Banya (番屋) refers to the traditional herring fishermen’s houses found along the Japan Sea coast of Hokkaido, Japan.
From the late Edo era (1800s) to the mid-Showa era (1950s), herring fishing thrived in this region, becoming a major industry. To accommodate fishermen during the fishing season, wealthy fishing bosses constructed their own lodging houses known as ‘Banya’.
Among them, Hanada Banya stands out as the largest, offering insight into the prosperity of Obira town during that era. Recognized as an important cultural asset and part of Hokkaido’s heritage, the building serves as a testament to Hokkaido’s rich fishing history.
Open
- May -October : 8:00～17:00
- November – April : 9:00～16:00
Closed
- Monday
- No closed from the third Monday in Jun to the second Monday in August.
Access
If you plan to drive, it’s best to visit during the summer months when the roads are clear of snow.
During winter, driving conditions are hazardous due to icy roads and frequent snowstorms.
It’s approximately a 42-minute drive from Sapporo or Asahikawa via the Doh Highway.
Hanada Banya is situated on Route 232, directly across from the Nishin Bunka Rekishi Park, which commemorates the history and culture of herring in the region.
When driving north on Route 232, you’ll notice a silver memorial arch and a sculpture of Takeshiro Matsuura, who coined the name ‘Hokkaido’ for this northern land.
The Michi-no-eki, a roadside station for drivers, is located next to the Banya. Here, visitors can delve into the history of Obira Town and its herring industry through various exhibitions.
