In Otaru, the city of glass, these five stores give you a different kind of romantic experience

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🤗 01 北一硝子

The word “nitsuko,” pronounced as “glass,” is probably one of the words that best expresses the sense of being “in harmony with the sea. Otaru's glass manufacturing industry began more than 100 years ago when glass floats and oil lamps were used in Otaru's once thriving herring fishery. There are many glass manufacturers in Otaru nowadays, and among the many glass manufacturers in Otaru, Kitanichi Nitsuko is one of the largest and most famous. Among them, Kitanichi Glass No.3, which was converted from a Meiji-era warehouse, is the largest store.

The store is divided into three floors: Japanese, Western, and Ethnic, and sells thousands of glass products according to themes. Glass kerosene lamps from all over the world are beautifully shaped and crafted, and 167 kerosene lamps are lit up high in the store, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in a small space. Note that you can't take photos in the store, or you'll be warned by the clerk that it's forbidden.

Kitanichi-Nitsuko No.3 Hall Address: 7-26 Sakai-cho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Tel: 0134-33-1993

If you want to have a glass engraving experience, you can do so at the Kitanichi Nitro Garden Store! There are two types of experience packages available at this store.

Relaxed Package - A relaxed package that even children can experience, so pick your favorite glass object and have it engraved with your own pattern (up to three styles of stickers are available, and engraving is not included)! Duration: About 1 hour Price: Experience fee (900 yen) + glass product fee (from 1,350 yen, varies by product)

Free Package - A free package that allows you to choose as many styles as you want, and engraving is also OK! Experience time: 1.5~2 hours Price: Experience fee (1,300 yen) + glass product fee (from 1,350 yen, varies by product)

Reservations can be made by phone, fax or e-mail.

Kita-Ichi Nitori Garden Store TEL：0134-33-1991　 FAX：0134-29-0691 Email：[email protected]

In addition, you can visit the “Kitanichi Nitronome Nitronome Workshop” to see how glass is blown on site.

Kitanichi-Nitsuko Migaku Nitsuko Kobo (Glass Workshop) Address: 6-7 Sakai-cho, Otaru City Tel: 0134-33-1991

🤗 02 The Glass Studio in Otaru

Established in 1979 at the foot of Mt. Tengu, this glassmaking workshop offers a wide range of glassware for sale, as well as the opportunity to experience making glass crafts. Inspired by the beauty of the ocean, the artisans create a wide range of artistic items in blue and light green, which are sold in the store.

Reservations for glass blowing can be made directly here! You can make your own glassware by choosing from 9 colors and 3 shapes. Don't worry if it's your first time to experience glassblowing, as the staff will carefully guide you through the process, so you don't have to worry about safety issues.

In addition, the store also offers a free service to write your name or draw a design on your purchased items.

Glass blowing experience (no reception on Tuesdays, works need to be picked up the next day or mailed) Duration: 10~20 minutes per piece Price: 2,700 yen per piece

Glass Engraving Experience Duration: 1~2 hours Price: 2,160 yen per piece

Although you can come to the shop without making a reservation, it is better to make a reservation in advance because it depends on the factory's schedule. Reservations can be made by phone or e-mail. Reservation phone number: 0134-33-9390 Fax: 0134-33-9391 E-mail: [email protected]

Store address: 2-16-16, Mogami, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Tel: 0134-33-9390

🤗 03 大正硝子馆——ほっこり家

This store goes for a cute style and is a branch that gives off a cute and cuddly feeling. The store looks small from the outside, but inside you'll find a whole new world of cute glassware on the shelves. We especially recommend the Essential Oil Set, a small set of glass bears and essential oils that are only available in the store. The glass bears are available in white, brown, and pink, and the essential oils come in six flavors, so you can mix and match as you please.

This store also allows you to book an experiential program to make glassware with a glass artisan! There are several pieces to choose from, all of which are very small, cute and easy to make, so it's especially good to bring the little ones! Please call to make an appointment.

Shiny Glass Stirring Stick Experience time: 15 minutes Price: 900 yen

Cute little glass bean sprouts Experience time: 10~20 minutes Price: 1100 yen

Glass Leaf Experience time: 20~30 minutes Price: 1300 yen

Glass Dolphin Experience time: 20~30 minutes Price: 1700 yen

Glass Piggy Experience time: 20~30 minutes Price: 1700 yen

ほっこり家

Address: 4-15 Sakai-cho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Tel: 0134-32-5567

🤗 04 Advance Otaru Glass——小樽彩や　

This building has been standing here since the 40th year of the Meiji era, and has a history of more than 100 years. You can see it by walking along the street called “Otaru Sakai-cho”.

On the first floor, you can find glassware made by professional craftsmen. Both the glassware and decorative items are exquisitely crafted, colorful, and have an enchanting and dreamy glow. On the second floor, you can experience making glassware with your own hands. Beginners don't have to worry, as there are specialized staff in the store who will kindly guide them.

You can experience everything from simple glass bead making to glass blowing and glass carving, and glass bead making is a specialty of the old store Otaru Nitsuko no Lantern & Saiya.

Glass bead making experience Duration of experience: 10~15 minutes (60-minute cooling-off period for delivery, or delivery by mail) Price: Varies depending on the type of bead Experience reservation: https://www.advance-otaruglass.com/contact.html

小樽硝子の灯・彩や

Address: 1-18 Sakai-cho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Tel: 0134-61-1100

🤗 05 Nakamori Glass Atelier Otaru

This is an experiential glass workshop dressed up by glassblower Nobuto Nakamori. The old version of the owner is a multi-award-winning glassworker whose work has been featured in a number of media outlets.

The location of this store is unique, as it is located in a workshop set up in the central wholesale market in Otaru City, and the owner is a bit of an artist!

The owner is a bit of an artist, and children can experience the fun of glass blowing at this store. There is no limit to what you can do with glass, and the various works that children make are displayed on the website! There are as many as 20 colors to choose from, and the owner will personally teach you every step of the process.

It takes 1 day to cool down after the piece is made, you can choose to pick it up the next day or mail in service.

Glass blowing experience Experience time: about 20 minutes Price: From 2,700 yen

Reservations are required (please call the day before or the day of if you would like to come for the experience) https://direct.satsukisan.jp/direct/plan/calendar/pln3000004699/

Nakamori Glassworks

Address: Inside Otaru Chuo Unloading Market, 3-11-4 Inaru, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido

Tel: 0134-27-6475

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Most of the glass in Otaru is handmade, and each glass artifact is different and unique. Whether it is the distribution of patterns, the size, or the consistency of color, there is always some difference when you look closely, and it can be said that each handmade glass item in Otaru is a limited artwork that is only one of its kind in the world.

Finding souvenir gifts that represent local traditions and culture during your trip is both fun and meaningful. It is even more memorable if the souvenir, which is full of local flavor, comes from your own hands.

Whether you're a mom or dad traveling with your little one, or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, this is an experience you won't want to miss if you're in Otaru!

🤗 01 北一硝子

🤗 02 The Glass Studio in Otaru

🤗 03 大正硝子馆——ほっこり家

🤗 04 Advance Otaru Glass——小樽彩や

🤗 05 Nakamori Glass Atelier Otaru

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🤗 04 Advance Otaru Glass——小樽彩や　