手宮線 / The Temiya Line

位於小樽市內的舊國鐵手宮線是北海道最早有的鐵路路段的一部分，此路線是於1880年所開通的。當時因運送煤礦和漁獲而熱鬧的手宮線鐵道於1985年廢除。現今在手宮線鐵路的舊址部分的鐵道被保留並成為小樽市民的休憩場所。冬季(2月)時的手宮線會做為小樽市冬季慶典「雪燈之路」的主要會場。很多設置於冰雪上的蠟燭被點燃，形成一種夢幻般的美景。

The Temiya Line was opened in 1880, and was part of the first railway line in Hokkaido. In those days, the Temiya Line was used to carry a lot of coal and seafood., but use of it was discontinued in 1985. Now, a part of the Temiya Line is reserved as a public space, and it's a sightseeing spot where people can take a leisurely walk. In winter (for about a week in February), this area becomes a popular destination for the Otaru Snow Light Path winter festival. There are a lot of ice buckets with candles in the snow. It is quite beautiful.