Hokkaido Kitaichi Glass - Encounter the Splendor of Glassware

"Glass" in Japanese means glass, and it is also a famous specialty of Otaru. Among the many shops in Otaru that deal in glassware, Kitaichi Glass has the longest history. Nowadays, there are several Kitaichi Glass shops and art galleries in the Sakaimachi-dori area of Otaru, where you can freely visit, choose crafts, and even experience the joy of glassmaking yourself. Upon arriving at Sakaimachi-dori, you will see many Kitaichi Glass shops on both sides of the street. Nearby, there is the Kitaichi Glass Studio where you can watch the glassmaking process, as well as the Kitaichi Venetian Art Museum that displays Italian glass art and aristocratic culture. Among so many shops, the most famous is the Kitaichi Glass No. 3 Pavilion. The store itself is a retro transformation of a stone warehouse building from the Meiji period and European-style architecture. The glassware in Pavilion No. 3 is categorized and each has its own characteristics, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand yen. I believe you will definitely find the right one for yourself! Glass blowing viewing hours are 9:30-16:30 Closed on Tuesdays Painted glass bead viewing hours are 9:30-17:30 Closed on Thursdays. Walking south on Sakaimachi-dori, there is a Kitaichi Glass outlet, which is a discount store selling discontinued items, reissues of popular products, and slightly flawed items at more affordable prices, where you can find some great deals. If you are interested in Italian glass art, you might want to walk north of Pavilion No. 3 to see the Kitaichi Venetian Art Museum. In this five-story European-style building, permanent exhibitions display 17th and 18th-century European aristocratic clothing, daily necessities, etc., Museum admission is 700 yen, Opening hours are 8:45-18:00 (entry stops at 17:30). There are also European court costume experience activities, Furthermore, about 1.2 kilometers west of Kitaichi Glass No. 3 Pavilion is the Kitaichi Glass Garden Shop (Address: 1-6-10 Hanazono, Otaru City), where you can participate in a glass engraving experience and create your own unique glass cup. Experience hours are 10:30-16:30, The cost starts at 2250 yen, and the whole process takes about 1-2 hours. Additionally, there are simple experiences in making small items such as jewelry, The cost starts at 470 yen. How to get there: 1️⃣Bus: Take the JR to Minami-Otaru Station and walk for about 10 minutes to reach Kitaichi Glass No. 3 Pavilion, and about 20 minutes to reach Kitaichi Glass Garden Shop. 2️⃣Take the JR to Otaru Station and walk for about 20 minutes to reach Kitaichi Glass No. 3 Pavilion, and about 7 minutes to reach Kitaichi Glass Garden Shop.