Dating from the Meiji Period until the beginning of the Showa Period when Otaru's economy was at its zenith, the stone houses of merchants and modern western-style buildings lining the bustling merchant's quarter are still plainly evident today. Visitors can feel the spirit of the good old times from the rows of shops dealing glass, music boxes, sweets, and other Otaru specialties to the night-light and steam clock at the Meruhen Kosaten (Marchen Crossroads).