Jun 15, 2013 - 1 min read

The scenery of Shukutsu

Will hike for photos

By R.S. Reynolds

Community writer

Perhaps it’s the intrepid traveler in me or maybe it’s the aspiring photography buff that pushes me to go farther. In Otaru, I found myself at the end of the line; the bus would take me no further. No problem, just another opportunity to explore the cliffs near the Hiyoriyama Lighthouse and get a free glimpse at the sea lions in the aquarium. But I notice the sun is peaking through the clouds further up the coast and I see the winding road leading to the Shukutsu Panorama Observation Platform. I can’t resist and so it’s another hike up the hill and another experiential reward and of course – more photographs.

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By R.S. Reynolds

Community writer

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Wouter Thielen 12 years ago

Freezing oceans! That must be a sight. "Winter is coming!"

R.S. Reynolds Photographer 12 years ago

Yes, get past the very touristy Otaru Canal Area and Sakaimachi Dori and it's your typical Hokkaido fishing town. Although the Old Aoyoma Villa in Shukutsu is stunning

R.S. Reynolds Photographer 12 years ago

Nemuro to the east and Abashiri in the north have the ocean freeze over in winter, and the views of icebergs floating down to Abashiri from the north as winter transitions to spring is something of an attraction the town advertises

Chris Barnes 12 years ago

Nice photos RS. Telloyd it sure does get cold in Otaru during winter, however not cold enough to freeze the ocean over. The old canal in Otaru occasionally freezes over, but i have seen Gannets break the ice its that thin!

Anonymous 12 years ago

Otaru looks like one gritty fishing village -- but beautiful scenery. I imagine it gets REALLY cold in the winter. Does the ocean freeze over I wonder?

5 comments in total

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Wouter Thielen 12 years ago

Freezing oceans! That must be a sight. "Winter is coming!"

R.S. Reynolds Photographer 12 years ago

Yes, get past the very touristy Otaru Canal Area and Sakaimachi Dori and it's your typical Hokkaido fishing town. Although the Old Aoyoma Villa in Shukutsu is stunning

R.S. Reynolds Photographer 12 years ago

Chris Barnes 12 years ago

Anonymous 12 years ago

Otaru looks like one gritty fishing village -- but beautiful scenery. I imagine it gets REALLY cold in the winter. Does the ocean freeze over I wonder?

5 comments in total