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    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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    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.

Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa