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DAGUDA is a jazz quartette playing an active role in Otaru's music scene. DAGUDA creates unique music under the conceptual themes of Gray past, universe, nature, coexistence, and harmony. The album titled "Talks among The Moon, Earth and Forest" is the mini CD released in 2006.

There are lots of entertainments to enjoy Otaru's night. If you love beer and music, Otaru Soko No.1 is the right place to satisfy the both purposes at a time.

Early this morning I drove to Shukutsu area, a major viewing spot for sunset and sunrise in Otaru Hokkaido, to see this year's first sunrise.

The viewing platform was crowded with many young people and photographers who came to capture the sunrise. It was fine on this new year's day so we all succeeded in being circumfused with this year's early-morning sunlight.

Most of the tourists attractions are within easy access of the city centre by bus or on foot in Otaru. One-day Pass of Hokkaido Chuo Bus is handy and economical to get around the city. You can use this pass to take the ¥210-fare rate buses within Otaru as many times as you like.

From New Chitose AirportTake JR Hokkaido's "Rapid Airport Train" (快速エアポート) for Otaru. The services are available every 30 minuets by day. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Otaru. Fare (one way): ¥1,740 (New Chitose Airport - Otaru)

For most visitors to Otaru in Hokkaido, JR Otaru station may be the place you first arrive and start your trip.

The station staff work out an elaborate plan to please those visitors’ eye every season, and at this time, the station is filled with Christmasy feel.

The photos are some examples of decorations, the lamps on the huge window are permanent, though.

The feature of this year is the display of glass Christmas trees made by glass artists in Otaru.

Otaru is known as the birthplace of Hokkaido’s railway. In 1880, the track construction of Horonai Railway, the first railway in Hokkaido, began here in Otaru, and it officially opened in 1882.

1. Otaru Aquarium, Nishin Goten(Herring Mansion)
Take No.10 or 11 bus to "Otaru Suizokukan(Aquarium)" from the gate No.3 of Hokkaido Chuo Bus Otaru Terminal in front of JR Otaru station. Otaru Aquarium is the last stop of the line. Herring Mansion is about 5-minuite-walk from the bus stop.

2. Mt.Tengu, The Glass Studio in Otaru
Take No.9 bus to "Tengu-yama Ropeway" from the gate No.3 of Chuo Bus Otaru Terminal.

Most of the popular tourist spots are accessible by route bus.

The bus fare for a ride is ¥210 in most lines.

Wing Bay Otaru's big tree is twinkling again. This year's tree is a 22 meter high and 100-year-old pine, that is decorated with 40,000 electric bulbs.

The bay area with the light of this big tree and the nearby Illuminations Contest is one of the high spots of Otaru Hokkaido in winter.

Place: front garden of "Nature Chamber", Wing Bay Otaru

Period: Nov.10 2006 - Feb.18 2007 (16:00 - 22:00)