• Otaru is in Hokkaido Island. Tourists visit Oraru not only from Honshu Mailand but also from China and Korea.

• In 1896, discussion to make a canal started, and completed in 1924 after 28 years since the discussion. But wherry system has been becoming obsolete just after completion of the canal. And Otaru was declining on the contrary with Sapporo-city's rapid growth. In 1966, The canal has been tried to be landfilled, in line with construction of Otaru harbor road. There were big debate whether preserve or landfill. In 1986, half southern part of the canal was landfilled and reconstructed as promenade with gas lamps. The warehouses which leave traces of past, are re-used as restaurants or haberdashers. Otaru canal has been paid attention by tourists as famous spot of sightseeing town Otaru.

Standard spot for of student tour	Canal side is warehouses of 100-year old.	Shinoda ware house of 1924-built	At night, gas lamps light
Brick made warehouse	Water reflect warehouses	Promenade beside canal	Half landfilled canal
Warehouse became fish restaurant	Warehoused looks functional only,	but leave traces of past	Let's walk around slowly
Canal side leaves history	but other side has haberdashers,	restaurants,...	continues happy shops
Inside does not look functional only.	Inside house looking brings different atmosphere	In restaurants,	local beer has been served

2003/10/01