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The history of Otaru is said to have begun in the late Edo period, when a village was established by people who immigrated in search of herring. Around that time, Kitamae ships, known as the general trading companies of the sea, also began to ply here. Many daily necessities were brought to Hokkaido, and at the same time, abundant seafood was transported to Honshu.

Otaru's History and Literature

In the Meiji era, it was positioned as the most important port for the development of Hokkaido, and many financial institutions moved in, leading to continued prosperity. In the Taisho era, the sea was reclaimed and a waterway was created for efficient transportation. This is the Otaru Canal.

Otaru's History and Literature

As time passed and distribution centers moved to other cities, the Otaru Canal became an unnecessary waterway. After the mid-Showa period, plans to fill in the Otaru Canal arose. A movement to preserve the Otaru Canal, launched by local citizens, attracted national attention and raised Otaru's name recognition nationwide.

Otaru's History and Literature

Today, Otaru has become a tourist city where tourists flock from all over the country to see the remaining half of the Otaru Canal. Otaru has faced many rough waves throughout the transition from the late Edo period to the Meiji, Taisho, Showa, Heisei, and now the current Reiwa eras, and even today, many historical assets remain.

Otaru's History and Literature

Give Otaru as a gift.

From the "Old Otaru Warehouse" overlooking the canal,
From UNGAPLUS, which brings you the "Story of Otaru" that walked alongside the Kitamae ships,
We will introduce you to "Places to visit in Otaru."

Please enjoy Otaru.

14 Things to Do in Ancient Otaru

↓ Bank of Japan Former Otaru
↓ Otaru City Literature Museum
↓ Banking area
↓ Otaru Canal
↓ Otaru City Museum Main Building
↓ Otaru City Museum Canal Hall
↓ Former Otaru Warehouse
↓ North breakwater of Otaru Port
↓ North Canal Warehouse Group
↓ Former Nippon Yusen Co., Ltd.
↓ Otaru City Herring Palace
↓ Hokutan loader
↓ Former Temiya Line
↓ Otaru City Noh Theater

Otaru's History and Literature

1. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

Bank of Japan Former Otaru Branch Financial Museum

The Bank of Japan Otaru Branch (now the Financial Museum) in Ironai, Otaru City, was designed by Tatsuno Kingo, the designer of Tokyo Station, famous for its red bricks, and his apprentice Nagano Uheiji, and completed in July 1912. At the time, there were many bank branches in Otaru, and the area around Ironai Boulevard was known as "Otaru's Banking District." Among them, this building's presence was particularly striking. ...Read More

Facility name　Bank of Japan Former Otaru Branch
Address　1-11-16 Ironai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
phone　0134-21-1111
Opening hours　09:30-17:00
Closed　Wednesdays
Home page　Click here

2. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

Otaru City Literature Museum

Otaru is Hokkaido's second oldest port city after Hakodate, and once flourished as the gateway to Hokkaido's economy. The old streets and stately architecture still lingering throughout the city offer a glimpse into the city's prosperity. In terms of culture, talented young people from all over the country gathered here and there, honing their skills, and many outstanding writers, including Takiji Kobayashi and Sei Ito, were born here. ...Read more

Facility name　Otaru City Literary Museum
Address　1-9-5 Ironai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
phone　0134-32-2388
Opening hours　09:30-17:00
Closed　Mondays
Home page　Click here

3. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

banking district

If you cross the main Rinkosen street from Asakusabashi, a famous photo spot of the Otaru Canal, and head straight down Nihongin-dori Street toward Otaru Station, you'll eventually come to the intersection with Ironai-dori Street. Many bank buildings remain in this area, dating back to when Otaru was known as "northern Japan's leading economic city," and at its peak, as many as 25 financial institutions had branches here. ...Read more

Facility name　The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum
Address　1-11-16 Ironai, Otaru City,
phone　0134-21-1111
Opening hours　9:30~17:00 (10:00~ from December to March)
Closed　Wednesdays
Home page　Click here

4. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

Otaru Canal

Otaru Port played an important role as the gateway to Hokkaido from the Meiji period through the early Showa period. Large ships anchored within the port were unloaded using small boats called barges, but as the volume of cargo handled increased, barge congestion became a problem. To facilitate more efficient unloading and loading, an artificial island was constructed over a nine-year period beginning in 1914, allowing unloading operations to be carried out around the island. At that time, the remaining water surface between the original quay and the artificial island, measuring 1,314 meters in length and 40 meters in width, became known as the "Otaru Canal." ...Read More

Facility name　Otaru Canal
Address　Minatomachi 5, Otaru City,
Opening hours　Open all year round
Closed days　Open for strolling all year round
Home page　Click here

5. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

Otaru City Museum Main Building

The Otaru City Museum consists of two facilities: the Main Building and the Canal Museum. The two facilities are about a 20-minute walk apart. The Main Building opened in July 2007 (Heisei 19) in the former Otaru Transportation Memorial Hall in Temiya, integrating the functions of the museum and the Youth Science and Technology Museum. At the same time, the former museum, previously housed in the former Otaru Warehouse along the Otaru Canal, was renamed the Canal Museum. Located in Temiya, the birthplace of Hokkaido's railways, the Main Building displays 50 of Hokkaido's most iconic railroad cars, including the Shizuka steam locomotive. During the summer, the 1909 American-made Iron Horse steam locomotive operates outdoors, offering free rides. The museum hosts a variety of activities focused on the history and nature of Otaru, Hokkaido's transportation history, and science and technology. ...See More

Store nameOtaru City Museum Main Building
address　1-3-6 Temiya, Otaru City, Hokkaido
phone　0134-33-2523
Opening hours　09:30-17:00
Closed　New Year's holiday (December 29th to January 3rd)
Home page　Click here

6. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

Otaru City Museum Canal Hall

The Otaru City Museum consists of two facilities: the Main Building and the Canal Museum. The two facilities are about a 20-minute walk apart. The Main Building was newly opened in July 2007 (Heisei 19) in the former Otaru Transportation Memorial Hall in Temiya, integrating the functions of the museum and the Youth Science and Technology Museum. At the same time, the former museum, which had been housed in the former Otaru Warehouse along the Otaru Canal, was renamed the Canal Museum. The former Canal Museum has two exhibition rooms: the first exhibiting old photographs and maps documenting the Kitamae-bune ships, herring fishing, and the city's evolution; and the second exhibiting natural materials on flora and fauna. It is a facility where you can learn about the history of Otaru City and its abundant natural environment in an easy-to-understand manner. ...See More

Facility name　Otaru City Museum Canal Hall
address　2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido
phone　0134-22-1258
Opening hours　09:30-17:00
Closed　New Year's holiday (December 29th to January 3rd)
Home page　Click here

7. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

Former Otaru Warehouse (UNGAPLUS)

The Old Otaru Warehouse, with its striking shachihoko (lion-like carp) along the Otaru Canal, is a representative example of Otaru's many historic buildings. It was built in 1890 (Meiji 23) by Nishitani and Nishide of Kaga Hashidate, on the southern beach of Otaru Port, which had just completed land reclamation. Later, due to circumstances within the Nishide family, the warehouse was passed on to Yamamoto Kyuemon (the second generation), who also sought a base in Otaru for Kitamaebune (shipping), and the Otaru Warehouse was expanded and remodeled into its current "R" shape, becoming a large warehouse spanning 3,000 square meters. ...Read More

Store name　UNGAPLUS
address　2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru
phone　0134-65-8150
Opening hours　10:00~18:00
Closed days　Open everyday
Home page　Click here

UNGAPLUS (in the former Otaru warehouse)

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.

8. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

Otaru Port North Breakwater

Otaru Port is located on the eastern side of the Shakotan Peninsula in western Hokkaido, and is a naturally excellent harbor surrounded by mountains on three sides: north, west, and south. In 1869 (Meiji 2), the Meiji government established the Hokkaido Development Commission, renamed Ezo to Hokkaido, and decided to build its headquarters in Sapporo. Otaru Port became a key location for the development of Hokkaido. Looking at the harbor from a high vantage point, breakwaters extend from Temiya to the north and Hiraiso Cape to the south, as if embracing the port. The north breakwater extending from the north side, designed by Dr. Isamu Hiroi in 1908 (Meiji 41), has been in use for over 100 years since its construction, withstanding the daily rough waves and still functioning as it was back then. ...See More

Facility name　Otaru Port North Breakwater
Address　1-2 Takashima, Otaru City, Hokkaido,
Opening hours　24 hours
Closed days　Open everyday

9. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

North Canal Warehouse Group

The northern section of the Otaru Canal, which curves north and south, is commonly known as the "North Canal." The original 40-meter width of the canal remains to this day, reminiscent of the time when it was constructed, with fishing boats and cruisers moored there, and the scenery evokes the barge-filled past. One particularly striking sight is the "Old Shibusawa Warehouse" (soon to be renamed the Old Endo Warehouse), built in the mid-Meiji period. Originally built by businessman Endo Matabei, who made his fortune from herring fishing, the unique structure features a large roof covering two warehouses. ...Read More

Facility name　PRESSCAFE
Address　3-3-21 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido
phone　0134-24-8028
Opening hours　11:30-22:00
Closed　Thursdays
Home page　Click here

10. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

Former Nippon Yusen Kaisha Otaru Branch

The former Nippon Yusen Otaru branch, with its luxurious appearance, hints at Otaru's prosperity during the Meiji period. This building symbolizes the heyday of Otaru's development. A two-story stone structure in the European Renaissance style, the VIP room inside features a plaster ceiling and chandeliers, crimson curtains, parquet floors and a striking carpet with a large floral pattern, and gold leather paper with a chrysanthemum crest on the walls, which is said to have been extremely difficult to restore, creating an extravagant and luxurious space. ...See More

Facility name　Former Nippon Yusen Co., Ltd. Otaru Branch
Address　3-7-8 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido
phone　0134-22-3316
Opening hours　Closed until June 2022 due to preservation and repair work
Closed　until June 2022 due to preservation and repair work
Home page　Click here

11. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

Otaru City Herring Palace

Herring fishing was Hokkaido's primary industry in the first half of the Meiji era, generating a larger production volume than coal mining, which would later become the primary industry. From the early Meiji era onward, operators of fixed net (square net/set net) fishing operations began constructing unique buildings that served as both lodgings for their numerous fishermen and residences for the operators (masters). Masters who fished in isolated locations, in particular, constructed huge structures. The Tanaka family of Tomari Village on the Shakotan Peninsula also constructed their main house in 1897. In the cliff-lined west of Shakotan, fishpond-like inlets known as fukuro-gan (fish ponds) developed, where fishermen stored their nets. In Tomari Village, where the Tanaka family lived, the fukuro-gan (fish ponds) and brick storehouses remain to this day, along with a large drying area atop the cliffs. ...See More

Facility name　Otaru City Herring Palace
Address　228 Shukutsu 3-chome, Otaru, Hokkaido
phone　0134-22-1038
Opening hours　9:00-17:00 (until 16:00 from October 16th)
Closed days　Open every day during the period: April 3rd (Sat) - November 23rd (Tue), 2021
Home page　Click here

12. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

Hokutan Loader Foundation Site

Just a short distance from the quay at Otaru Port in Temiya, a aged concrete block peeks out from the water. Grass grows on top of it, and seabirds rest their wings. This is the foundation of a machine called the "Hokutan Loader," which was built in 1939 to load coal onto ships. The remains of Otaru Port, which shipped coal and served as a base for the development of Hokkaido, are also included as a cultural asset in the Japan Heritage Site "Coal and Iron Port." ...See more

Facility name　Hokutan Loader Foundation Site
Address　1-4-1 Temiya, Otaru, Hokkaido
Home page　Click here

13. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

Former Temiya Line

The abandoned Temiya Line, located a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station, is a popular tourist spot in Otaru. It was originally built in 1880 by American railway engineer Joseph Urry Crawford as Hokkaido's first railway and Japan's third, running from Temiya to Sapporo for the purpose of transporting coal. ...See more

Facility name　Former Temiya Line
Opening hours　Open all day except during the winter when there is snow.
Closed days　Open for strolling all day except during the winter when there is snow.

14. Otaru Tourism - History and Literature

Otaru Noh Theater (former Okazaki Family Noh Stage)

The Otaru Noh Theater (formerly the Okazaki Family Noh Stage) is a theater for Noh performances built in Otaru, Hokkaido in 1926. It meets the highest standards for Noh performances established during the Edo period and is a building of great historical and cultural value. It was built within the family home of Ken Okazaki, a native of Sado who became a successful general merchandise merchant and contributed greatly to Otaru as a city council member, in 1926. The theater is crafted using specially selected materials, including a 2.4m diameter Jindai cedar from Sado, cypress from Kyushu, and pine from Hokkaido. The pine paintings on the panel and the bamboo on the doorway were painted by Kano Mochinobu, the 17th head of the Kano school, during his two-month stay in Otaru. ...See More

Facility name　Otaru Noh Theater (formerly the Okazaki Family Noh Stage)
Address　5-2-1 Hanazono, Otaru City,
phone　0134-22-2796
Opening hours 　Open to the public from June to early September
Home page　Click here

UNGAPLUS

Good luck from the shipping town of Otaru...
May the flow that has been protected without interruption be your ally and open up your luck.

During the Meiji period, Otaru flourished as the gateway to the development of Hokkaido.
Kitamae ships flapped their pure white sails across the ocean, traveling to and from Honshu and bringing many goods and cultures to this area.

UNGAPLUS delivers original products that incorporate the history and culture of Otaru, as well as high-quality products from the ports of call of the Kitamae ships, from the former Otaru Main Warehouse, the first commercial warehouse in Hokkaido, built by Kitamae ship owners Nishide Magozaemon and Nishitani Shohachi.

The story of Otaru, which has walked alongside the Kitamae ships, can be heard from this place.

We are looking forward to your visit and have a wide selection of original items that are only available here and make great souvenirs.

Click here for details on "UNGAPLUS" Store name　UNGAPLUS

address　2-1-20 Ironai, Otaru

phone　0134-65-8150

Opening hours　10:00~18:00

Closed days　Open everyday

Home page　Click here