A Blue-Gray and Yellow Western-Style Building Overlooking the Harbor—A National Important Cultural Property
About this spot
A wooden colonial-style Western-style building with striking blue-gray exterior walls and yellow trim, standing on a rise in Motomachi Park and designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Built to replace a meeting hall lost in a major fire during the Meiji era, with support including substantial donations from wealthy merchant Tetsupeii Soma. The beautifully symmetrical exterior, the large hall glittering with chandeliers, and the view from the second-floor balcony overlooking Hakodate Bay and the city streets are the epitome of cosmopolitanism. In the "Haikara Costume Hall" (ハイカラ衣裳館) inside the building, you can rent classical dresses and other costumes for commemorative photos (fee applies). This building symbolizes the blended Japanese and Western culture that the open port town of Hakodate fostered, and is an essential stop on any Motomachi stroll.
Tips
About 5 minutes walk from Hachiman Slope along Motomachi's slopes. Admission is fee-based; costume rentals at Haikara Costume Hall are separately charged with set reception times, so check early if interested. Verify closure days and opening hours in advance.
Best time to visit
Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour. In the afternoon light, the view of the harbor from the balcony looks most beautiful.
Access & map
〒040-0054 Hakodate, Hokkaido, Motomachi 11−13, Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall
Model course featuring this spot
Hakodate in One Day: Asaichi Market, Hachiman Slope, and Night View from Hakodate Mountain
Hokkaido
Explore features & model courses
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