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Otaru in Hokkaido is a historic city sometimes said as "Roofless Museum", which means that various cultural heritage including old buildings still exists in the city, and the whole of the city looks like an open-air museum.

The post and the fireplug may be one of the examples. The old-fashioned posts like in the photo are still in use, which is rare to see in other areas of Japan.

Noh is the Japanese classical play performed to Noh singing. It is performed on the special stage called "Nohgakudo" or Noh Theater. There is a strict standard on the style of the Noh Theater, and little difference can be seen among the Noh theaters all over Japan.

June is the rainy season in most areas of Japan. On the other hand, it is the best season of the year here in Hokkaido. The sweet breeze of early summer is quite a privilege for the people living here.

We often hear that the people from other areas of Japan praise the quality of Otaru's air and water, which is also the privilege for the residents.

"Otaru Beer" is micro-brewed beer produced from malt and hops and Otaru's quality water. It's been popular among both the locals and tourists since this beer was first brewed 11 years ago.

Spring that everyone was craving for has finally arrived here in Otaru Hokkaido. For the people living in the snowy land, spring is really an inspiring season.

Early cherry blossoms are at their best now, and you can see the lovely pink colors everywhere in the city. Temiya Park, the garden of Korakuen Inn, Otaru Park, Hiraiso Park are some of the popular cherry blossoms viewing spots, and if you miss the early cherry blossoms, you will be able to enjoy late-blooming cherry blossoms for another 2-3 weeks.

If you like archaeology, the following remains might interest you.

1. Oshoro Stone Circle
Oshoro Stone Circle in Otaru, Hokkaido is actually an oval of 33m x 22m. It is said that the circle was built about 3,500 years ago, in the latter Jomon period.

長かった冬がようやく終わり、もうすぐ小樽にも桜の季節がやって来る。小樽には桜の名所がいくつかあるが、その中のひとつが、朝里川温泉街に通じるゆらぎ街道沿いの宏楽園だ。毎年見ごろの季節になると、二万坪の庭園に咲き乱れる見事な桜が、訪れる人々の目を楽しませる。

Backpackers' is a form of accommodation that is popular among those who enjoy economical trips, and like to meet people from all walks of life. However, there had been no accommodation of this style in Japan, except for youth hostels as a similar form until recent years.

Most tourists who visit Otaru in Hokkaido are busy day-trippers. They just look around a few major tourist-oriented spots in a few hours.

However, I guess that there are some who like to seek places off the beaten track instead of popular sightseeing spots.

It is welcome that the snow melts and disappears in Hokkaido. However, snowmelt in the streets is unwelcome.

Spring is the time of beginning for the Japanese.
New school year and most companies fiscal year begin in April in Japan. New pupils, students and company employees look fresh but tense somewhat.

There must be some oversea people who has just arrived, and are going to start new life in Otaru, Hokkaido.

For those who are thinking of learning Japanese language to communicate with the locals, there is a wonderful Japanese instructor in Otaru.