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 … Continue reading Hanada Banya: Hokkaido’s Largest Lodging House for Herring Fishermen