Welcome inspection party from Taiwan:) wz Kimono

Hello, how are you？

Today, an inspection party from Taiwan visited Otaru!!

They gave us wonderful messages. They hope that Hokkaido's tourism industry becomes cheerful as soon as possible.

We would like to do our best, thanks for coming to Otaru.

In addition, I got good chance to experience Japanese culture to welcome them.

That is...wearing Kimono.

Kimono is Japanese traditional clothes and you might think it's difficult to wear but there's nice shop in Otaru.

Name is "Otome no kimono" (乙女のきもの）.

This shop has many kinds of antique Kimono, little items, Japanese old bags, hair accessories and so on. They sell Kimono from 1,000 yen (about US$10) and has rental Kimono too.

Of course they help you to wear Kimono.

Would you like to stroll in Otaru wearing Kimono and feeling good old atmosphere of Otaru??

Welcome to Otaru!!

Inspection party from Taiwan:)

Inside the shop "Otome no Kimono"

Many old little items

Me with Kimono

Everybody were ready with Happi coat:)

Umm...strange pose:-P

Access Guide in Otaru

Hello, we made very useful guide for foreign tourists.

This is "Access Guide in Otaru".

It's mentioned that how to get on JR train, bus, cruise and hire bicycles in Otaru.

In addition, it shows bus stops and JR stations of four areas. (Mt.Tengu, Asarigawa hot spring, Shukutsu and Beaches.)

I drew some pictures myself. I would like you to see it :)

We have this access guide at each three tourist information. (JR Otaru station, Clanal plaza and Asakusa bridge) and you can download this guide on the website of Otaru tourism association. ⇒http://www.otaru.gr.jp/

There's some pictures to show how to fold it on the website. (Thanks a lot Mr.Harada!!)

When you come to Otaru, please get it and it will help your strolling!!

Would you like Sakura map?

Hello, how are ya?

Otaru has many beauty spots of "Sakura" (Cherry blossoms).

I think you already know but, "Sakura" is Japanese national flower.

The best season to see Sakura in Otaru is from the begging to the middle of May.

Before this season, we have been making "Otaru Sakura Map" ourselves every year in the past, but this year, this map was changed and published a lot.

This map has eight areas information, but only in Japanese.

If you would like to visit these parks with this map, please visit our tourist information and ask staff. We will help you!!

Spring is coming...

When I walked at middle of Otaru city, I saw different sight from usual today. This river is "Myoken-river" which is located under the "Sushi-ya dori street". Usually this river flows calmly but in this season, the snows begun to melt and streamflow becomes fast. This is one of our spring... :)

He is not tourist :)

He is Shuna-chan.

He often comes to tourist information at Asakusa bridge for walking.

He always plays with tourists and turns on his charm in front of the tourist information.

His master said "Oh, you don't have to come in to the tourist information, you're not tourist!" :)

Today's Canal

Today's canal became a date spot for ducks.

They're swimming peacefully.

Last year, I saw parent's ducks and many their babies.

I look forward to seeing new babies:)

Date of sea gulls

Gas lamps are popular spots for sea gulls to take a rest.

There are many gas lamps along the canal.

Would you like to relax here??