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Former Nippon Yusen Co. Ltd. Otaru Branch

Step back in time at Otaru's Former Nippon Yusen building, a symbol of the city's prosperous maritime past and architectural grandeur.

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A stately stone building in Otaru, Hokkaido, the Former Nippon Yusen Co. Ltd. Otaru Branch is a reminder of the city's prosperous past as a major port and commercial center. Completed in 1906, this Renaissance Revival-style structure stands as a testament to Otaru's historical significance and architectural heritage.

A brief summary to Former Nippon Yusen Co Ltd - Otaru Branch

  • 3 Chome-7-8 Ironai, Otaru, 3 Chome Ironai, Hokkaido, 047-0031, JP
  • +81134-22-3316

Local tips

  • Explore the beautifully restored interior to see the original features, including the conference room where the Japan-Russia Border Demarcation Meeting was held.
  • Visit during the evening to see the building illuminated, enhancing its architectural details and creating a romantic atmosphere.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along the nearby Otaru Canal to experience more of Otaru's historical charm.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Former Nippon Yusen Co. Ltd. Otaru Branch is located in the Ironai district, a short walk from the Otaru Canal and other historical attractions. From Otaru Station, walk east along Chuodori Street for approximately 15-20 minutes. Turn right onto Kitahama Street, and the building will be on your left. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From Otaru Station, take a local bus to the 'Otaru Unga Terminal' bus stop, which is a few minutes' walk from the Former Nippon Yusen Co. Ltd. Otaru Branch. Several bus lines operate on this route, including those operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus. The typical fare for a short bus trip within Otaru is around ¥240. From the bus stop, walk north towards the canal and turn left; the building will be on your right.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Otaru Station. A taxi ride from Otaru Station to the Former Nippon Yusen Co. Ltd. Otaru Branch takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare for this short trip is between ¥700 and ¥1000, considering initial fares start around ¥383.

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Discover more about Former Nippon Yusen Co Ltd - Otaru Branch

The Former Nippon Yusen Co. Ltd. Otaru Branch, located in Otaru, Hokkaido, is a historical landmark that reflects the city's significant role in trade and commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Built in 1906 for Nippon Yusen Kaisha (now NYK Line), one of Japan's largest shipping companies, the building stands as a symbol of Otaru's prosperous era as a key port city. The building was designed by Satachi Shichijiro, one of the first students of British architect Josiah Conder at the University of Tokyo. The architecture embodies the European Renaissance Revival style, featuring a symmetrical layout, mansard roof, dormer windows, and the use of stone for both structural and ornamental purposes. It also incorporated the latest innovations of the time to combat Hokkaido's harsh winters, such as steel shutters from the United States, a boiler room for steam heating, and double-glazed windows. Inside, the first floor was designed as an open-plan space for administrative staff managing cargo and passenger tickets for Nippon Yusen's fleet of steamships that traveled to ports across China, Europe, India, the United States, and Australia. The second floor features a conference room and private lounge with parquet floors, decorative plaster moldings and kinkarakami, a gilded and embossed Japanese paper resembling European gilt leather, on the walls. The building also served as the location for the Japan-Russia Border Demarcation Meeting after the Russo-Japanese War. The Former Nippon Yusen Co. Ltd. Otaru Branch was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1969.

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