It is mid June and the peonies are in full bloom in the garden. Staff there said that hydrangeas will bloom in July if you are here next month. Entrance fee was 300 yen and I spent another 3,000 yen or so for lunch. It is a good side trip to add to your itinerary if you visit Otaru. This place is reachable by bus #11 that is found right outside of Otaru Station at station number 3.

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Old Aoyama Villa, also known as Otaru Kihinkan, is a remarkable historic residence in Otaru and one of the most interesting examples of architecture and lifestyle associated with the period of prosperity of the herring fishing industry in Hokkaido in the early 20th century. The villa was built between 1917 and 1923 by the Aoyama family, one of the most powerful families connected with herring fishing in the Shukutsu and Otaru area. The long construction period and the involvement of the finest craftsmen of the era already indicate the significance of this place. The interiors impress with their high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail: fine keyaki (zelkova) wood, elaborate carpentry, hand-polished floors, richly decorated tokonoma alcoves, and original sliding fusuma doors with paintings by Gyokudō Kawai and his students. Each room has a distinct character and allows visitors to imagine the ambitions and aesthetic sensibilities of the elite of that time. However, there are several practical aspects worth noting. In winter, especially in February, it is very cold inside the villa. Visitors are provided with additional socks, but despite this, the temperature inside remains low, so appropriate clothing is essential. Photography inside the building is strictly prohibited, which makes it impossible not only to document the visit but also to use a phone for translation. An additional difficulty for visitors who do not speak Japanese is that most room descriptions are available only in Japanese. There are no English-language explanations, and since the use of phones is not allowed, it is difficult to translate the information independently. This can limit a full understanding of the history and function of the individual spaces, especially for international visitors. At the time of the visit, the villa was also hosting a special display of traditional Hina dolls, related to the upcoming Girls’ Day (Hinamatsuri). Several beautifully arranged doll sets from different periods were exhibited inside the building, adding an additional cultural layer to the visit and providing insight into seasonal traditions in Japan. There is also a small museum shop on site, where visitors can purchase souvenirs as well as a selection of local food products, including various preserved herring dishes and other seafood products typical of the Otaru and Hokkaido region

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The fee to enter the gardens is small. For the palace it is large. The gardens are small as well, but they offer a view into the palace and they are beautiful. No toilet in the gardens.

It is really the gardens at the herring palace and some of the architecture that is worth seeing. The interior of the house is cramped and hot in summer, though recommend going during peony season. Stairs are steep. Bring portable fan if weather is warm.

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July weekday visit, quiet. 300y to enter gardens, hydrangeas in bloom. If u wish to see the paintings, calligraphy etc inside the house, another 1300y, which I didn't bother to; not allowed to take any photos. Go if u have an interest. If u r taking the bus, watch yr time.... Is it worth a visit? If u have the time [and inclination]. 3.5-4 star.

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