Herring Mansions (Nishin Goten)
A wealthy fisherman’s former mansion
3.7
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#5
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The herring fishing industry played a major role in the history of Otaru since the early days of the town's development, with the vast majority of fish being processed into fertilizer rather than consumed by humans. Large fortunes were made by the leading fishing enterprises until the 1950s, when the herring stocks dramatically declined and the industry collapsed.
During the heyday of herring fishing, large Herring Mansions (ιΧδa, Nishin Goten) were built by wealthy fishermen to process the fish and as a residence for themselves and their employees. A large preserved herring mansion dating back to the end of the 19th century stands on a hill beside the water about five kilometers outside central Otaru. It was moved to its current location in 1958 and is open to the public. Fishermen's tools and living conditions are displayed inside.
About a kilometer inland from the herring mansion stands the Former Aoyama Villa (ΒRΚ@, Kyū Aoyama Bettei), a luxurious villa built by the Aoyama family, one of the most successful families in the herring fishing industry. The family spared no expense in the materials and construction of the villa and surrounding gardens. The Aoyama family's herring mansion was also preserved, but it was moved to nearby Sapporo where it can be viewed in the Historic Village open air museum.
Getting there and around
The Herring Mansion and Aoyama Villa are located five kilometers outside of the city center near the Otaru Aquarium. They can be reached from Otaru Station by city bus number 10 or 11 (20-25 minutes, 240 yen one way, every 20-30 minutes). From the Otaru Aquarium terminal stop it is a five minute walk to the Herring Mansion and a 15 minute walk to the Aoyama Villa.
How to get to and around Otaru
Hours and Fees
Herring Mansion
Hours
9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from mid October to late November)
Closed
Late November to early April
Admission
300 yen
Former Aoyama Villa
Hours
9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from November to March)
Closed
January 1 to 7
Admission
1300 yen
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Otaru
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SponsoredGrand Park OtaruAn elegant hotel overlooking Otaru Bay. Spacious ocean-view rooms available. 5-minute walk from JR Otaru-Chikko Station.View siteSponsored
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Top rated in Otaru
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Otaru GeihinkanView on Booking.comBeachfront Location
Otaru Geihinkan in Otaru offers direct beachfront access, a lush garden, and a spacious terrace. Guests can relax by the sea and enjoy stunning sea views.Comfortable Accommodations
Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with bidets, and modern amenities such as refrigerators, work desks, and TVs. Family rooms and free WiFi ensure a pleasant stay.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves French cuisine in a modern and romantic ambience. American breakfast is available, and special diet menus cater to diverse preferences.Additional Facilities
Guests can enjoy free on-site private parking, luggage storage, and free WiFi throughout the property. The reception staff speak English, Japanese, and Chinese. -
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GRIDS PREMIUM HOTEL OTARUView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
GRIDS PREMIUM HOTEL OTARU in Otaru offers family rooms with sea or city views, air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. Each room includes a bath, bidet, and free toiletries.Wellness and Leisure
Guests can relax at the spa and wellness centre, sauna, and open-air bath. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, and full-day security.Dining Experience
The family-friendly restaurant serves Japanese, international, and European cuisines in a modern and traditional ambience. A buffet breakfast is provided each morning.Prime Location
Located an 8-minute walk from Otaru Station and 1.5 km from Otaru Canal Park, the hotel is 38 km from Okadama Airport. Nearby attractions include Otaru Museum and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort. -
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Dormy Inn Premium OtaruJust a minute away from Otaru station on the JR Hakodate Line, Dormy Inn Premium offers air-conditioned rooms with free internet access, a flat-screen TV and refrigerator. Facilities at Dormy Inn Premium Otaru include natural hot spring baths and a sauna. Coin-operated washing machine, public computer with free internet access in the lobby and a 24-hour front desk are available. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast of Japanese and western dishes daily.View on Booking.com -
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Little BarrelView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Little Barrel in Otaru offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and sea views. Each room includes a bidet, shower, and hairdryer.Essential Facilities
Guests enjoy a garden, free WiFi, lounge, shared kitchen, and daily housekeeping service. Additional amenities include a TV, sofa, and inner courtyard views.Convenient Location
Located 37 km from Okadama Airport, Little Barrel is a 17-minute walk from Otaru Station. Nearby attractions include Otaru Canal Park (2.9 km) and Otaru Museum (3.5 km).Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for its kitchen, room comfort, and convenient location. -
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Authent Hotel OtaruA 5-minute walk from JR Otaru Train Station, Authent Hotel Otaru offers simple accommodations with free Wi-Fi. Guests can refresh in the sauna or request relaxing massages for an extra cost. A spacious public bath is available as well. Rooms here will provide you with a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. Each features carpeted floors, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with a bath and a hairdryer. At Otaru Authent Hotel you will find a 24-hour front desk and a bar. Other facilities offered include luggage storage, dry cleaning and drink vending machines. Local souvenirs can be purchased at the gift shop. Casablanca serves Western dishes while Japanese meals are available at Irifune restaurant. Grilled Teppanyaki dishes are offered at Kaio restaurant. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Otaru Canal and a 15-minute walk from Otaru Orgel Museum Main Building. Shin Nihonkai Ferry Terminal is a 10-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARUView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU in Otaru offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and modern amenities. Each room includes a TV, refrigerator, and free toiletries.Dining Experience
The modern, romantic restaurant serves European cuisine for dinner. Guests can relax on the terrace or enjoy a drink at the bar.Convenient Facilities
The hotel features a lift, daily housekeeping, full-day security, and luggage storage. Paid on-site private parking is available.Prime Location
Located 37 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is a 9-minute walk from Otaru Station and near attractions such as Otaru Canal Park (1.2 km) and Otaru Museum (1.7 km). Highly rated for breakfast, bar, and staff support. -
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Cozy Inn OTARUView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Cozy Inn OTARU in Otaru offers spacious and comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Guests enjoy amenities such as bathrobes, hairdryers, and soundproofing for a relaxing stay.Convenient Facilities
The aparthotel features a 24-hour front desk, family rooms, and full-day security. Free on-site private parking is available, along with a work desk and washing machine for added convenience.Prime Location
Located 39 km from Okadama Airport, the property is an 18-minute walk from Otaru Station and 400 metres from Otaru Canal Park. Nearby attractions include Otaru Museum and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, each within 25 km.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated by guests for room comfort, size, and cleanliness, Cozy Inn OTARU ensures a pleasant and memorable stay. -
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RJ HOTELS OTARUView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
RJ HOTELS OTARU in Otaru offers soundproof rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, work desk, and TV.Convenient Facilities
Guests benefit from private check-in and check-out services, free on-site parking, and streaming services. Additional amenities include a bidet, hairdryer, and soundproofing.Prime Location
Located 39 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is a 15-minute walk from Otaru Station and 600 metres from Otaru Canal Park. Nearby attractions include Otaru Museum and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort.Guest Satisfaction
Highly rated for room comfort, soundproof rooms, and convenient location. -
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Hotel Nord OtaruLocated at the picturesque boulevard of the Otaru Canal, Hotel Nord offers comfortable accommodation and panoramic mountain views. The hotel features a restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. Rooms at Otaru Nord Hotel are air-conditioned and equipped with satellite TV and a safety deposit box. A refrigerator and an electric kettle are provided. The front desk of Nord Otaru Hotel is staffed 24 hours, and offers luggage storage service. The facilities include vending machines with drinks. BAR Duomo Rosso on the top floor offers panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. Hotel Nord Otaru is a 7-minute walk from Otaru Station. The Otaru Music Box Museum is a 6-minute drive away.View on Booking.com -
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Granbell Hotel OtaruView on Booking.comComfortable Accommodations
Granbell Hotel Otaru in Otaru offers air-conditioned rooms with tea and coffee makers, bidets, hairdryers, showers, slippers, and TVs. Additional amenities include baths, sofa beds, work desks, and sofas.Relaxing Facilities
Guests can enjoy a sauna, open-air bath, and a beautiful garden. The hotel also features a restaurant serving Japanese and European cuisines, a bar, and free WiFi throughout the property.Convenient Location
Located 37 km from Okadama Airport, the hotel is a 13-minute walk from Otaru Station. Nearby attractions include Otaru Canal Park (1.4 km), Otaru Museum (1.7 km), and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort (23 km).
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