Ultimate Hokkaido Travel Guide: Reliving the Romance of ‘First Love’ in Japan’s Winter Wonderland

Hello, it’s your globetrotting guide Ziweng here~@骆子文😎 Ready to explore the magic of Otaru together?

Otaru first stole hearts as the dreamy backdrop of *Love Letter*, and recently reignited wanderlust with *First Love*, sparking a trend of visitors recreating those iconic “black coat and blue scarf” moments. Planning your own Otaru adventure? Let me be your compass!

1️⃣ **Mount Tengu**: Time your ascent around 3 PM for a spectacular triple feature – golden daylight, mystical blue hour, and twinkling night views. While sunset is magical, early birds enjoy serene morning vistas without the crowds. Pro tip: Skip the snaking ticket machine lines – the manual counters often sit blissfully empty!

2️⃣ **Sumiyoshi Shrine**: Where spirituality meets whimsy! This unique shrine greets visitors with adorably squat torii gates (think “chibi” version of traditional gates) framing a breathtaking sea-bound pathway you won’t find anywhere else in Japan.

3️⃣ **Shukutsu Observatory & Aquarium**: Romance alert! Beyond the waddling penguin parade, this coastal wonderland boasts a dreamy Ferris wheel, ocean-view dining with sunset cocktails, and a lonely red lighthouse that’ll make you feel like you’ve reached the world’s edge. The blue hour here? Pure poetry.

📒 **Perfect Day Planner**:
Mount Tengu ➡️ Sumiyoshi Shrine ➡️ Historic Canal ➡️ Postcard-Perfect Funaishisaka Slope ➡️ Shukutsu Observatory (or reverse the route for sunset grand finale)

**Zenibako Dilemma?**
While its snow-kissed beaches make a gorgeous 30-minute JR side trip from Otaru, this sleepy coastal town offers limited attractions. If Hakodate’s already on your itinerary with its similar ocean vistas and tighter schedule, you might treasure those extra hours exploring Otaru’s charms instead.

Bonus Tip: Pack your camera – every corner here is straight out of a movie frame! 🎥✨