The Herring Mansion (にしん御殿 旧青山別邸 小樽貴賓館), located in Otaru, Hokkaido, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the herring fishing industry during its peak in the early 20th century. Originally built in Tomari Village on the Shakotan Peninsula by Fukumatsu Tanaka, a wealthy herring fisherman, the mansion served as a dormitory for over 200 fishermen.
The mansion’s grand architecture reflects the prosperity of the era, featuring spacious rooms, ornate woodwork, and luxurious furnishings. However, with the decline of herring fishing, the mansion faced demolition. Thanks to the efforts of local citizens, it was relocated and meticulously restored in Otaru in 1958.
Today, the Herring Mansion stands as a testament to Hokkaido’s rich fishing heritage. It is the first herring fishery building to be designated as a Hokkaido Tangible Cultural Property, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur of a bygone era.
Getting there
From Otaru Station to Herring Mansion:
| Bus | Otaru Station ↓ Bus Number 10 ↓ 19 minutes (16 stops) Shukutsu Bus Stop ↓ Walk about 7 minutes ↓ Herring Mansion (Cost 240 yen) |
Details
| Hours | April 8th to November 23rd (including public holidays) / 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closing at 4:00 AM from October 16th) |
| Admission | Adults: 300 yen High school students: 150 yen |
| Phone | +81 134-22-1038 |
| Address | 3 Chome-228 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047 |
| Source | https://otaru.gr.jp/shop/otarushinisingoten |