🏮 Otaru Debatokoji Yokocho: A nostalgic food paradise by the canal

Hi everyone! Today, I'm taking you on a trip to one of the most unique foodie yokochos in Otaru, Hokkaido— Otaru Denuki Koji Yokocho 🎉.
Located next to the Otaru Canal, this is a retro street built to evoke the atmosphere of the Showa era. Although small, it boasts a variety of Hokkaido delicacies, unique izakayas, and food stalls, allowing visitors to experience nostalgia while enjoying the unique food culture of "Port Town Otaru." 🍶🍲

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📍Where is Otaru Debatake-koji Yokocho?

• Location: Right next to the Asakusa Bridge on the Otaru Canal , it is a must-see for tourists.
• It's about a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station .
• Facing the Otaru Canal, the location is super convenient. It is best to come here for a meal after strolling around the canal.

The first time I came here, it was evening. The lanterns were lit, and the red bricks and wooden houses intertwined to create a nostalgic atmosphere. It really felt like I had stepped into the Showa era.

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🏮 The origin and history of Deba-koji

• Opened in 2007 : Otaru City has created this themed food trail to allow visitors to experience Otaru's culinary culture and retro streetscape.
• The origin of the name : "Idebato" symbolizes "bravely moving forward" and also means "breaking through difficulties", implying the spirit of Otaru's transformation from a prosperous fishing port to a tourist city.
• Features : The entire street is designed based on the Showa era, with wooden houses, red lanterns, and handwritten signs, recreating the atmosphere of a common street in post-war Japan.

The editor feels that this place is like a "nostalgic miniature of Otaru", small and warm, but full of surprises at every step.

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🌆 The atmosphere and characteristics of Deba-koji

1. Showa retro style 🎐

• Narrow paths, wooden buildings, and red lanterns exude a sense of nostalgia.
• Many shops only have a few counter seats, creating a friendly atmosphere.

2. Romantic night by the canal 🌙

• In the evening, the lights reflected on the surface of the Otaru Canal are particularly charming.
• Many people will first take pictures of the night view of the canal, and then go to Chuba Road to have a drink.

3. Locals and tourists gather together 🍻

• Although it is a tourist area, many Otaru people also come here to gather.
• I have met enthusiastic bosses who took the initiative to chat and even recommended local attractions.

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🍲 Must-try delicacies on Chubakoji Road

When you come here, you must "eat while walking". The following categories are my must-try in my opinion:

1. Seafood dishes 🦀🐟

• Otaru is famous for its port town, so of course fresh seafood is a must.
• Grilled scallops, crab legs, and sea urchin sushi are all popular dishes.
• My favorite is grilled scallops topped with cream, so sweet and juicy!

2. Genghis Khan Roast Lamb 🐑🔥

• One of Hokkaido's representative dishes, it also has a specialty store in Debatokoji.
• The hot iron pan roasted lamb with ice beer is super satisfying.

3. Izakaya side dishes 🍢

• Skewers, oden, fried chicken, and croquettes are all available at affordable prices.
• It is suitable for drinking and chatting, and feeling the common atmosphere.

4. Ramen and snacks 🍜🥟

• There are several ramen shops that offer Sapporo miso ramen and Hakodate shio ramen.
• Snacks such as dumplings and takoyaki are also popular among tourists.

5. Hokkaido alcoholic beverages 🍶🍺

• We have a wide selection of local sake, beer, and plum wine.
• The editor recommends trying the Hokkaido-exclusive beer, which goes best with grilled food.

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🎉 How to experience the trail

1. Shop tour🍶

• Each store has only a few tables or bars, so it is recommended to order a glass of wine and a small dish at each store before moving on to the next one.
• This is the only way to experience the characteristics of different stores.

2. Chat with the shop owner🤝

• Most of the bosses are enthusiastic and talkative, and will take the initiative to introduce the dishes or share stories about Otaru.
• I once had my boss give me a side dish just because I said, "The food is delicious!"

3. Night view + food combo 📸

• The perfect itinerary would be to first take photos of the night view of the Otaru Canal from Asakusa Bridge, and then go to Yokocho to enjoy dinner.

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🚆 Transportation

• JR Otaru Station : Approximately 10 minutes on foot.
• It's a short stroll from the canal, making it a great place to spend the evening on a day trip to Otaru.

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💡 Editor's Tips

1. Best time : It is recommended to go after 5 pm when the lanterns are lit to create the best atmosphere.
2. Mainly cash : Most small shops do not accept credit cards, so it is recommended to prepare cash.
3. Avoid peak hours : Weekends are more crowded, while weekday evenings are more relaxed.
4. It is better to travel with fewer people : the store is small, so 2 to 3 people are most suitable.
5. Keep warm : Winter nights are very cold, so remember to dress warmly before drinking.

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Summary: The charm of Otaru Debatokoji Yokocho

Although Otaru Debatokoji Yokocho is not big, it condenses Hokkaido cuisine, the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era, and the romance of the port town .
Here, you can eat the freshest seafood and the most authentic roast lamb, and you can also have a drink with the locals and enjoy the warm hospitality of the common people.

I feel that Debatake-koji Yokocho is like a "mini food time travel."
In addition to enjoying the canal scenery and red brick warehouses during the day, you must also spend some time in Otaru at night to experience Otaru at night. 🍻✨