Kitaichi Glass Hall No. 3 is one of Otaru’s most atmospheric destinations, combining traditional glassware, historic architecture, and a beautifully illuminated café space. The building is a wooden warehouse clad in stone that was originally constructed in 1891 during the Meiji period as a storage facility for the local fishing industry.
Today, the historic warehouse has been thoughtfully reused as a glass shop and café operated by Kitaichi Glass, a long-established Otaru glassware company. Located in the heart of the city, it is only about a seven- to eight-minute walk from the Otaru Canal.
The glass shop is divided into three areas, each with its own character. The Japanese Floor features traditional Japanese-style glassware, while the Western Floor showcases glass and stained-glass pieces with an elegant, international atmosphere. The Country Floor takes inspiration from the colors and forms of the natural world and offers glassware with a more casual character.
Many of the products are crafted by skilled artisans, with a wide selection of glasses, lamps, vases, and other decorative and practical pieces. Their delicate designs and handcrafted quality make them particularly appealing as souvenirs of Otaru.
Entering the building reveals traces of its former life as a warehouse. Rails once used by small freight carts for transporting goods remain embedded in the passageway, leading visitors toward the main hall.
This preserved detail offers a glimpse into Otaru’s history as a busy port and trading center, while the surrounding glassware creates a striking contrast between the building’s industrial past and its elegant present-day atmosphere.
The most famous feature of Kitaichi Glass Hall No. 3 is its 167 oil lamps. With only a small amount of additional indirect lighting, the entire hall is illuminated by the warm glow of these lamps.
The softly lit interior creates an intimate and almost dreamlike atmosphere. The gentle flicker of the lamps against the darkened historic warehouse, combined with quiet music, makes the hall an especially relaxing place to spend time.
A fine Steinway piano stands in the hall, and live piano performances are held on the stage. The combination of live music, historic architecture, and hundreds of glowing oil lamps creates an experience that feels far removed from an ordinary café or shopping space.
For visitors exploring Otaru’s historic streets, this atmospheric hall provides a chance to slow down and enjoy the city’s romantic side.
Visitors who arrive when the facility opens may have the opportunity to watch the staff carry out the daily task of lighting all 167 oil lamps. Seeing the hall gradually come alive as each lamp is lit is itself a memorable experience.
The process transforms the dark interior into a warm, glowing space and offers a particularly atmospheric introduction to Kitaichi Glass Hall No. 3.
Kitaichi Glass Hall No. 3 brings together several elements that define Otaru: historic warehouses, the city’s glassmaking tradition, and the nostalgic atmosphere of its old port district. The preserved warehouse structure provides a sense of history, while the handmade glassware adds color and craftsmanship.
Above all, the hall’s 167 oil lamps create a unique atmosphere that is difficult to experience elsewhere. Add the sound of a live piano performance and the result is one of Otaru’s most memorable spaces for experiencing the city’s romantic, historic character.
With the Otaru Canal and historic streets nearby, Kitaichi Glass Hall No. 3 fits naturally into a walking tour of central Otaru. Visitors can browse beautiful handcrafted glassware, admire the preserved warehouse architecture, and relax beneath the warm glow of the oil lamps.
Whether you are looking for a distinctive glass souvenir or simply want to experience one of Otaru’s most atmospheric historic spaces, Kitaichi Glass Hall No. 3 offers a memorable combination of craftsmanship, history, music, and light.
9:00-17:30
No holidays
10 min. walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station (Hakodate Main Line)