HokkaidoTravel

Tour the Tatsuno Kingo-Designed Bank Architecture Reflecting "Wall Street of the North"

About this spot

Completed in the late Meiji period, this former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch was designed by Tatsuno Kingo (designer of Tokyo Station) and Ushiheiji Nagano, among others, and stands as a imposing bank building. Features include a brick façade finished in mortar to resemble stone, a dome atop the roof, and sculptures of Blakiston's fish owl lining the exterior walls (said to be inspired by an Ainu guardian deity). The building itself offers endless points of interest. After serving as an actual branch for many years, it is now open to the public free of charge as a Financial Materials Museum (金融資料館). The soaring business hall has approximately 10 meters of open space to its ceiling. Beyond exhibits on Bank of Japan history and monetary mechanisms, a popular hands-on corner lets you lift a replica bag of 100 million yen to feel its weight. This is the centerpiece of any Otaru retro architecture tour, bearing witness to the prosperity of the Shikiuchi district once called "Wall Street of the North."

Tips

About 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa Bridge (浅草橋) at the Otaru Canal. Admission is free; closed Wednesdays (hours vary, so confirm in advance for peace of mind). The surrounding area is dotted with historic bank buildings like the former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch (旧三井銀行小樽支店), and walking through Shikiuchi's streets is itself rewarding.