The wooden building is really impressive, but it doesn’t feel intimidating or too formal. You can totally picture how booming the herring industry must’ve been back then.
Inside is huge, and as you walk around you really feel how different life was in those days. The ocean view out the windows is a big plus too. It’s kind of a reflective place.
A quieter, more “museum-like” spot in Otaru, but with a lot of character.
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Otaru City Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion)
A massive fishermen’s lodge that captures the herring boom of the Meiji and Taisho eras.
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Perched on a cape with sweeping views of Ishikari Bay near Otaru Aquarium, the Otaru City Nishin Goten is a former banya, a fishermen’s lodging and work hut from the herring-fishing boom of the Meiji to Taisho eras. Originally built in Tomari Village, Furuu District in Nishi-Shakotan, it was relocated and restored here in 1958. Preserving the original form of a valuable Meiji-era wooden structure built over seven years using 540 tons of timber, it is also designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Hokkaido.
The two-story building has a total floor area of Approx. 612 m², big enough to make it easy to believe that over 100 fishermen once lived and slept here at the peak. On display are tools used for herring fishing and processing, along with everyday items from the time. The second floor even has a hidden room, making it fascinating to explore corner to corner. It’s also a popular pilgrimage spot for fans, as it served as the model for the Nishin Goten featured in the hit Hokkaido-set manga, and anime, Golden Kamuy.
Highlights
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A relocated banya from the Meiji-era herring-fishing boom.
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Exhibits of tools and materials used for herring fishing, processing, and daily life.
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Designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Hokkaido.
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Famous as the model for the building featured in Golden Kamuy.
Photos
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A vast two-story banya where more than 100 fishermen once stayed overnight
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Tools used for herring fishing and processing are also on display
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Costume try-on experience
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A
English pamphlets available.
Q
Is re-entry allowed?
A
Generally not allowed.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available on-site?
A
No.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
A
No.
Reviews
2
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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The whole building feels wonderfully old-school. The moment you step in, it’s like you’re transported back to Hokkaido’s heyday.
You can see traces of the luxurious lifestyle from when the herring fishery was booming, and it has a real sense of history. It’s a decent-sized place, so take your time—you’ll spend a bit, but it never feels boring.
It’s usually not crowded, which makes it really comfortable to explore. If you’re into history or old architecture, this is definitely worth a stop.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 小樽市鰊御殿
- Postal Code
- 047-0047
- Address
- 3-228 Shukutsu, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Phone
- 0134-22-1038 (Nishin Goten), 0134-33-1400 (Otaru Aquarium)
- Closed on
- Late November to early April
- Hours
- 9:00am - 5:00pm (from Oct 16: until 4:00pm)
- Admission
- Adults: 300 yen, High school students: 150 yen, Junior high students and younger: Free
- Access
- From Chuo Bus platform 3 at Otaru Station, take a bus and get off at Otaru Aquarium or Shukutsu.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official website(English)
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