St. Valentine's Day is supposed to be chocolate-giving day, usually from women to men in Japan.
It is said that this practice originates many years ago from a chocolate company's idea to promote the consumption of chocolate among the Japanese.
Their efforts have borne fruit, and nowadays, St. Valentine's Day is the important day for the
chocolate companies in Japan to predict their annual amount of sales.
You can find varieties of beautifully-wrapped chocolate in the department stores, supermarkets, confectionery stores, even at convenience stores from the end of January by the 14th of February.
Otaru's Snow Light Path was over yesterday. Many tourists enjoyed it during the festival period.
Tomioka Catholic Church is one of the popular tourist spots in Otaru. The candles in front of the church were formed into a heart shape. It just fits for today.
