The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward (1910) is arguably the city’s most historic landmark. It was built in a colonial style, with elements of American as well as Japanese styles of architecture. It sits at the top of Motomachi Park and commands a stunning view of the city and port.
Motomachi 元町 is the erstwhile Foreign Settlement in the Treaty Port city in Hakodate. Even today, it contains many examples of well-preserved buildings from the Treaty Port era. Like the other foreign settlements we’ve encountered on the Japanese leg of the Grand Tour, Motomachi is set in the hills and is primarily residential and consular. This gallery presents a few examples of its most significant landmarks.
In Hakodate, an interesting east-west style of architecture evolved due to exposure to the American and European powers, and here are some examples also of residential buildings that display this cross-cultural style of architecture.
Finally, Motomachi, like many other (former) foreign settlements in Japan, played host to places of worship from multiple religions. As we take a walk through the area, we will encounter a variety of churches as well as Buddhist temples.
The Community Design Centre, formally a department store building, marks the beginning of the walk through the historic Motomachi District.
The Carl Raymon Residence, built in a German style.
The Higashi Honganji Temple 東本願寺函館別院 is one of the many temples to be found in Motomachi.
The spire of the Hakodate Roman Catholic Church (1924).
The Russian Orthodox Church (1916).
The Episcopal Church was founded in 1874 but this building dates from 1979.
Iai Kindergarten (1913) is an example of a mixed, Japanese-European style building.
Hachimanzaka provides a classic view of Hakodate.
Examples of Japanese European Architecture in Motomachi, en route to Motomachi Park.
Japanese European Architecture en route to Motomachi Park.
Japanese European Architecture en route to Motomachi Park.
Japanese-European Architecture en route to Motomachi Park.
The Hokkaido Prefectural Office HAkodate Branch (former), built in 1909, again in a cross-cultural, colonial style. It sits in Motomachi Park.
The Old British Consulate, on the fringes of Motomachi Park.
Soma Company Building (early 1900s), on the edge of Motomachi Park.
Japanese-European style houses along the flanks of Motomachi Park.
Japanese-European style houses along the flanks of Motomachi Park.
Japanese-European Style architecture along the flanks of Motomachi Park.
Japanese-European style architecture along the flanks of Motomachi park.
The Chinese Memorial Centre (which is a Guandi Shrine), Motomachi.
The United Church of Christ in Japan (1931).
Japanese-European architecture en route to Former Russian Consulate.
The Old Russian Consulate dates from 1908.
Shomyoji Temple 称名寺 (1929).
Higashi Honganji Temple Funami Branch 東本願寺函館別院船見支院 (1926).
The Russian Cemetery, at the Foreign Cemetery Complex.
The Chinese Cemetery, at the Foreign Cemetery Complex.
The Foreigner’s Cemetery proper, and the end of this walk.
Dream Of A City 