In December 2019, a wonderful new shop opened in Otaru, and it's quickly becoming a popular local spot. It's called "Otaru Department Store UNGA↑"! Pronounced "Unga Plus," let's take a peek inside to see what this store is all about.

Walk about 8 minutes from JR Otaru Station down Chuo-dori Avenue towards the sea, and you'll find Unga Plus on your left, just before the intersection leading to the Otaru Canal. The store is housed in the historic "Former Otaru Warehouse," a tastefully renovated building originally constructed in 1893.

Photo courtesy of Otaru Department Store UNGA↑

Every product handled in the store is 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 Otaru's finest brands.

To truly understand the products at Unga Plus, one must know about the Kitamaebune ships. These cargo vessels traveled from the Kansai region, around the Seto Inland Sea, and north up the Sea of Japan to Otaru, carrying not just goods but also a wealth of culture.

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

Unga Plus has also created many original items. Let us introduce a few of these charming products that evoke the history and culture of Otaru! First up is the "Otaru Kawayaki Baum" (5-piece box/¥1,080 incl. tax, single/¥194 incl. tax).

The Kitamaebune ships used 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 over the top. The contrast between the crunchy caramel and the crispy rusk creates a unique texture, offering a subtly sweet, sophisticated flavor. It would make a delightful souvenir.

Another recommended souvenir is the "Former Otaru Warehouse Story Fondant au Chocolat" (¥1,350 incl. tax). The packaging is designed to look like the Former Otaru Warehouse, which now houses Unga Plus, and inside you'll find 10 pieces of moist, rich fondant chocolat.

Photo courtesy of Otaru Department Store UNGA↑

For those who enjoy a drink, the "HOKKAI CAN Choice Hokkai Delicacies" (from ¥390 incl. tax) is an irresistible choice. These cans use a very labor-intensive technique called "kikuzume," where the fish is packed to resemble a chrysanthemum flower. This method helps prevent the meat from breaking apart, and more importantly, the sight upon opening the can is simply delightful.

Photo courtesy of Otaru Department Store UNGA↑

These canned goods, which seal in the delicious flavors of fresh seafood caught in Hokkaido, come in varieties like "Sardines in Olive Oil with Lemon" and "Pacific Cod Roe in Soy Sauce." They all look so delicious you'll want to buy every kind. They are perfect as a snack with drinks, or you could get creative and add them to salads.

It's not just about 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 Otaru's six markets. It's a fun and sturdy shopping bag made in collaboration with Sasaki Co., Ltd., a tent factory with 75 years of history, showcasing their solid sewing techniques.

Another collaboration product is the "Donabe Nawame" (¥13,200 incl. tax), an earthenware pot with a beautiful rope pattern, as its name suggests. This was created 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 ruins from the Jomon period. This pot was designed with that history in mind. Now that you know, you can see the earthenware-like texture, 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 creator's passion. All of them, carrying the essence of Otaru, are sure to enrich and brighten your daily life.

When you visit Otaru, why not stop by?

＜Otaru Department Store UNGA↑＞
Location: 2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido
Phone: 0134-65-8150
Official Website: https://unga-plus.com
(Thumbnail photo courtesy of Otaru Department Store UNGA↑)