Otaru Music Boxes in Hokkaido

While music boxes are produced in many places around the world, for many Taiwanese, the iconic destination is undoubtedly the Otaru Music Box Museum in Hokkaido...

However, few people know that Otaru itself does not manufacture music boxes. As a port city, Otaru served as the gateway for coal mined in the Ishikari region, shipping it to various parts of Japan and Russia. This trade led to the development of a comprehensive canal system, which has since become a popular photo spot. The city's architecture still reflects its prosperous past.

Kitahokkaido Canal

The scenery in North Otaru feels quite different from the streets of South Otaru, offering a glimpse back into the bustling era of the Otaru docks.

Otaru’s famous Music Box Street stretches from "Uminarukaku" in the north, passing by "Hokuto Glass" (Hokuto Shokai), all the way to the Fairy Tale Crossroads in the south, where the Otaru Music Box Museum stands as the busiest hub of activity.

As a port city, Otaru welcomed Western musical instruments and gifts. Many shops began selling music boxes, which became a renowned local product and a major draw for tourism.

Located at a corner, Uminarukaku may only be one story high, but it features a product area, a light meal section, and a DIY zone. The music boxes here use golden mechanisms branded with the Uminarukaku name. There are many photo-style music boxes available for purchase, making them a perfect souvenir from your trip to Otaru.

Another notable spot is the Otaru Music Box Museum Sakaimachi Store. Though small, occupying only about 6-7 tsubo (approx. 10-12 sqm), it displays a selection of music boxes. Staff members demonstrate how to assemble a mechanism from individual parts (one might wonder, don't factories usually pre-assemble them? Hehe). This demonstration serves as an engaging attraction, drawing customers in to watch and shop.

The mechanisms installed here appear to be Uminarukaku's own brand, likely produced by Sankyo.

Every component affects the sound quality of the music box.

Next is the famous Fairy Tale Crossroads, located at the end of the street, home to the renowned "Otaru Music Box Museum." The building is two stories tall with a small attic on the second floor. The first floor is divided into two areas: the front hall sells Italian marquetry music boxes and locally produced Japanese music boxes, while the rear hall, a square space, offers glass, ceramic, and wooden music boxes. Of course, you can also find music boxes made by Taiwanese manufacturers here, featuring a wide variety of types and movements.

During our visit, the Otaru Music Box Museum was undergoing exterior maintenance, so we unfortunately couldn't see its full appearance.

Next is the famous Fairy Tale Crossroads, located at the end of the street, home to the renowned "Otaru Music Box Museum." The building is two stories tall with a small attic on the second floor. The first floor is divided into two areas: the front hall sells Italian marquetry music boxes and locally produced Japanese music boxes, while the rear hall, a square space, offers glass, ceramic, and wooden music boxes. Of course, you can also find music boxes made by Taiwanese manufacturers here, featuring a wide variety of types and movements.

History of Music Boxes

Models illustrate the evolution of music boxes from the 17th century to the present day, located on the 3rd floor of the Otaru Music Box Museum.

While you're here, why not try making a DIY music box? Located just 30 meters to the left of the main Otaru building is "Yukobo." Their DIY process is simple: choose a wooden box, select a musical tune, and pick decorative contents to create your own music box.