Find Your Perfect Music Box at Märchen Intersection Where the Steam Clock Tells Time
About this spot
Facing Märchen Intersection at the south end of Sakaimachi Street (堺町通り), this music box specialty shop is housed in a brick building constructed in the late Meiji period as a rice merchant's headquarters. Tens of thousands of music boxes—from antique-style to popular character designs—line the high-ceilinged, open interior, creating a veritable musical jewelry box where countless delicate melodies blend together. The shop's symbol is a bronze steam clock made by a clock craftsman from Vancouver, Canada. Every 15 minutes, it plays a melody accompanied by steam, and the vigorous plume of white vapor makes for an excellent photo opportunity. Search for a beloved tune, compare options, and take a music box home as your travel memento—and back at home, Otaru's moments will return each time you wind it.
Tips
Just a short walk from Kitaichi Glass No. 3 Building (北一硝子三号館) along Sakaimachi Street (堺町通り), at the corner of Märchen Intersection. The steam clock vents every 15 minutes, so time your visit to see the display. Nearby workshops offer hands-on music box-making experiences; those wanting to create a one-of-a-kind box should allow extra time.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes required. Mid-afternoon is relatively peaceful for browsing. Don't miss the steam clock's performance.
Access & map
〒047-0015 Hokkaido, Otaru City, Sumiyoshi-cho 4-1 (北海道小樽市住吉町４−１)
Model course featuring this spot
Otaru Canal: A Stroll Through the Port Town of Glass and Music Boxes
Hokkaido
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