Otaru is on Hokkaido Island, Japan’s Northern most Island and very close to Sapporo, the venue for the Winter Olympics in 1972. It’s considered to be one of the top ski destinations and the snow was still evident.

Met up with a group of fellow guests, after negotiating the Japanese immigration procedure! Boarded one of the local stroller buses and then took a ride to the top of Mount Tengu on the Ropeway, very cold but fabulous views.

There is a ski museum and display of images of the mythological spirit Tengu, with large noses/beaks, red in colour and wings/feathers.

Took a bus back into town and the canal shopping district. Otaru is famous for glass, music boxes and sake. Lots of interesting historical buildings, many converted to shops and restaurants, a few cherry blossom trees just in bloom and the odd fur shop. Managed to visit buying lots of glass!

Local Japanese drummers performed on the quayside, supported by many locals in Hawaiin costume, before the ship left port.