Herring Mansions (Nishin Goten)
A wealthy fisherman’s former mansion
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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
1100 yen
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Otaru
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Otaru Geihinkan8.6 km from Otaru Station, Otaru Geihinkan is a recently renovated property set in Otaru and offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. Featuring luggage storage space, this property also welcomes guests with a family-friendly restaurant and a terrace. The ryokan features family rooms. At the ryokan, every unit is fitted with a desk and a flat-screen TV. The units are fitted with a kettle and a private bathroom with a bidet and a hair dryer, while selected rooms here will provide you with a fully equipped kitchen equipped with an oven. The units are equipped with heating facilities. An American breakfast is available at the ryokan. Guests can also relax in the garden. Otarushi Zenibako City Center is 26 km from Otaru Geihinkan, while Sapporo Station is 44 km away. Okadama Airport is 46 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Stay`sOTARUStay`sOTARU is located in Otaru, within 1.6 km of Otaru Station and 16 km of Otarushi Zenibako City Center. Featuring a terrace, the 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel features a hot tub and luggage storage space. All units are equipped with a fridge, microwave, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a wardrobe. The hotel provides certain rooms with city views, and every room is equipped with a balcony. Guest rooms in Stay`sOTARU are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. Sapporo Station is 35 km from the accommodation, while Shin-Sapporo Station is 46 km away. Okadama Airport is 37 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARUSituated in Otaru, 800 metres from Otaru Station, UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU features accommodation with a terrace, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set 17 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center. The units in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. The rooms in UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Sapporo Station is 35 km from the accommodation, while Shin-Sapporo Station is 47 km from the property. Okadama Airport is 37 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Ryo AnLocated within 17 km of Otarushi Zenibako City Center and 35 km of Sapporo Station, Ryo An offers rooms in Otaru. This 4-star hotel offers free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set 400 metres from Otaru Station. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. The rooms come with a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. At the hotel every room is equipped with a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. Shin-Sapporo Station is 47 km from Ryo An, while Otaru Canal Park is 1.8 km from the property. Okadama Airport is 38 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Little BarrelSet within 1.5 km of Otaru Station and 17 km of Otarushi Zenibako City Center, Little Barrel provides rooms in Otaru. Featuring a garden, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and a shared lounge for guests. At the hostel the rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Sapporo Station is 35 km from Little Barrel, while Shin-Sapporo Station is 47 km from the property. Okadama Airport is 37 km away.View on Booking.com -
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GRIDS PREMIUM HOTEL OTARULocated within 700 metres of Otaru Station and 17 km of Otarushi Zenibako City Center, GRIDS PREMIUM HOTEL OTARU provides rooms in Otaru. With a restaurant, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The units in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. Each room comes with a safety deposit box and certain rooms include city views. Guest rooms in GRIDS PREMIUM HOTEL OTARU are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. GRIDS PREMIUM HOTEL OTARU features a spa and wellness centre with a sauna. With staff speaking English and Japanese, around the clock guidance is available at the reception. Sapporo Station is 35 km from the hotel, while Shin-Sapporo Station is 47 km away. Okadama Airport is 38 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Tabist Kaihorow OtaruSituated in Otaru, 1.3 km from Otaru Station, Tabist Kaihorow Otaru features accommodation with a shared lounge, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is set 17 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center. At the hotel, the rooms include a desk. All rooms in Tabist Kaihorow Otaru are fitted with a TV and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast is available at the accommodation. Sapporo Station is 35 km from Tabist Kaihorow Otaru, while Shin-Sapporo Station is 47 km from the property. Okadama Airport is 37 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Winkel VillageSet 9.4 km from Otaru Station, Winkel Village offers a terrace, ski-to-door access and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bidet, shower and a hairdryer, while the kitchen features a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and bed linen for an extra charge. A ski pass sales point is available on site and both hiking and skiing can be enjoyed within close proximity of the lodge. Otarushi Zenibako City Center is 15 km from Winkel Village, while Sapporo Station is 33 km away. Okadama Airport is 35 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Otaru Tap Room & HostelOtaru Tap Room & Hostel is situated in Otaru, within 17 km of Otarushi Zenibako City Center and 35 km of Sapporo Station. With a bar, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation features a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. All rooms in the hostel are fitted with a kettle. The rooms have bed linen. Popular points of interest near Otaru Tap Room & Hostel include Otaru Station, Otaru Canal Park and Otaru Museum. Okadama Airport is 38 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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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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