| Admission | ¥300 |
| Opening Hours | 9:30 - 17:00 Information center closes at 18:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 013-4221-258 |
| Notes | Museum, wheelchair access, lockers available, sled activities (winter), paid parking close by |
| Location / Getting There | The museum is located right by Otaru Canal. It is a 10 minute walk south from Otaru train station. From the exit, walk down the main road to the canal. The museum is on the left, along route 454 2 Chome-1-20 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031 |
Otaru City General Museum Canal Museum has an extensive collection that introduces the history of Otaru City including information on the natural environment. The exhibition includes 20,000 objects and materials in its collection. The museum is located by Otaru Canal and can be found in the ‘former Otaru warehouse’. This beautiful building was constructed in 1887. The museum itself is a historical icon. In 2007, the museum was opened as well as the Otaru Information Center which has direct access to the museum.
The first exhibition room looks at the history of Otaru from its origins connected with the Ainu. There are materials related to the Ainu as well as the herring fishing industry. The latter part of the exhibition looks at a cityscape of Otaru during the Taisho era (1912 – 1926). There are some hands on exhibits here. The second exhibition room looks at the extensive flora and fauna of the Otaru area. These fascinating exhibits include a skeleton of a giant sea lion. Apart from the museum, there is a nice small coffee shop located in the information center. The information center is recognizable by its champagne glass pyramid. This room as tonnes of information about Otaru. Very useful for tourists.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥600 - ¥1000 |
| Opening Hours | 10:30 - 19:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-221-1007 |
| Notes | Coffee shop, no parking, seating 16, alcohol served |
| Location | The restaurant can be found in the Tanukikoji Shopping arcade on the first block, in Sapporo. There is no parking but there is paid parking around the area. Via public transport, the restaurant is a 3 minute walk from Odori subway station. 〒060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Jonishi, 1 Chome-12, 1-chome South Tanukikoji |
Gaccha is a small cafe on the first block of the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade. It is the very first store on the corner as you make your way through the entrance to Tanuki Koji. The coffee shop, being on the corner faces Soseigawa Park. This coffee shop is a cool little place in a convenient spot that is close to a lot of well known places in Sapporo. The layout is open and the walls are lined with bits and pieces, ornaments and other interesting collectibles.
The coffee here is pretty good but that’s not all that is sold here. They have alcohol on the menu as well. There is wine and beer as well if you are looking for something a little stronger than coffee. There is also a little food here on the menu but it is just small. If you are looking for a large lunch or evening meal, Gaccha probably won’t be enough. They excel in mainly coffees and drinks. There is outside seating in the warmer months as well.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 07:00 - 18:00 10:00 - 17:00 coffee shop |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | - |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot, car needed or bus travel available, restrooms, souvenir store, cafe |
| Location / Getting There | The park is a 30 minute drive south from central Obihiro, take route 236. For those using public transport, from the bus terminal in front of JR Obihiro Station, take the Tokachi Bus bound for "Hiroo" and get off at the "Happiness" bus stop (about 45 minutes). It's 5 minute walk from here. From the Tokachi airport, it only a 5 minute drive or taxi ride. Obihiro, Hokkaido 089-1246 |
Kōfuku Station is a closed railway station from the now defunct Hiroo line. The station originally opened on 1st November 1956, but the line, which went from Obihiro to Hiroo, was discontinued in 1987 bringing an end to the station. Even though the station closed down, it still remains a popular sightseeing spot for tourists. Why? Well, it comes down to the name of the station. The name Kofuku (幸福）translates to “happiness” and the station became famous after it was featured on a Japanese NHK TV travel programme which aired in 1973. The station name is formed from the combination of the original name of the area, Kōshin. Plus many farmers settled here in 1902 coming from Fukui prefecture after flooding. Kō + Fuku = Kōfuku.
Kōfuku Station is part of Kōfuku Kōtsu Park. In this area, there is a nice little coffee shop, plus a small souvenir store (the Kōfuku train ticket is a very popular item), and photography area. There are two old trains here that have been turned into small museums. This area is especially popular for couples as the site was chosen as a ‘Sanctuary for Lovers’ in 2008. There is a special bell here that can be rung for good luck, plus the main attraction is the small hut here. You can write a message on a pink ticket and stick it to the wall. The hut is covered with thousands of these messages. Kōfuku Station is a popular spot to visit, if you can get out that way.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 17:30 Bench Time Cafe 11:00 - 20:30 Yakiton Hidaka (Yakitori Restaurant) 11:00 - 21:00 Restaurant Yamasho (Chinese Restaurant) |
| Closed | Thursdays - Restaurant Yamasho Tuesdays - Bench Time Cafe |
| Contact | 011-4647-3650 Bench Time Cafe 011-4647-2989 Yakiton Hidaka 011-4647-3369 Restaurant Yamasho |
| Notes | Rest area, photography spot, land mark, parking available, 3 restaurants under mural |
| Location / Getting There | On the south eastern coast of Hokkaido. The rest stop is a 15-minute walk from Seppu Station on the JR Hidaka Main Line, under the mural of a horse along National Route 235. It's a 6 minute drive from central Niikappu. 292 1 Seppucho, Niikappu, Niikappu District, Hokkaido 059-2412 |
Niikappu is a town and sub prefecture on the south coast of Hokkaido. The area is known mainly for its production of racehorses. You can find statues and symbols of horses all across the town. On the border of the town of Niikappu and along the ocean drive there you can see the Niikappu mural. It is easy to see and it’s also the mark for where the rest stop is. This area is home to three restaurants that are open for lunch and dinner. Travelers have the option of a coffee shop, Chinese, or BBQ.
The mural itself raises high on the cliff face and depicts three race horses charging along. This area is also a nice spot to take a break as it faces the ocean. The coffee shop ‘Bench Time’ has a western menu with curries and some ice-cream to enjoy. There is a bench out the front to sit and enjoy the sun. ‘Yakiton Hidaka’ is right next door and they have set meals which include a meat dish served with rice. They are open for dinner for those on a long drive. Lastly, Restaurant Yamasho is a Chinese restaurant that serves excellent meals. Enjoy a lunch or dinner and watch the sunset! The Niikappu Mural is handy spot to relax and grab a bite for those on driving down the coastal road.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1000 |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 - 16:30 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0136-22-5705 |
| Notes | Coffee shop, small grocery store, wifi, seating 16, parking, wheelchair access, no smoking |
| Location / Getting There | This cafe is located in central Kutchan. It is at the front of Tsutaya book and DVD rental. Can be accessed from route 5 which runs through Kutchan. 〒044-0031 Hokkaido, Abuta District, Kutchan, Minami 1 Jonishi, 1−27 |
In the center of Kutchan and on the main street you can find a very nice small cafe called Vida Café. It is part of the Tsutaya book store and is located on the corner with large glass windows overlooking the parking lot. At this cafe you can pick up a simple coffee or a light snack. The menu has pictures and the friendly speak English. For those from overseas, it is easy to order. The food menu is small but enough. They have hashed beef with rice, pizza and an omelette dish on the menu, plus a few coffees. The comfortable seats are the perfect spot to enjoy a nice meal.
This coffee shop also serves as a small store. The cafe sells souvenirs, plus it has a lot of food items to take home. They have a huge range of curries to buy. These curries are pre mixed and are easy to make a delicious meal. There are plenty of other snacks on the shelves. There are also magazines and brochures to flip through while sipping on your coffee, hot chocolate or tea, plus there is free wifi here. This is one of the few places in Kutchan in which to relax, have a light meal and enjoy a tea. It is also just across the road from the Lucky supermarket so there is plenty of parking.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1500- ¥3000 |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Closed | Thursdays |
| Contact | 090-6444-8172 |
| Notes | Italian & Spanish restaurant, cafe & grocery store, outside seating, imported beer, arts & craft store, no parking |
| Location / Getting There | Chiosco is located in central Sapporo, near the west end of Odori Park, and diagonally across from Sapporo Museum. It is along Odori Avenue. The closest station is Nishi 11 Chome subway station, on the Tozai Line (orange line). It is a 5 minute walk west from here. 〒060-0042 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Odorinishi, 14 Chome−１−14 NEO ビル 1F |
Situated just one block west from Odori Park and is a popular place that serves as a restaurant, cafe, small grocery store, and an arts and crafts boutique. It is a small slice of Europe tucked away in central Sapporo. The owner has spent a lot of time in Italy and Spain and has bought many of the delicacies back to the tables of Chiosco. The main restaurant is to the back of the premises and is a great spot for dinner parties. The main part of Chiosco serves as a coffee shop. It has some tables out the front and are perfect for outside dining in the warmer months.
It is here you can enjoy a coffee, a nice lunch, or sip on one of the many imported beers that are on the menu. The large wide street is also nice to do some people watching. To the left of the register is a small arts and craft store. You can find some beautifully designed items here. They sell plates, bowls, cooking goods, sculptures, utensils and ornaments. They are on the pricey side so don’t forget your wallet! Below the register is a glass counter filled with Italian and Spanish cheeses, meats, salads, and dressings. These are not easily found elsewhere, making a Chiosco a good spot to pick some delicacies to take home. Last, but not least, the coffee here is really good. Take a seat and enjoy your surroundings. Chiosco, is definitely a great store to visit!
