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Most tourists who visit Otaru in Hokkaido are busy day-trippers. They just look around a few major tourist-oriented spots in a few hours.

However, I guess that there are some who like to seek places off the beaten track instead of popular sightseeing spots. For those people, Oshoro is one of the ideal places where you can enjoy a picturesque view and part of Japanese culture, even a mysterious stone circle.

Oshoro is the area located in the west of Otaru, Hokkaido, just 30-minute bus ride from the city center, but you may feel more isolated because of the area's sparse population and tranquility. The Oshoro inlet used to be one of the most bustling herring fisheries in Hokkaido. Beautiful sunsets in summer at the inlet, and the spectacular view of coastline from a hilltop are the feature of this area.

In addition to the natural beauty, there is an exquisite pottery and authentic Japanese garden where you feel a part of Japanese culture. If his time permits, Mr. Takada, the ceramic artist of the pottery will show you his wood kiln by appointment. His pottery is also available at his gallery, too.

The Japanese garden is a private property, so previous appointment is also necessary to see it.

There is one more you should not miss in Oshoro. It is a small bakery producing excellent French-style bread. This bakery is hardly known to the public, but quite popular among the people who stick to the quality bread. You don't need to memorize the name of the bakery. There is no other bakery in Oshoro, and everyone in the area knows where it is.
It is really a shame that most of you miss the best of Otaru. If you visit Otaru, please stay at least two days, and explore unknown part of Otaru.

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