2016/12/05

Otaru Chuo Bus Schedule - Winter 2016 (Dec. 1, 2016~March 31, 2017)

CHUO BUS SCHEDULE 

WINTER 2016
Effective DECEMBER 1, 2016 ~ MARCH 31, 2017




Please note the bus schedule for Chuo Bus has been updated, 

effective December 1, 2016.

To view the latest timetable for the 

  Otaru Stroller's Bus  
Sakai Machi Shopping Street, Marchen Crossroads

  Tenguyama Ropeway Line  
Mt. Tengu

  Otaru Aquarium Line  
Otaru Museum, Otaru Kihinkan, Otaru Aquarium

please click on the link below.


※ Please note the Otaru Aquarium is closed until December 16, 2016 
and will reopen for the winter season on December 17, 2016. 

2016/12/01

2016 Otaru City Map

OTARU CITY MAP


With the Otaru and Yoichi Snow Story currently being held and the upcoming Snow Light Path Festival next year February, many of you may be planning a trip to Otaru. To help prepare for your trip, here is the latest city map along with a quick guide to the major tourist attractions near the JR Otaru Station. 

 Otaru City Map
                                                                                            (click on map for a larger view)


It is a quick ten-minute walk from the JR Otaru Station down to the Canal Plaza Tourist Information Center and Otaru Canal.  Once you exit the station, continue going straight down the street right in front (Chuodori Street) to reach the Otaru Canal.
  
 JR Otaru Station

    


 10-minute walk 
Canal Plaza Tourist Information Center 
and Otaru Canal

 
     



 5-minute walk along the canal 


    
    


Asakusa Bridge & Asakusa Bridge Tourist Information Center


   

 3-minute walk 

Sakaimachidori Shopping Street
(Highlighted in blue on the map)
Taisho Glass

Kitaichi Glass / Kitaichi Hall
  

LeTAO / Marchen Crossroads
  
Music Box Museum / Steam Clock
  


If you're heading toward Sapporo by train, you can turn around and go back to JR Otaru Station 
OR
if you're short on time, it is an additional
10-minute walk  to
  
 JR Minami Otaru Station
  
All trains (Rapid, Semi-Rapid and Local) departing from JR Otaru Station heading to Sapporo stop at this station as well.






It's cold outside so make sure to dress warm! 

We look forward to seeing you!




2016/11/28

Otaru Aquarium Closed Until Winter Season Opening Day - December 17, 2016



The Otaru Aquarium finished its regular season on Sunday, November 27, 2016. It will be closed until Friday, December 16 and will reopen for the winter season on Saturday, December 17.



CLOSED
Nov. 28, 2016 (Monday) ~ Dec. 16, 2016 (Friday)



雪の結晶 雪の結晶 ゆきだるまゆきだるま 雪の結晶  雪の結晶  WINTER SEASON  雪の結晶 雪の結晶 ゆきだるまゆきだるま 雪の結晶 雪の結晶
OPEN:  Dec. 17, 2016 (Saturday)
                   ~ Feb. 26, 2017 (Sunday)

Business Hours: Daily 10:00 am ~ 4:00 pm 
                    (last entry at 3:30 pm)

Admission:   Adult (Ages 16+)             ¥1,000
                   Child (Ages 6 to 15)         ¥   400
                   Preschool (Ages 3 to 5)    ¥   200


OTARU AQUARIUM
3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru City,Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan
Phone:+(81)134-33-1400 http://otaru-aq.jp   
E-mail: info@otaru-aq.jp





Behind the Scenes ~Ukidama Glass Float Tree~


🎬🎬  Here is a behind the scenes look at how the 
Ukidama (Glass Float) Tree was completed.  🎬🎬

⛄ It was a cold snowy day when the large tree frame 
arrived on a flatbed truck. 


🌲 With the help of a crane, staff members positioned
 the tree in place. 

 
 
 


🔵 Once set, Ukidama glass floats were brought out and carefully hand-placed onto the tree.




🌟 One of the staff whose light on his feet easily climbed up to place the large snowflake tree topper.



🎄 Some final adjustments...


📦 clean up the glass float boxes...



turn on the lights...and

花火  花火  花火  花火  Ta-da!  花火  花火  花火  花火 




As the sun went down, the lights grew brighter and...

ききらきらききらきら Voilà きらきらききらきらき



The tree will be lit up every day from 4 pm to midnight until January 31, 2017. It's even more beautiful in person so please stop by!