18 Historical Buildings of Otaru that Recall the Prosperous Past

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Otaru City began as land given to vassals by the feudal lord of the Matsumae domain during the Keicho era (1596-1610) in the Edo period. After that, more and more people moved there from the south in search of herring, and in 1865, 314 houses for fishermen were built, forming a village-like organization.

Entering the Meiji era, the new Japanese government decided to make Sapporo the base for the development of Hokkaido. At a time when land routes were not well developed, the development of Otaru Port was promoted as a supply base for goods coming in by sea. Timber-framed stone warehouses were built one after another along the coast to preserve and store the goods brought in from the port. In 1880 (Meiji 13), Hokkaido's first railway, the Government-run Horonai Railway, was laid, and the city became a port for exporting energy and coal, which supported Japan's modernization. After that, the development of Otaru Port reached its peak, and it rapidly grew into one of the leading economic cities in the country.

Otaru Port Elevated Pier

At the time, typical commodities such as coal, herring, and beans were market commodities that were used for asset management, and foreign trade and the shipping industry required services such as foreign exchange and insurance. Due to the need for financial functions, Otaru's first bank branch, the former 44th Bank Otaru Branch, was opened in 1878. With the explosive growth of industry, many banks began to move into Otaru starting in 1878, and in 1893 the Bank of Japan Otaru Branch was opened, forming the Ironai Banking District.

In the Ironai area, many modern buildings representing the era were built by Japan's leading architects, such as the former Otaru branch of Nippon Yusen Kaisha (a nationally designated important cultural property) and the former Otaru branch of the Bank of Japan (a city designated tangible cultural property).Even today, Otaru is home to many historical buildings that incorporate cutting-edge technology and sophisticated designs, and are highly regarded as outstanding cultural heritage sites.

Otaru Banking District

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.

18 buildings that recall the prosperity of the past

↓ Otaru Station
↓ Former Nippon Yusen Co., Ltd.
↓ Bank of Japan
↓ Banking area
↓ Old Otaru Warehouse
↓ Otaru Guest House
↓ Otaru City Herring Palace
↓ Ginrinso
↓ Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura
↓ Can Otaru Factory Warehouse
↓ Otaru Catholic Church Tomioka
↓ North Canal Warehouse Group
↓ UNGAPLUS
↓ PRESSCAFE Press Cafe
↓ vivre sa vie+mi-yyu
↓ OTARU TAP ROOM
↓ Otaru ISO
↓ Otaru GOLDSTONE

Historical Buildings of Otaru

1. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

Otaru Station

Otaru Station, the gateway to tourism in Otaru, opened in 1903 as Hokkaido Railway's "Otaru Chuo Station." It was renamed "Takashima Station" and "Chuo Otaru Station" several times, and finally became Otaru Station in 1920, reflecting the name of the former Otaru Station (now Minami Otaru Station). The current station building is also the third generation. ...Read more

Facility name　Otaru Station
Address　2-22-15 Inaho, Otaru City,
phone　0134-22-0771
Business hours　Midori no Madoguchi 5:30-22:45
Closed days　None
Home page　Click here

2. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

Former Nippon Yusen Co., Ltd. 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　09:30-17:00
Closed on　Tuesdays (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a public holiday)
New Year's holiday (December 29th to January 3rd)
Home page　Click here

3. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

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 Financial Museum
Address　1-11-16 Ironai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
phone　0134-21-1111
Opening hours　09:30-17:00
Closed　Wednesdays
Home page　Click here

4. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

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

5. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

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 (in the former Otaru warehouse)
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.

6. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

Otaru Guest House

In the mid-Meiji period, Aoyama Tomekichi, one of the "Three Great Fishermen of Shukutsu," acquired a vast tract of land along Shukutsu's coastline and constructed a group of fishing buildings, including a main store (former guardhouse), warehouses, and a fishing facility. Herring fishing around Ide peaked around 1897 and gradually declined, but the family continued to own numerous fishing nets and operate the fishing business until the time of Aoyama Masakichi II and his son-in-law, Tamiji. By the time of the Taisho era, the Aoyama family, already one of the wealthiest families in the Otaru area, began construction of a villa for private residence on the land behind the former guardhouse. It is said that this was at the strong request of Masakichi's daughter, Masae. ...Read More

Facility name　Otaru Guest House
Address　3-63 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido,
phone　0134-24-0024
Opening hours　9:00~17:00
Closed　New Year's holiday
Home page　Click here

7. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

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

8. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

Ginrinso

Ginrinso, a hot spring restaurant located at Hiraiso Cape in Sakuramachi, Otaru City, originally began as a herring palace built in Yoichi Town in 1900 as the residence of Inomata Yasunojo, a fishing master who made his fortune from herring fishing. It took about three years to build, and is an extremely luxurious building. In 1938, it was moved to its current location as part of the urban planning for Higashi-Otaru. The following year, in 1939, it opened as a ryokan (Japanese inn), and was named "Ginrinso" by Ishiguro Hidehiko, then the Governor of Hokkaido. ...Read More

Facility name　Ginrinso
Address　1-1 Sakura, Otaru, Hokkaido,
phone　0134-54-7010
Business hours　Check-in 3:00 PM / Check-out 11:00 AM
Closed days　Open all year round
Home page　Click here

9. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura

At its peak, Otaru had over 50 sake breweries, but today only Tanaka Sake Brewery, which produces Otaru's local sake "Takara-gawa," remains. Founded in 1899 (Meiji 32), Tanaka Sake Brewery has been in business for 120 years, with two stores in the city and a long-standing favorite with locals. ...Read more

Facility name　Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura
Address　2-2 Shinkacho, Otaru City, Hokkaido
phone　0134-21-2390
Opening hours　09:05-17:55
Closed days　Open everyday
Home page　Click here

10. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

Hokkai Can Otaru Factory Warehouse No. 3

Hokkai Can Otaru Factory Warehouse No. 3 was constructed in 1924 (Taisho 13), the year after the Otaru Canal was completed. It was built as a warehouse to store cans for canned salmon and trout manufactured for seafood processing plants on the Kamchatka Peninsula, where North Pacific fishing was thriving. The site was newly reclaimed land for the Otaru Canal, and recently discovered drawings show that numerous pine stakes were driven deep into the ground to reinforce the building foundation. The four-story reinforced concrete structure has a total floor area of 7,200 square meters. ...Read More

Facility name　Otaru Factory Warehouse No. 3
address　2-5 Temiya, Otaru, Hokkaido
Opening hours　You can see the exterior all year round
Closed days　The exterior can be viewed all year round
Home page　Click here

11. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

Otaru Catholic Church Tomioka Cathedral

About a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station, a short walk from the so-called "Hell Hill" leading to Otaru University of Commerce, stands a beautiful, picture-book-like church known to locals as "Tomioka Church." Its current official name is "Catholic Otaru Church Tomioka Cathedral," but until 2015 it was called Catholic Tomioka Church. ...Read more

Facility name　Otaru Catholic Church Tomioka Cathedral
Address　1-21-25 Tomioka, Otaru City, Hokkaido,
phone　0134-22-6278
Home page　Click here

12. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

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

13. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

UNGAPLUS (in the former Otaru warehouse)

UNGAPLUS delivers original products that embody 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, Hokkaido's first commercial warehouse, built by Kitamae ship owners Nishide Magozaemon and Nishitani Shohachi. ...See more

14. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

PRESSCAFE Press Cafe

PRESSCAFE is located at the northern end of the Otaru Canal, next to Kitahama Bridge, which spans the so-called North Canal. It's located in a corner of the historic Shibusawa Warehouse, built in 1895 (Meiji 28). While the famous Otaru Canal is only used by tourist cruise ships, the North Canal is still an active canal, with work boats, cruisers, and other small vessels moored there. The surrounding area is lined with old stone warehouses, making the townscape of the North Canal very charming. ...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

15. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

vivre sa vie+mi-yyu
Vivere Savi Plus Miyu

"Vivre sa vie+mi-yyu" is a lifestyle goods store located in the former Hayakawa branch (Otaru City Designated Historic Building No. 15), a historic building that was originally a stationery wholesaler. "Vivre sa vie" means "live as you please" or "enjoy life" in French. The charming interior features a selection of domestic and international products, from stationery, cutlery, and bags to accessories, socks, and fragrances, as well as works by artists from Otaru and the surrounding Sapporo area. ...See More

Facility name　vivre sa vie+mi-yyu
Address: 2-4-7 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido,
phone　0134-24-6268
Opening hours　11:00-17:00
Closed on　Mondays and Tuesdays (open on public holidays, no substitute holidays)
Home page　Click here

16. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

OTARU TAP ROOM - Tap Room

Otaru Tap Room opened in February 2019 with the concept of a "craft beer bar where you can stay overnight." It's a fusion of a craft beer bar and a hostel housed in a fully renovated historic building that's over 100 years old. The bar offers several different styles of beer, varying in color, aroma, and flavor, from local Otaru beers, as well as beers from around Japan and the United States, served on rotating taps. The food selection focuses on Tex-Mex, a Mexican-style cuisine developed primarily in Texas in the southern United States, as well as finger foods like burgers and tacos that pair well with beer. ...See More

Facility name　OTARU TAP ROOM -Craft Beer & Hostel Tap Room
Address　2-4-8 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido,
Phone　Hostel: 080-9613-3285,Bar: 090-1648-7397
Business hours　Weekdays: 15:00-22:00,Weekends: 13:00-22:00
Closed days　Hostel: Open daily Bar: Thursdays (may be closed on some days)
Home page　Click here

17. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

Otaru ISO

Otaru ISO is located about a five-minute walk from Otaru Canal, a popular tourist spot in Otaru. The restaurant is housed in a renovated 114-year-old red brick former Isono Shoten warehouse. Using birch firewood, Otaru's city tree, and featuring wood-grilled steaks centered around Hokkaido beef, the restaurant aims to offer a fusion of modern Hokkaido cuisine and Western cuisine. ...See more

Facility name　Otaru ISO
Address　2-2-14 Ironai, Otaru City, Hokkaido
phone　0134-31-1888
Opening hours　11:30-21:00
Closed　Wednesdays
Home page　Click here

18. Otaru Tourism - Historical Buildings

Otaru GOLDSTONE

Otaru GOLDSTONE is a live theater and restaurant located in the former Shibusawa Warehouse, one of the symbolic historical buildings of the Otaru North Canal. A comfortable space is created with comprehensive audio, video, and lighting equipment. It can be used in a variety of ways to suit the needs of the organizer. ...See more

Facility name　Otaru GOLDSTONE
Address　3-3-21 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido
phone　0134-33-5610
Business hours 　Hall reservation reception hours: Weekdays 10:00-19:00
Closed days　None
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