In December 2019, a wonderful store opened in Otaru and is now taking root locally as a hot spot. It is "Otaru Hyakka UNGA↑! Otaru Hyakka UNGA↑" is read as "Otaru Hyakka Unga Plus" (hereafter "Unga Plus"). Let's take a peek at what kind of store it is.

About 8 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station to the sea side on Chuo Dori, you will find Unga Plus on the left side of the crossing to Otaru Canal. It is a historic building renovated from the "Old Otaru Warehouse" built in 1893.

Photo courtesy of UNGA↑, Otaru Department Store

The products sold in the store are all related to Otaru. The selection changes every season, but there are always more than 100 items on display. The goal of UNGAplus is to be a select store of Otaru brands.

Another essential element in understanding Unga Plus' products is the existence of Kitamae-bune, a ship that used to transport goods from the Kansai region to the Seto Inland Sea as a buyer-loader. The Kitamae-bune, which sailed from the Kansai region around the Seto Inland Sea to Otaru, brought goods and culture to Otaru.

In Unga Plus, there is a corner where you will find a variety of good products from the ports where the Kitamae-bune made port calls on its westbound route. It would be wonderful to find a favorite item while thinking about the history.

Ungaplus also produces many original items. Let us introduce some of the attractive products that remind you of Otaru's history and culture! First up is the Otaru KAWARAYAKI Baum (5 pieces / 1,080 yen including tax, individual pieces / 194 yen including tax).

Kitamae-bune ships used to carry kawara (roof tiles) as weights on their way to the port. The retro packaging of this cute confectionary is made in the image of those tiles.

The baumkuchen is made into a rusk, and caramel is poured over the top. The crispy caramel-covered part and the crunchy texture of the rusk give the baumkchen a slightly sweet, mature taste. It would make a great souvenir.

Another item recommended as a souvenir is the "Former Otaru Warehouse Tan Fondant au Chocolat" (1,350 yen including tax). The package is designed in the image of the former Otaru warehouse where Unga Plus also has a storefront, and contains 10 pieces of rich, moist fondant chocolates.

Photo courtesy of UNGA↑, Otaru Department Store

Sake lovers will love the Hokkai Mimasen HOKKAI CAN (from 390 yen including tax). It uses a very time-consuming method called "chrysanthemum stuffing," in which the fish meat is packed like flower petals. The meat does not fall apart easily, and most importantly, the appearance of the can when it is opened is very exciting.

Photo courtesy of UNGA↑, Otaru Department Store

Fresh seafood landed in Hokkaido is packed with flavor in canned products, such as "Iwashi no Olive-braised Lemon Iwashi" and "Madarako Soy Sauce-braised", all of which look so delicious that you will want to buy all kinds. They are not only good for a dinner-time snack, but also for adding to salads and other dishes in arranged recipes.

It is not only food. Among Unga Plus' original items is this colorful bag. It is called "ICHIBA TOTE" (12,650 yen including tax, mini size/6,930 yen including tax).

Why not take this tote with you on a trip to one of Otaru's six markets? ...... is the idea behind this product. This is a fun shopping bag with solid sewing technology made in collaboration with Sasaki Corporation, a tent factory that has been in business for 75 years.

Also, "earthenware pot nawame" (13,200 yen including tax), which, as the name suggests, has beautiful traces of rope, is a product of collaboration with ceramic artist Toshihisa Oishi.

Why earthenware pots? You may wonder, "Why an earthenware pot?" In fact, the area between Otaru and Yoichi is home to a concentration of ancient Jomon-era ruins. This earthenware pot was conceived with that history in mind. If you ask me, it has a somewhat earthenware-like texture.

In addition to these items, visitors will find a variety of other items, such as sundries with a Japanese taste, local sake, and fashionable fashion accessories. Each of the food and daily necessities is filled with the creator's thought and care. All of them will surely enrich your life with the atmosphere of Otaru.

Why don't you visit them when you come to Otaru?

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