Otaru Canal (Otaru Unga) used to be a central part of the city's busy harbor in the first half of the 20th century. Large vessels were unloaded onto smaller boats, which then transported the goods to warehouses along the canal.
The canal became obsolete when the Otaru port facilities were developed, but it was restored in the 1980s and the warehouses became museums, shops, cafes and restaurants.
A popular spot on a lovely summers day.