Sapporo Suburban Sentimental Journey – Time at Otaru Music Box Museum

A one-hour train ride from Sapporo brings you to Otaru, where the first stop is the Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building. Built in 1912, the red brick structure warmly welcomes visitors while preserving Otaru's history and charm. Standing at the entrance is a 5.5-meter-tall steam clock that releases steam and plays melodies every 15 minutes, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Inside, over 3,000 types of music boxes are displayed. The first floor is filled with music boxes of various designs, the second floor showcases premium music boxes and jewelry cases, and the third floor features Ghibli character merchandise, offering unique attractions on each level. Notably, the third floor has an 'Easy Order' corner where visitors can create their own personalized music box, making for a special keepsake to commemorate the trip. The Otaru Music Box Museum is more than just a souvenir shop; it’s a space to experience Otaru's history and culture. If you visit Otaru, spending a leisurely time here accompanied by the gentle melodies of music boxes is highly recommended. 📍Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building Address: 4-1 Sumiyoshi-cho, Otaru City, Hokkaido Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (until 7:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays) Admission: Free Access: 7-minute walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station