If you've ever visited Otaru, you've surely seen the name "Kitaichi Glass." For over a century, Kitaichi Glass has been selling glassware in Otaru. Let's explore its history and discover what kinds of treasures you can find there.

Kitaichi Glass's predecessor, Asahara Glass, was founded in 1901 (the 34th year of the Meiji era). It began with the manufacturing of oil lamps and later diversified its products to include fishing net floats and tableware, adapting to changing lifestyles over time.

The current store, Kitaichi Glass Building No. 3, was originally a warehouse for the fishing industry. This historic stone warehouse with a wooden frame, built in 1891 (the 24th year of the Meiji era), was renovated and opened as a new store in 1983 (the 58th year of the Showa era). If you look closely, you can still see the tracks for the trolleys that were used during its time as a fishing warehouse.

Today, Kitaichi Glass Building No. 3 is divided into three themed floors: the "Western Floor," the "Japanese Floor," and the "Country Floor." The Western Floor, with its colorful bowls and wine glasses, feels like a fairytale world.

Unlike mass-produced items from a factory, you can feel the warmth unique to these handmade pieces. It's a wonderful feeling that makes you want to find something you love and cherish it for years to come.

The Japanese Floor offers a variety of glass tableware perfect for your dining table. With the modern feel that only glass can provide and a range of subdued colors, you'll find yourself wanting to buy one of everything.

The "Tsukimi Usagi" (Moon-viewing Rabbit) series is especially popular. The charming rabbits adorning the glasses are sure to warm your heart. It's also a fun design—if you peek through the full moon on the glass, you can see the rabbit.

The Country Floor also features an array of colorful glass tableware. What sets this floor apart is its wide selection of lighting fixtures.

Recalling that Kitaichi Glass started with oil lamps, perhaps these lighting fixtures are what we should be paying the most attention to. They would make a wonderful accent to any interior, creating a lovely atmosphere.

After enjoying some shopping, why not take a break at Kitaichi Hall? Located next to the Western Floor, Kitaichi Hall is a café illuminated by 167 oil lamps, creating a grand, almost solemn atmosphere. Amazingly, each lamp is lit by hand every day.

We recommend the "Special Chiffon Cake" (430 yen, tax included) and the "Royal Milk Tea" (350 yen, tax included). Their gentle sweetness is the perfect remedy for fatigue after exploring all three floors.

The products of Kitaichi Glass are created against the backdrop of Otaru's history, architecture, nature, and culture. In other words, each handmade glass piece is packed with the charm of Otaru.

As a memento of your visit to Otaru, why not search for a special piece that's just right for you?