Coca-Cola Discoveries in Otaru

During my 4-night stay in Sapporo, I took a day trip to Otaru. While planning my trip, I had only a few places on my list to visit in Otaru:
 

1. Otaru Canal
2. Music Box Museum (Orgel-do)

 
Still, I had quite a bit of time to explore Otaru, so it was important to think about how to spend it. When traveling solo, there are many ways to pass the time. For me, it usually involves visiting general stores and supermarkets to check out Coca-Cola products.
 
This post is about the Coca-Cola I encountered in Otaru. If you're a Coca-Cola enthusiast, make sure to stop by these places in Otaru.
 

Where to Buy Bottled Coke

When you order Coke at restaurants in Japan, they often serve it in glass bottles. I've always wanted to buy unopened Japanese Coca-Cola bottles to take home.
 
After the Sapporo Coca-Cola Bottling Plant tour, I really wanted to keep the bottle from the tasting session, but we had to return them according to the rules. That disappointment stayed with me, but in Otaru, I finally found a place that sells bottled Coke!
 

 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uWUtpAtfeppdjs2A6

Otaru Canal Terminal · 일본 〒047-0031 Hokkaido, Otaru, Ironai, 1 Chome−1−12 1F

Address: 1-chōme-1-12 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan (1F)
 
When you enter the Otaru Canal Terminal, you'll find various souvenirs on display and for sale. As I looked around carefully, I spotted a Coca-Cola section. I expected to find only Hokkaido limited edition canned Coke, but there were glass bottles available!
 
Even better, I discovered Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in glass bottles - something hard to find in Korea! I purchased one regular bottle and one Zero Sugar bottle. If I remember correctly, they were about 200 yen each.
 
Being able to get these bottles in Otaru made up for the disappointment at the factory tour. I was really satisfied.

 

Retro Coca-Cola Goods

After having sushi for lunch at Hikime, I explored the shopping street on my way to LeTAO. That's when I noticed an old general store.
 

 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hQjnj2kVkq4UHrDu7

Okuno's · 3-22 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027 일본

Address: 3-22 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan
 
It was wonderful to see items from 20-30 years ago in Japan. Particularly, I enjoyed browsing the Coca-Cola merchandise and interior decorative items available there.
 
On the shelves were various cups featuring retro Coca-Cola graphics, and tin cases for sale on the lower shelf. However, what really caught my eye were the vintage rusted Coke cans on the upper shelf.
 
These cans appeared to have been produced decades ago, showing the passage of time in their condition. For a collector like me, just seeing such rare items is exciting. While they weren't for sale, I was amazed to find such treasures in a general store in Otaru.

 

Closing Thoughts

You might wonder what Coca-Cola has to do with Otaru, but for me and other Coca-Cola collectors, these are excellent spots to visit.
 
Otaru Coca-Cola Tour Summary:

• Bottled Coke Purchase: Otaru Canal Terminal (regular + Zero Sugar glass bottles)
• Retro Goods Browsing: Okuno's (vintage cans, retro cups, etc.)

If you're traveling solo, especially if you're a Coca-Cola fan, I recommend taking some time between the Otaru Canal and Music Box Museum to visit these two locations. You'll discover another joy of travel.