Carnival Panorama 18-Day Transpacific Cruise Long Beach to Yokohama
Otaru, Japan -- Saturday, September 7, 2024
After Icy Strait Point, we sailed toward Japan with eight sea days in a row. Surprisingly, the sailing was smooth and calm, making it a pleasant journey. Seemed like the captain was trying to stay as close to land as possible as I looked at the ship map. If interested, a video is available here of the ship tour and activities on board.
Early in the morning of September 7, I was eagerly up early as the ship sailed into port. I could see that we went past a city with tall buildings, which I assumed was Sapporo. Then, as the ship got closer to port, I noticed that we were not going to the normal direction to where we used to dock. Instead it went to the right, on the other side of the city. I was just hoping that it is closer to the city to make it easier for us to walk into town.
Early morning before the sun was up.
Could it be Sapporo out there?
Slowly sailing into the harbor.
We used to dock on the left side of this building on our last few times here.
But on this day, we sailed to the right instead.
Here we are, at the new cruise terminal.
Before we can get off, we had to go through the entry immigration process into Japan. The officers had to get on the ship after we docked, then set up and we went through that process one deck at a time. Fortunately, we were the first deck to get in line. It took about 3 hours to get that done. By the time we were off the ship it was around 11:00AM. Here is a picture of the line for the process.
We usually like to head over to Sapporo while in Otaru, but not this time because we have wasted 3 hours for the immigration process already. With the limited time here, we will just walk around town for the day.
They actually have a cruise terminal here.
At least we had great weather!
It was an easy walk into town. Right outside the terminal, at the street corner, there is this store with everything that cruisers can pick up souvenirs or have a snack or drink before getting back on the ship.
Continue walking for a couple of minutes, we reached the Otaru Canal. At the left corner is where the boat tour starting point is.
First picture of the day.
Now, we have walked along the canal and reached the other side where the Visitor Information Center is. Looking back at the bridge where we were on a little earlier.
The main street on the right going up takes you to the Otaru Train Station and Seafood market.
We had other plans. We want to look for a restaurant that was recommended highly by locals.
On our way, we past through the tourist area in town with many glass stores.
Love these old buildings.
After walking about 20 minutes, going slightly uphill, we found the restaurant (Shotoku Taishi-Asuka Shop) that we were looking for.
(Not recommend for people with mobility issues.)
Set lunch was priced very reasonably.
On the 2nd floor, one must sit Indian (Japanese) style on the floor. It was quite busy, mostly locals enjoying their lunch.
Excellent lunch set for 1200Y. I think this is set B. Great value!
Leaving satisfied!
After lunch, we just strolled around a little. There is a mall near the restaurant so we went there for a look but did not find anything to shop for. Then we bumped into the anime day activities held right next to the old train tracks. We didn't understand any of that but it was still interesting to see the young people dressed up in their cos-play costumes.
The old train tracks.
Then, we just walked down to the Sakaimachihondori Street area for some shopping and sight seeing before returning back to the ship.
Pretty umbrellas at the Shussemae Hiroba.
On our way back, we stopped at the corner store and bought some drinks and snacks before the easy walk back to the ship. This new terminal makes it a lot more accessible to town but for those who needs to take the train, a taxi should be a better option from the cruise port to the train station.
Always enjoy seeing the locals sending us off at port.
For video of this day, please click here.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." -- 1Chronicles 16:34
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