Seven Seas Mariner were very pleased with the clean and relaxed atmosphere of the city. With such great comments I hope Otaru will be included on more cruise itineraries.