Otaru-Shi, Japan

The port of OTARU, some 40km northwest of Sapporo, grew rich at the turn of the nineteenth century on the back of herring fishing and as a base for the modern development of Hokkaidō. Physical reminders of this wealth litter Otaru in the shape of many handsome, heritage-listed Meiji-era buildings. The town's romantic and nostalgic atmosphere, which has led to it being the location of several hit Japanese movies, is best experienced beside the restored canal (Otaru Unga) lined with brick warehouses, particularly between Chūō-dōri, the main street heading towards the harbour from Otaru JR station, and parallel Nichigin-dōri.