In December 2019, a wonderful new store opened in Otaru, and it's now becoming a popular spot beloved by locals. That store is Otaru Department Store UNGA↑! It's read as "Otaru Hyakka Unga Plus" (hereafter referred to as Unga Plus). Let's take a peek inside and see what kind of store it is.

Walk about 8 minutes from JR Otaru Station down Chuo-dori towards the sea, and you'll find Unga Plus on the front left corner of the intersection before the Otaru Canal. The store is housed in a historic building, a renovation of the "Former Otaru Warehouse" built in 1893.

Photo courtesy of Otaru Department Store UNGA↑

All the products handled in the store are related to Otaru. While the selection changes with the seasons, there are always over 100 items on display. Unga Plus aims to be a select shop for the Otaru brand, so to speak.

To understand the products at Unga Plus, the existence of the Kitamaebune ships is essential. These were merchant ships that traveled from the Kansai region, around the Seto Inland Sea, and up the Sea of Japan to Otaru, carrying not only goods but also a great deal of culture.

Unga Plus also has a corner featuring fine goods from the various ports of call along the western sea route of the Kitamaebune. It's a wonderful experience to search for your favorite item while pondering history.

Unga Plus also creates many original items. Let us introduce a few of these fascinating products that let you feel the history and culture of Otaru! First up is the "Otaru Kawara-yaki Baum" (5-piece box/¥1,080 incl. tax, single/¥194 incl. tax).

The Kitamaebune ships carried roof tiles (kawara) as ballast on their outbound journeys. This sweet treat, with its cute, retro packaging, was created in the image of those tiles.

It's made by turning baumkuchen into a rusk and drizzling caramel on top. It has a sophisticated, subtly sweet flavor, characterized by the texture of the crispy caramel-coated part and the crunchy rusk. It would make a delightful gift.

Another product recommended as a gift is the "Former Otaru Warehouse Story Fondant au Chocolat" (¥1,350 incl. tax). The packaging is designed in the image of the Former Otaru Warehouse, which now houses the Unga Plus store, and contains 10 pieces of moist, rich fondant au chocolat.

Photo courtesy of Otaru Department Store UNGA↑

For those who enjoy a drink, the "Hokkai Bimisen HOKKAI CAN" (from ¥390 incl. tax) is irresistible. It uses a very laborious technique called "kikuzume," where the fish meat is packed to resemble a chrysanthemum flower. This method prevents the meat from falling apart, and more importantly, the appearance when you open the can is simply delightful.

Photo courtesy of Otaru Department Store UNGA↑

These canned goods, which seal in the delicious flavor of fresh seafood caught in Hokkaido, include varieties like "Sardines in Olive Oil with Lemon" and "Pacific Cod Roe Simmered in Soy Sauce." They all look so delicious you'll want to buy every kind. They're perfect as a snack with drinks, of course, but would also be great added to salads or used in other recipes.

It's not just food. Among Unga Plus's original items, you'll also find these colorful bags. They're called "ICHIBA TOTE" (¥12,650 incl. tax, mini size/¥6,930 incl. tax).

The name embodies the idea of taking this tote bag with you to one of the six markets in Otaru. It's a fun shopping bag with sturdy sewing techniques, created in collaboration with Sasaki Co., Ltd., a tent factory with 75 years of history.

There's also the "Donabe Nawame" (¥13,200 incl. tax), an earthenware pot with a beautiful rope pattern, as its name suggests. This is a collaboration product with ceramic artist Toshihisa Oishi.

You might wonder, "Why an earthenware pot?" In fact, the area from Otaru to Yoichi is a dense cluster of ancient Jomon period ruins. This pot was conceived with that history in mind. Now that you mention it, you can sense a certain earthenware-like texture to it, can't you?

In addition to these, various other items catch the eye of visitors, such as Japanese-style miscellaneous goods, local sake, and stylish fashion accessories. Each food item and daily necessity is imbued with the thoughts of its creator. All of them, while carrying the air of Otaru, are sure to enrich and brighten your daily life.

When you visit Otaru, why not stop by?