Around Saltani Beach × Flower-Viewing AccommodationRecommended Hotel·Ryokan

Hotel Nord Otaru—named after the Italian word for “north”—is a European-style Hotel standing by the Otaru Canal. Its marble exterior blends into the stone-built streetscape, giving the building a dignified, stately presence. Step inside and you’ll find warm, wood-toned interiors that soothe away travel fatigue in a gentle, welcoming atmosphere.The first-floor patio (courtyard) is a free space surrounded by marble, where a fountain and seasonal flowers create a romantic setting.Why not plan your trip while listening to birdsong?Rooms are located on floors 3 through 6. Many feature separate bath and toilet areas for a more relaxing soak, and offer views of the canal, historic warehouses, and Otaru Bay with its large ships coming and going—scenery that captures the nostalgic charm of northern Otaru.

Our 8,000-tsubo garden, begun by my great-grandfather in the early Showa era, is surrounded by trees over 100 years old and is a celebrated spot in Otaru, with 200 cherry trees in full bloom in early May. From late May through June, wisteria trellises and azaleas follow, and in summer you can enjoy viburnum snowballs, hydrangeas, and carefully tended roses. I especially love the autumn foliage in late October, and the deep winter snow that transforms everything into a pure white landscape is equally refreshing for the soul.