Otaru & the Herring Mansion
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Port
Otaru, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$149.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Visit the Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion) -- second home of an Otaru herring fisheries owner. It took six years for the miyadaiku (carpenters specializing in shines and temples) to complete the construction. Herring fisheries were highly prosperous during the Meiji and Taisho eras; even so, the project was ludicrously lavish and expensive. The two-story wooden house was built in 1922 and measures 53,000 square feet. It features a lacquered floor, whitewashed walls and zelkova corridors. Sliding doors are adorned with works by the premiere painters and calligraphers of the day.
Next, you will see the main landmark of Otaru City -- the Otaru Canal. This historical .75-mile canal provides both a nostalgic look at the Otaru of yesteryear and interesting shopping and dining experiences. The canal was created by a land reclamation project beginning in 1914 and is lined with stone warehouses from that time. The shipping warehouses have been preserved, and the canal is photogenic in every season. The promenade along the canal boasts numerous fancy shops and fine restaurants and is illuminated by a series of gaslights.
Note:
You must remove your shoes at one or more location(s). There are steps to negotiate on this tour. Tour order may vary.