Introduction
小樽 ゴールデン カムイ 聖地, or Otaru Golden Kamuy Holy Land, is a popular destination for anime and manga lovers in Japan. This place is based on the manga series "Golden Kamuy" by Satoru Noda. The series was adapted into an anime TV series, which aired in Japan in 2018. Since then, the popularity of the series has grown, and fans have started flocking to Otaru to experience the world of Golden Kamuy in real life.
Getting to Otaru
Otaru is a city in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. The easiest way to get there is by train. From Sapporo, it takes about 30 minutes by rapid train to reach Otaru. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sapporo to Otaru, which takes about an hour.
Exploring Otaru Golden Kamuy Holy Land
Visit the Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is a must-visit spot in Otaru. It is a picturesque canal lined with old warehouses that have been converted into shops, cafes, and restaurants. The canal was built in the early 20th century to transport goods from ships to warehouses. It is now a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Otaru's history and culture.
Experience Ainu Culture
Ainu is an indigenous people of Hokkaido. The Golden Kamuy series heavily features Ainu culture, and you can experience it firsthand in Otaru. The Ainu Museum is located in Shiraoi, about an hour's drive from Otaru. The museum showcases Ainu history, culture, and traditions. You can also try Ainu cuisine and participate in traditional Ainu activities like dancing and crafting.
Visit the Golden Kamuy Statue
The Golden Kamuy statue is located in front of the Otaru City Museum. The statue is of the main character, Saichi Sugimoto, holding a rifle and a can of "survival stew" (a dish that features heavily in the series). The statue is a popular spot for fans to take photos and have their picture taken with the character.
Try "Survival Stew"
Survival stew, or "Kamuy Nabe" in Japanese, is a dish that features heavily in the Golden Kamuy series. It is a hot pot dish that includes a variety of ingredients like meat, vegetables, and fish. The dish is served in a can, just like in the series. You can try it at various restaurants in Otaru, including the restaurant at the Otaru Canal.
Visit the Golden Kamuy Shop
The Golden Kamuy Shop is a store that sells merchandise related to the series. It is located in the Otaru Canal Warehouse No. 5. The store sells a variety of items, including T-shirts, mugs, keychains, and more. It is a must-visit spot for fans of the series.
Conclusion
Otaru Golden Kamuy Holy Land is a unique destination in Japan that offers a glimpse into the world of Golden Kamuy. Whether you are a fan of the series or just looking for a unique cultural experience, Otaru has something to offer. From exploring the historic Otaru Canal to trying Ainu cuisine and visiting the Golden Kamuy statue and shop, there is plenty to see and do in Otaru.
