Otaru

Otaru nets its wealth in tourists these days, but the canal where barges used to land the catch of the day is still the center of action for thousands of domestic and Asian visitors reeled in by images of a romantic weekend retreat. Non-Japanese from countries with 19th-century stone buildings of their own may be less impressed by the tourist strip along the canal, but rent a bike or walk away from the main drag and you can explore quaint neighborhoods and interesting buildings. The Otaru Snow Gleaming Festival (February 9-18), when thousands of snow lanterns light up the canal area and old buildings, is a quieter concurrent alternative to the blockbuster Sapporo Snow Festival.