Otaru (??? Otaru-shi) is a small harbor city, about 30 km west of Sapporo. The city faces the Ishikari Bay, and it has long served as the main port of the bay. With its many historical buildings, Otaru is one of Japan’s leading tourist destinations. Also, because it is located within a 25 minute-drive from Sapporo, the city recently has seen growth as a bedroom community.
Otaru main attraction is its charming canal district. Its a variety of Western-style from the late Meiji period buildings made the Japanese dub Otaru the “Romantic city”. Have a look at the Mitsui Bank, former Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) building, Music Box Museum, among others.
Otaru’s nickname is “the town of hills” as there are so many hills, including Jigoku-zaka (hell hill) – a very steep slope, and the long, winding Funami-zaka. Mt. Tengu-yama that towers behind Otaru is a popular ski resort in winter. There is an observation point on Mt. Tengu-yama, and the panoramic view including the whole of Otaru and its port area is absolutely wonderful. There are also cable cars to take you to the mountaintop.
Otaru is a nostalgic town, old-fashioned mood is enhanced by its architecture and layout. A beautiful large canal flows through it. You also find the old remnant of the major industry of Otaru, many glass-ware shops. As they used to make a lot of glass buoys, lamps for fishery, they had many glass-ware factories, where they’ve come to make various kinds of products to attract the visitors as days went by
Otaru Main Attractions :
1. Canal Area. Beautiful canal lined by old warehouses.
2. Herring Mansion. A wealthy fisherman’s former mansion.
3. City Museum. Museum about the history of Otaru.
How to get Otaru :
By ferry
Otaru is one of Hokkaido’s key ferry ports, and the closest to Sapporo. Shin-Nihonkai Ferry (06-6348-1120) operates a daily service between Sapporo and Niigata (18 hours, ¥6,200+) and between Sapporo and Maizuru near Kyoto (20 hours, ¥9,600+). Both services are overnight, and private cabins are available for a higher fare (the base fare buys sleeping space on the floor).
By Train
Otaru is about 30 minutes from Sapporo and 75 minutes from Chitose Airport using the “JR Rapid Aiport” (?620 and ?1,740, respectively).
Between Shin-Chitose A.P. and Sapporo, take either JR or bus. For information, the page [Access between the airport and Sapporo] is helpful.
Fares can differ depending on the occasion. Discount tickets can be available.
From Sapporo to Otaru, it’s about 38.9km, from New Chitose Airport, about 81.9km. These 3 places are lined to one another making almost straight line, making it quite easy to enjoy one-day tour including a few hours’ stay in Otaru.
For the transportation from Otaru ~ Sapporo ~ New Chitose Airport, discount ticket by JR ?One day Walk Ticket?( Ichinichi- Sampo-Kippu )( 2,040 yen ) is convenient and cheaper ( by 320 yen ).
From Sapporo to New Chitose Airport
By Airport-Express( run every 15 min.), about 35 min. 1040 yen.
From Sapporo to Otaru
By express train ( run every 30 min. ) about 30 min. 620 yen.
By Bus
From Bus Terminal, Sapporo Station, run about every 10 min.(weekday) about 55 min., 590 yen.
By rent-a -car
Drive through express, about 39km, 45 min. 1,200 yen ( toll ) besides rental of the car.
By Taxi
From JR Sapporo Sta. to Otaru downtown including the express toll, from about 9,000 to 13,000 yen, about 50 min..
For the round trip from Sapporo to Otaru, including about 3 hours’ sight-seeing in Otaru, from about 27,000 to 35,000 yen.
Otaru Nightlife
There really isn’t much in the way of nightlife in Otaru. If you want to rave, jump on a train and head into Susukino in Sapporo. FInd the Gaijin Bar and kick back.
Photos of Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan.
Otaru is a small city and has an estimated population of 137,693 and the density of 580.11 persons per km².
The Herring Mansion stands 6 kilometers outside the city, just next to the Otaru Aquarium. From Otaru Station, buses take about 30 minutes and cost 200 yen.
Otaru City Museum stands next to Otaru Canal, a 5-10 minute walk straight down the main road from Otaru Station.
The canal was completed in 1923. The canal has been developed as a walkway. It is lit at night by gas lamps and walkway lights. Located 10 minutes walk from Otaru Station
From Sapporo to Otaru, it’s about 38.9km, from New Chitose Airport, about 81.9km. These 3 places are lined to one another making almost straight line, making it quite easy to enjoy one-day tour including a few hours’ stay in Otaru.
Fukuoka (???) is the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture and is situated on the northern shore of the island of Ky?sh? in Japan, across the Korea Strait from South Korea’s Busan. Fukuoka is the largest city and metropolitan area west of Osaka.
Fukuoka Prefecture, with Fukuoka City and Kitakyushu City as its two major urban centers, offers no shortage of urban pleasures: great shopping, diverse and delicious cuisines, and eclectic entertainment.
If you want to enjoy exotic drinks with some fine music, bars and pubs in Fukuoka are just the right place for you. These bars and pubs cater to the interests of both international tourists and Japanese people alike. There are so many bars in Fukuoka, but some are focus in Oyafuko-dori the centre of Fukuoka’s bar and club scene.
Best Bars, Cafe, Nightlife, Cocktails, and Pubs in Fukuoka :
Shizuoka Prefecture (???) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Ch?bu region on Honsh? island. The capital is the city of Shizuoka. Shizuoka is a stop on the Tokaido Main Line and Tokaido Shinkansen Line between Tokyo and Osaka, and on the Tomei Expressway.
Japanese most famaoust mount “Mount Fuji” is straddling the boundary of Shizuoka. In Shizuoka, you can visit Mt Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan, 3,776m(12,385ft) and has almost perfect symmetry. Maybe nowhere in the world, you will be able to find such beautiful and highest mountain.
Shizuoka is a nice place in Japan. So many things to do in a low budget. Some nice places and tourism sites to visit in Shizuoka :
1. Strawberry Picking
2. SHIZUOKA FESTIVAL
3. Tokiwa Park
4. Sunpu Museum
5. Princess Parade in Hosoe
6. The big street dance
Shizuoka nightlife Bars KTVs Clubs Discos Pubs are really wonderful. Some best bars and KTvs Cluba of Shizuoka listed here with the address :
1. BAR NO’AGE
Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Shichiken-cho, 3-6, ACT-7, 2F
Tel. & Fax: 054-2536615
Business Hours: 18:00~02.00
2. Lifetime
Shizuoka City, Aoi-Ku, Koya machi, 11-1
Tel.: 054-250-0131
Business Hours: Tuesdays: 13:00~25:00
Saturdays: 11:00~24:00
Sundays & National Holidays: 11:00~19:00
Mondays: Off (except on National Holidays)
3. No Name Standing Bar”
4. The Ale House in Fujieda City
The Ale House
426-0061 Fujieda City, Tanuma, 1-4-12 (JR Station South Exit)
Te. & Fax: 054-6362889
Opening hours: 18:30~25:00
Closed on Mondays (Tuesdays are open, even in the case of a National Holiday)
5. Hamamatsu Izakaya/ Shochu Bar: Nikomanma
Nikomanma
432-8003 Hamamatsu City, Wachiyama, 3-4-3
Tel. & Fax: 053-4725558
Working hours: 18:00~24:00
Closed on Sundays
6. Shochu Bar: Yumeshin
Yumeshin
Shizuoka Shi Aoi Ku, Chiyoda, 1-2-1 (along the Kitakaido. A few minutes from Shizuoka Center by car, 5 minutes by bicyle, 20 minutes on foot. Bus stop nearby)
Tel./fax: 0542473651
Open every day from 16:00 till very late at night (morning!)
Very reasonable
7. Yasougin
Address: 420-0089 Shizuoka Shi, Takajo, 1-2-8, Hiyoshi Bldg 1F, first street on the right from Shin Shizuoka Center up Kitakaido
Tel. & Fax: 054-2500005
Opening hours: 19:00~02:00
Closed on Mondays
8. White Ize Cafe/Bar
White IZE
420-0857 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Miyuki-cho, 7-2, Amano Bldg. 2F (near Den Den Building, a few minutes walk from Shizuoka JR Station)
Tel.: 054-2551336
Business Hours: 17:00~02:00
Closed on Mondays
Parties welcome
Yokohama (???) is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture, located in the Kant? region of the main island of Honshu Japan. As one of the most popular tourist spots in the world Yokohama has a numerous cafes, bars and restaurants that make you vacation in Yokohama all the more enjoyable. Nightlife in Yokohama is something every tourist would like to experience.
Yokohama is famous for Yohohama Tires, Geolander, geolandar, avid, parada, es100, tyres, yk250, There are some of tyres types.
Some of the nightclubs in Yokohama attract tourists in huge numbers. This is where you swing wild to the famous scores and have a blast during your vacation in the beautiful city of Yokohama. There are numerous bars, cafes, restaurants and pubs that make nightlife in Yokohama a unique experience. These bars and pubs are great places to have some fun and make you vacation in Yokohama all the more enjoyable.
These are also of different types; there are lounges, bars, discos, cafes, pubs and so on. No matter whichever spot you choose for your Yokohama Nightlife, it is fun and amusement all the way.
Things to do and places to go in Yokohama at Nightlife :
1. Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
2. Paris Bar
3. Downbeat
4. The Tavern
5. 1890 Saloon CABLE CAR
6. Live Restaurant Bar Bar Bar
7. Stardust
8. Flash Back Café
9. Miyoshi Engeijyo
10. Yokohama Noh Theater
Best bars discos, cafes, pubs in Yokohama City such as :
1. Actor & Actress, 210 Yamashitacho
Yokohama, Japan
Traditional Bar
2.Jebel Bar, Zenkawa Maegawa Building 3F
Yokohama, Japan
Traditional Bar
3. Stardust, 2-1 Chiwakacho
Yokohama, Japan
Traditional Bar
4. Motown Cafe, 2-17-1 Minamisaiwai,
Yokohama, Japan
Pub
5. Bar Bar Bar, 1-25 Aiocho
Yokohama, Japan
Pub
6. Chigusa, 1-23 Noge, Junggu
Yokohama, Japan
Jazz/Blues Club
7. Kinrinmon, Sky Building, 29th Floor
Yokohama, Japan
Lounge
8. Bar Great Harry, 214 Yamashitacho
Yokohama, Japan
Traditional Bar
9. New Tokyo Beer Dock, Landmark Tower B 104-ku
Yokohama, Japan
Micro-Brewery
10. Downbeat, 1-43,HanaSaki-chou
Yokohama, Japan
Jazz/Blues Club
11. Grass Roots, 2-13-3 Tsuruyacho
Yokohama, Japan
Traditional Bar
12. Foggy Guys, Kannai NS Building B1
Yokohama, Japan
13. Dr. Jikyll & Mr. Hyde, 3-145 Motomachi B1
Yokohama, Japan
Traditional Bar
14. Southern Wind, 1-1 Kaigandori
Yokohama, Japan
Traditional Bar
Jazz
15. The Tavern, Nishiguchi Meiwa Building B1
Yokohama, Japan
Pub
Kyoto is an amazing blend of traditional and modern architecture. In Rakuchu, the old city centre, you’ll find the old Machiya town houses where Geisha once entertained. Most are now shops but in one or ten you can sample hundreds of varieties of local tipples such as the evil ’shochu’! But whatever you do don’t pour yourself a drink – it’s extremely rude. Notable landmarks include the Heian Shrine, Toji Temple’s five-storey pagoda and Kinkakuji Temple (or Golden Pavilion) a wonderfully tranquil place to recover from a heavy night! Visit in November and April and you’ll witness Japan’s obsession with the fiery-red Maple leaves and also with Cherry blossom which they mention in the weather forecast! And if you’re cultured-out nip to Shizuoka and Yokohama during the World Cup to catch some action.
Presently the district boasts of Pontocho in the Gion district, Kiyamachi and Kawaramachi and all these places are interspersed with the major bars and pubs of Kyoto. Some of the popular bars and pubs in Kyoto are Sake Bar Yoramu, The Hill of Tara and A Bar.
Situated on the southern side of Nijo-dori, Sake Bar Yoramu is one of the popular bars of Kyoto. The bar offers a wide array of alcoholic beverages, but then the specialty of the bar is the Japanese “rice wine”. The food menu of the bar is diverse and besides the Japanese delicacies, you can also avail other dishes pertaining to continental cuisine. The ambience of the bar is cozy and relaxing and is ideal to chat with your friends or to host your private party. This one of the best bars of the city and you can enjoy here Japan’s finest sake.
Visiting Kyoto will be more entertaining to visit their bars, pub, KTV, disco, club, and nightlife entertainment. Best of Kyoto bars are listed here :
1. Gael Irish Pub
Friendly pub in the heart of Kyoto
Gael Irish Pub
2. The River Oriental
Elegant Restaurant & Bar
3. Brown’s
Cozy British Style Garden Pub
4. The Hill of Tara
Authentic Irish Pub
5. Pub Africa
Sports Bar
6. Bar-Club Highness (Gion)
Bar & Nightclub
7. York House Italian Restaurant
Spacious Italian Restaurant
8. Sama Sama
Indonesian Bar
9. Kerala
Indian Restaurant
10. Ace Cafe
Kyoto is at the forefront of a new eastern cool Discover Ace Cafe
that takes the retro 50s and 60s
11. Bar Fakers
A cool and grungy loft bar that’s not as phoney as the name suggests
12. Bar Zinho
Not much bigger than a penalty area and with just about enough space to seat a football Discover Bar Zinho
team
13. Marble Room
White retro bucket seats line the bar and Kyoto’s cool cats takes seats or places on the Discover Marble Room
mattress-like cushions
14. D’s
A clean, well-lit place for drinks.
15. Zappa
A hidden favorite with an international menu.
16. Rub a Dub
The oldest reggae bar in Kyoto.
17. Hub
A friendly bar near Sanjo Street, popular with foreigners living and working in Japan.
18. Bar Isn’t It?
This large open-spaced bar in downtown Kyoto is famous. Isn’t It?
19. Pig and Whistle
Beer from all over the world, darts, and lots of English teachers who just finished work.
20. Pub Africa
An open-space bar with a sports/Africa theme and tasty French fries.
21. Noopy’s
Sadly, Noopy’s has shut its doors for good, but we kept our listing for it because we liked it so much.
Watch Kyoto Cruise 2009, showing the old city of Japan on Youtube here :
