Otaru, Japan
Japanese flags courtesy Free Gifs & Animations
Picture copied from the 1949-1950 USS Helena CA-75 Cruise Book, "The Wake of the HELENA"
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In Otaru the HELENA moored to a pier. A serious problem was presented when it was discovered that no brow was available. The problem was solved by an ingenious method of rigging the ship's starboard gangway. However, the solution was not accomplished prior to the General's- official call. He came aboard via a Jacob's Ladder, aided by the boatswain's trusty pipe and six sideboys proving to all skeptical hands that sideboys serve some practical purpose.
Otaru appeared in most respects very similiar to Hakodate. It 'had the same "deserted by Winter but not yet ready for Spring" look about it. Streets were muddy and filled with a season's collection of rubble. In corners not exposed to the sun, snow still lay as it had drifted, partially covered with dirt.
The dwellings of stone and clay (a more permanent type of structure than the bamboo and straw huts found on the southern islands) were covered with dirt and soot giving the whole town a dingy appearance.
No recreational facilities were available but several establishments dispensing Japanese beer were "on limits" to allied personnel. |
Otaru, Japan today.
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Otaru is a small harbour town 30km West of Sapporo . Its main attraction is its charming canal district. Its a variety of Western-style from the late Meiji period buildings made the Japanese dub Otaru the "Romantic city". Have a look at the Mitsui Bank, former Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) building, Music Box Museum, among others.
Of greater interest for the Western travellers are the "herring houses", which belonged to herring fishers before the trade declined in the aftermath of WWII.
Glass-making is another reputed local industry. Tourists can make their own personalized glasses at the Otaru Unga Kogeikan, or view beautiful glasses at the Kitaichi Glass Shops and Kitaichi Venetian Museum.
The Otaru Municipal Museum houses a paraphernalia of objects related to the town's history.
Visit Otaru today. Click HERE
Otaru canal
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Otaru museum
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Otaru western style building
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