Exploring a city that refuses to die ❄️ OTARU

With temperatures well below freezing, I walked the streets of Otaru, Japan in winter. Once Hokkaido's center of business and wealth, Otaru today is in the shadow of nearby booming Sapporo. But Otaru has its own identity, with its famous historic canal and warehouse area, the remnants of Hokkaido's oldest train line running through town, and some very hardy citizens. In this video I first wander the streets of Otaru at night, finding fresh sushi for dinner and looking for those ancient train tracks somewhere under the huge, dark piles of snow. Then the next day I see the Otaru Canal area: incredible snowy scenes in the sunshine, lots of tourists negotiating the icy walkways, and row upon row of the biggest icicles I've ever seen. Fun walk around a very cold and beautiful city.
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[@cozcalconcozcalcon7802]

I have always lived where it snows. When walking in most snow I think it is best to wear soccer cleats outside and regular shoes inside. Beautiful area. I really enjoy watching your videos. I can't travel as much anymore due to medical conditions. So I travel by way of KZbin.

[@T1DWanderer]

Thanks for the tips. Glad you're watching

[@blueptconvertible]

Being from Wisconsin the weather in Otaru looks like fun. But what I came to reply here is that there is a product called crampons that are like cleats you can attach to your shoes for traction. Tips from the north ❄️

[@user-ri5vf8jy9j]

I lived in Minneapolis for 35 years and your time in Otaru reminded me of the old days in MN. With climate change it's been years since I've seen snow like that though. Looks like a Fascinating city, and while $38 for that dinner wasn't in your budget, it sure looked good. Sushi like that in Chicago where I am now would be at least double what you paid. Great video. Thanks man.

[@MrOtis1956]

Thanks. Here in Alabama don't get to see snow like this except.... When Hell freezes over!! ..... So to speak.....Stay warm and keep sharing....

[@T1DWanderer]

Heh, no, we Alabama and Georgia people can hardly imagine this stuff

[@kj9093]

Wow! That is a lot of snow! It looks like a really cool place!

[@Barley150]

Hey Jeremy! That was fun, but it's chilly here in Sacramento CA this morning, so all that snow and ice was especially chilling to see. As a Georgian, you may feel that's all new and exciting, but as an ex-Chicagoan, I'm reminded of the difficulty of living in seriously cold country. Did you get into skiing areas? See any skating in Otaru? Your videos remind me that Japan, like California, Vietnam and Chile, there is a lot of latitudinal range. Is it downright tropical in the southernmost country? I don't remember palm trees in Sasebo. I think you mentioned your travel plans this summer, but I don't remember -- back in the States?

[@T1DWanderer]

Yes, it felt like I was in the middle of Antarctica. But anyone from Chicago would be underwhelmed lol! Southern Japan is tropical islands (Okinawa), closer to Taiwan. So yeah there's a pretty extreme range in Japan. I hope to be back in the States at some point this year, but am still figuring out plans

[@StrawberryMilk-kq1sc]

Wonderful place❄️☃️, super nice video. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@T1DWanderer]

Thank you very much

[@JoshGoesSlow]

Love your vlogs! I’d love to get over to Japan sometimes soon, keep up the good work!

[@tonybrigner3866]

great walking tour thank you

[@CathyS_Bx]

For the most part, the snow looked so clean! Not like the Bronx, lol. Thanks for the tour and, oh!, the canal, the sea . . .

[@T1DWanderer]

I know people who live in snowy cities complaint that it's pretty when new, but then it gets all dirty. I think I got lucky with my timing in Otaru

[@clarkmadrosen1780]

Looks like you should make a video on scarf trying 😊. Beautiful area. Looks so safe at night there Those beds on the floor would be hard to use. Kids would love them. Be careful. That ice strikes out of no where. Falling hurts 😮 Excellent video. Keep them coming safely . 😊

[@T1DWanderer]

Thanks. I try to keep safe -- in between being mesmerized by the scenery and distracted by the video-ing :/

[@clarkmadrosen1780]

@T1DWanderer you are doing an excellent job. Your Japanese is amazing. Take care of yourself too. That snow in Japan looks so clean. Not dirty like here in us.

[@loudmouthnewyorker2803]

I think all that delicious sushi and sashimi made your brain affect the cold.

[@T1DWanderer]

😂

[@rcmrcm3370]

Removable cleats/crampons may be a good investment. Cheaper than a visit to the ER. I would not be surprised if AEON or similar dollar stores have some cheap models that will last for a few uses, but if you travel a lot in winter, invest in a pair that are easy to get on and off, sporting goods stores should have them.

[@T1DWanderer]

Good tips. The thing is, I don't usually travel in winter conditions. When I do again though, I will have to think about footwear

[@kamanama3671]

Do you agree that there’s nothing better in the world than being outside when there’s snow?

[@T1DWanderer]

I think so. In close second is being inside when there's snow outside!