If you are a fan of music box, then you should never miss the chance to visit Otaru in Hokkaido, Japan. Otaru is well known for beautiful and intricate music boxes. This little town is famous for its music box museum called the Otaru Music Box Museum.
The Otaru Music Box Museum
Can’t imagine what it’s like to be in a music box museum? Well let’s just say that it can be quite an experience even if you are no fan of music boxes. I’m not a fan, but I did enjoy the walk around the double storey building which houses small to large sized music boxes in all kinds of pretty designs. Needless to say, everyone who visits Otaru must visit this charming little museum. It’s a must and popular tourist spot!
Bird’s eye view inside the Otaru Music Box Museum
You can expect prices of the music boxes to be generally a little on the high side. These things don’t come cheap to begin with, and for unique designs, you won’t find them any cheaper in Japan. I’m not saying all of them are expensive, you can still find some that are rather reasonably priced.
Some of the music boxes on display
Other than the music box museum, you will also find plenty of little shops along the streets selling music boxes and other quaint little Japanese gifts and such. As this is quite a touristy area, you will also be able to find some nice Japanese souvenirs in some of these stores.
One place that I remember fondly in Otaru is a little cafe opposite the museum. The concept of this cafe is that you actually buy the cup, coffee and tea is free flow. And since you are in Otaru, the city of music box, it is not just any other cup, it is a musical cup! When you pick up the cup, a soft melodius humming is heard, so enjoy and sip your tea or coffee with music in your ears, literally! When you set it down, the music ends.
I didn’t get to walk around too much in Otaru, but in the short time I was there, I enjoyed the walk along the streets and even managed to buy quite a few things, and take a few nice shots of this little town. It’s one place I don’t mind visiting again. Actually, I won’t mind doing a tour of Hokkaido itself all over again!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Penny,
May I have your permission to use your 3 pictures of the Otaru Music Box Museum to be posted on our website www.newshan.com?
Thank you.
Cheers,
Andy
Hi Andy, the pictures aren’t mine, so I suppose you are free to use them
Hi there…may I know if it is possible to buy the music box through internet??…. ):..
Thank you 4 your information…