Former Otaru Warehouse | Otaru Tourism

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The Former Otaru Warehouse, with its striking shachihoko (lion-like carp) that stands out along the Otaru Canal, is a representative structure among the many historical buildings in Otaru. It was built in 1890 (Meiji 23) by Nishitani and Nishide of Kaga Hashidate in the Otaru Konanhama area, which had just been reclaimed.

Later, due to circumstances at the Nishide family home, the warehouse was taken over by Yamamoto Kyuemon (the second generation), who was also a Kitamaebune ship merchant seeking a base in Otaru. The Otaru Warehouse was expanded and remodeled into the current "R" shape, becoming a large warehouse covering an area of 3,000 m2.

The shachihoko (roof ornament) on the roof is believed to have been installed during this period. Stone warehouses were built one after another along the coastline at Kitahama, Minamihama, etc., but the Otaru Warehouse, occupying a prime location with its vast width, had an outstanding presence.

The Otaru Warehouse is not only characterized by its long, horizontal structure facing the coast, but also by the existence of a courtyard surrounded by the warehouse. This is also related to the function of the warehouse at the time, and it is said that the area for sorting goods was located in the courtyard out of sight in order to block information about how much goods were stored in the warehouse.

Furthermore, the first floor of the office building was made into a passageway so that the entrance could be blocked off for horse-drawn carriages. The current UNGAPLUS store area is the site of the original horse-drawn carriage passageway when the company was founded. This building is a symbol of Otaru, which was once the leading economic city in northern Japan.

Store name
UNGAPLUS

Address: 2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru City, 047-0031

phone
0134-65-8150

Opening hours
10:00~18:00

Closed days <br>Open everyday

Home page
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This Tai Monaka chocolate features 23 lucky spots in Otaru on the packaging. Chocolate and rice puffs are placed inside a traditionally baked monaka shell made from 100% glutinous rice.

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UNGAPLUS

This shop, renovated from the "Old Otaru Warehouse Main Building," said to be the oldest commercial warehouse in Hokkaido in the Otaru North Canal area, develops and sells original products that convey the charm of Otaru. The shop tells the story of Otaru's prosperity during the Hokkaido pioneering era and the history of the Kitamae ships, and displays and sells processed seafood and agricultural products from ports of call and Hokkaido, as well as original products by artisans and artists with ties to Otaru.