Historical Yoichi & Otaru
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Port
Otaru, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$139
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Explore how Otaru and Yoichi have flourished up to the present day.
Otaru was one of the most prolific herring producers in Japan. Visit the Fukuhara Gyoba fish processing facility to learn about the once highly profitable herring fishing industry. This complex belonged to the Fukuhara family, heavily involved in the industry. Stroll about the spacious grounds to get a sense of the layout and the role of each building.
Unjyoya House, near the fishing grounds, was used by merchants trading with the indigenous Ainu people. It was built in 1853 by a well-to-do merchant, Takeya Hayashi Chozaemon.
The Otaru City Museum, situated near the Otaru Canal, offers a window into the history, nature and culture of Otaru. It chronicles the history of Otaru from the Ainu period to modern times, each introduced from various angles. The facility is housed in one of the old Otaru stone warehouses built in 1893.
Enjoy some free time to walk along the Otaru Canal, developed in 1914. The canal is lined with restored stone warehouses that are, today, home to fancy shops, boutiques, cafés, and fine restaurants. You will walk back to the ship on your own (10-15 minutes) after your free time.
Notes:
There is no elevator available to Fukuhara Gyoba. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, inclines, and many steps. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair. You must remove your shoes at one or more location(s). Bring local currency or credit cards, as most vendors do not accept US dollars. Unfamiliar accents can be challenging; feel free to ask your guide to repeat or elaborate on information, and to speak more slowly so you can fully comprehend and converse.