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Nestled in the Shukutsu area of Otaru, "Otaru Kihinkan (Former Aoyama Villa)" is an exquisitely luxurious historical building that tells the story of the golden age of herring fishing, which once swept the Japan Sea coast of Hokkaido. Its overwhelming scale and artistic value transcend the boundaries of a mere historically preserved building, making it a space truly worthy of being called a "Northern Art Mansion."

This mansion was built by Masakichi, the second-generation head of the Aoyama family, who made their fortune in herring fishing, and his daughter Masae. It took about six and a half years to complete, from 1917 (Taisho 6).

At that time, the area around Shukutsu in Otaru was bustling with herring fishing, and many "herring mansions" were built. However, the former Aoyama Villa stands apart from these. It was built not as a "mansion" for living and working, but as a "villa pursuing beauty," and the attention to detail was extraordinary. It is said that a colossal sum, enough to build several famous department stores in Shinjuku at the time, was invested.

The building is a two-story wooden structure with a floor area of approximately 628 square meters. The finest materials, such as zelkova, cypress, and ebony, which were difficult to obtain even then, were used without reservation for the construction. The sliding screen paintings adorning each room in the mansion were painted by top artists and calligraphers of the time. Each room has a different character, giving visitors the feeling of walking through an art museum. The delicate carvings on the transoms and the geometric patterns of the Kumiko shoji (latticework screens) assembled without a single nail are considered to be the culmination of techniques so advanced that even modern craftsmen find them difficult to replicate. Particularly noteworthy is the restroom (setchin). It is adorned with exquisite lacquerware and mother-of-pearl inlay, symbolizing the Aoyama family's extraordinary wealth and aesthetic sense.

The Japanese garden surrounding the building is also a major attraction of Otaru Kihinkan. Particularly famous are the peonies. From late May to June, hundreds of peonies and tree peonies bloom profusely in the garden. During this period, a "Peony Festival" is also held, attracting many tourists who come to enjoy the contrast between the magnificent architecture and the vibrant flowers. In autumn, the garden displays vivid autumn foliage, and in winter, a tranquil snow-covered landscape, showing its seasonal charm.

In 2010 (Heisei 22), the main building, annex, and walls of the former Aoyama Villa were designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. It is highly valued publicly as a relic symbolizing the "herring culture" that supported Otaru's prosperity and as a precious base for preserving the excellent architectural techniques of the Taisho era.

Currently, the "Otaru Kihinkan" is open to the public, and its attached restaurant offers seasonal Hokkaido delicacies, including herring dishes. Dining in an elegant atmosphere while enjoying the scenery that wealthy merchants of the past would have gazed upon is a unique experience found only here.

Giving Otaru.

From the "Old Otaru Warehouse" overlooking the canal,
UNGAPLUS, which delivers "The Story of Otaru"
that walked with the Kitamae-bune ships,
introduces "Places to Visit in Otaru."

Please enjoy "Otaru."