Sunday, September 22, 2013

Otaru Canal

Otaru is a small city near Ishikari Bay, Hokkaido island, Japan. The most visited location is Otaru Canal. The canal was constructed in 1923 and used to transport coal or marine product. The canal originally has 1140m length and 40m width. Along the canal, many stone-warehouses were built to sell the supplies. When the Otaru pier was opened, the canal was disused and became polluted.


Citizens of Otaru opposed the local government that intended to convert the canal into public road. The canal is considered a heritage landmark. In 1986 the canal started to be renovated. Some parts of the canal were filled and turned into walking path.


Nowadays, Otaru Canal is popular among tourist despite other historical sites at the city. I agree, it looks brilliant under that morning summer sun. Wish one day more polluted Indonesian rivers could be preserved like this Otaru Canal.


Pekanbaru,