It is welcome that the snow melts and disappears in Hokkaido. However, snowmelt in the streets is unwelcome. You must beware of the splashes from the cars passing by along the muddy streets.
March does not seem to be the ideal time for the tourists to visit Otaru in Hokkaido, but this period of year used to be when Otaru was most vigorous for herring fishing.
Herring was an important fish for Otaru to bring a huge wealth for many years from 1870s until 1954 when the shoal almost disappeared.
Although there is no bustle of herring fishing on the shore any more, you can see at Otaru Museum, and at Nishin Goten or Herring Mansion how it was like. Herring Mansion is open seasonally, and it opens from April 1st to November 26th this year.
After tracing the herring fishing history, I wish you joy of broiled herring, a delicacy in spring with micro-brewed local Japanese rice wine at an Izakaya or Japanese-style pub.
Herring Mansion
Shukutsu 3-228
tel. 22-1038
Take No.11 bus to Otaru Aquarium, Get off at the final stop, a few minute walk from the stop.
open daily 9:00-17:00 (closed at 16:00 in November)
Admission: ¥300 for adults, ¥150 for high school students.
