From Canals to Lanterns: My Solo Quest from Otaru to Aomori 🎏

Solo travel diaries, day 5! This adventure was non-stop and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. 😌✌️ Kicked off my morning with a little pro move—shipped my heavy luggage back to Tokyo (so clutch, trust me!). Then I grabbed a train and zoomed off to Otaru.

First stop: Otaru Canal (047-0007 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido—open 24/7!). The morning light on those historic warehouses? Insta-perfect! I wandered along the water, soaking in the nostalgic vibes and the subtle chill in the air. Could’ve stayed for hours just taking snaps and people-watching.

Next up was the Otaru Music Box Museum (4-1 Sumiyoshicho, Otaru, Hokkaido, 047-0015—open 9am to 6pm). This place is pure magic—think dazzling music boxes everywhere and the sweetest background melodies. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale! If you’re even a tiny bit into music, this is the place.

But time waits for no one, so off I ran, hopped back on the train to Sapporo, then grabbed the Shinkansen straight to Aomori. Why the rush? Because tonight was THE highlight of my trip: the legendary Nebuta Festival! ✨

Before diving into the festival vibes, I made a quick pit stop at the Aomori Prefecture Tourism Information Center ASPAM (1 Chome-1-40 Yasukata, Aomori), which is open every day from 9am to 6pm except Dec 31. Super handy for last-minute tips and must-see spots.

Finally, I made it to the Nebuta matsuri. Walking and seeing those massive, glowing Nebuta floats up close? Mind. Blown. 🤯 There’s just no way to describe how epic and vibrant these floats are—it’s totally next level! If you’re in Aomori in summer, you HAVE to catch the Nebuta Festival at least once in your life. Promise, the energy and artistry are unbeatable.

Huge day, so much excitement, and so many memories. Can’t wait to see where tomorrow takes me! 🚄✨

Post by Tex-Traveling Diary | Sep 19, 2025