The Riches from the Fishing Industry Was Used in Building Mansions That Dot Otaru
Fishing is the mainstay of Otaru. The fishing industry has flourished for ages in this city, and it’s still one of the major fishing ports in Japan. In the early 20th century, herring was the main industry around Otaru and helped it rise to prominence. Herring fishermen became rich and elegant mansions came about as a result of the riches in the industry. The riches from the fishing industry was used in building many of the mansions that dot Otaru including the Herring Mansion (Nishin Goten).
The Nishin Goten – or Herring Mansions still exist today, with some open for visitors. Built in the 19th century, the Otaru Nishin Goten(Herring Mansion) and Herring Goten Otaru VIP Hall are two of Otaru’s top points of interest.
Otaru Nishin Goden was built in Tomari-mura in 1897 and relocated and restored to its current location in 1958, donated to Otaru City, and in 1960, it was designated as a cultural property as the first "Hokkaido Tangible Cultural Property Nishin Fishing Ground Building" in a private house in Hokkaido. The museum displays tools used for shin fishing and shin processing, as well as living tools and photographs for people living in the guardhouse. You can also experience the work style of those days. You’ll find the rooms preserved as they were and also tools of the herring trade and artefacts from the era displayed inside. While visiting the mansion, be sure to check out the diorama explaining the history of the herring industry and gallery displaying a number of unique fishing antiques.
The Nishin Goten – or Herring Mansions still exist today, with some open for visitors. Built in the 19th century, the Otaru Nishin Goten(Herring Mansion) and Herring Goten Otaru VIP Hall are two of Otaru’s top points of interest.
Otaru Nishin Goden was built in Tomari-mura in 1897 and relocated and restored to its current location in 1958, donated to Otaru City, and in 1960, it was designated as a cultural property as the first "Hokkaido Tangible Cultural Property Nishin Fishing Ground Building" in a private house in Hokkaido. The museum displays tools used for shin fishing and shin processing, as well as living tools and photographs for people living in the guardhouse. You can also experience the work style of those days. You’ll find the rooms preserved as they were and also tools of the herring trade and artefacts from the era displayed inside. While visiting the mansion, be sure to check out the diorama explaining the history of the herring industry and gallery displaying a number of unique fishing antiques.
