Otaru Kihin Kan (Former Aoyama's Residence)

The Aoyama family was called "Nishin-daishin" and made a huge fortune from herring fishing throughout the Meiji and Taisho periods. The former Aoyama villa in Shukutsu, Otaru City, is a mansion built by the second generation. The floor and pillars are painted with Shunkei lacquer made of zelkova, the ceiling is made of wide Jindai cedar, the sliding door pulls are made of cloisonne ware, the railings are carved with sandalwood and ebony, and the sliding door paintings and calligraphy are done by first-class painters. At the back of the garden, where peonies, peonies, azaleas, hydrangeas and other seasonal flowers are in full bloom, is the Otaru Kihinkan, a Japanese restaurant overlooking the garden and the Sea of Japan, where you can enjoy the delicacies of Otaru and Shukutsu.