One of recommended museum at Otaru. You will get exciting experience and knowledge about bank of japan history, small museum in town. You could get english explanation through QR code. The staff very warm welcome and informatively. The museum provide free locker so youcould experience the museum without hassle, prepare 100 yen to use the locker, and will be returned when you unlocked

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We did not have time to visit the museum inside, but the former Bank of Japan branch was impressive even from the outside. Completed in 1912, it is one of Otaru’s most striking historic buildings and a reminder of the period when the city was known as the ‘Wall Street of the North.’ The building has a very dignified and monumental appearance, with a symmetrical façade, classical detailing and distinctive corner cupolas. Seen against the winter snow and clear blue sky, it was especially beautiful and one of the most memorable examples of Otaru’s architectural heritage.

Otaru has a rich history of being the former financial centre for the Hokkaido region, this bank is a testament to that history. I was able to explore this bank which preserves a beautiful architectural design features from decades ago. It also has many Japanese bank notes from history, as well as a large safe which you can step inside to see the magnitude of the money that was held here at one point in time. Walking through this bank was a phenomenal lesson in history of the progress and development that has taken place in the Japanese financial area. It also has various graphics in place to help members of the public understand the scale of monetary money flow. Since this is a free museum and located a close walk away from the Otaru Canal I do recommend walking over here as it is absolutely worth checking out. Just ensure that you leave any drinks or food at the front before you walk in or the security guards may confront you later on about this. There is a small souvenir store from which you can purchase things if your feeling it as well

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The museum itself is not that big in size, but it has many interactive things, that make it an enjoyable visit. You can also experience "bringing" a million yen using your hands! Will revisit again after the new "face" of Japanese money is issued!

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When i first saw this, I told my friend that I won't be seeing a museum of a bank since I worked in a bank for my whole career. But somehow, I ended up getting a museum pass, and this museum is included, so I visited this place as well. The most interesting component here is the periodic light show on the ceiling that happens every hr. Either grab a seat on the ground floor or enjoy it closer on the 2nd floor. The rooms and area show how fancy the bank meetings used to be back in the days. Nowadays, you rarely get to have a large room for bank advisor meetings...

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