The Former Public Hall of Hakodate Ward (旧函館区公会堂) sits at the base of Mt. Hakodate, overlooking Motomachi Park.
This impressive wooden structure was funded by the wealthy merchant Teppei Soma, whose residence is adjacent to the hall. Positioned atop Motoizaka slope, it offers a splendid view of Hakodate city from its second-floor balcony.
Recognizable by its blue-gray walls and yellow pillars, the hall is a highlight of Hakodate’s tourist attractions. Completed in 1910, it blends European and Japanese architectural styles. Crafted entirely by Japanese artisans and carpenters without foreign architects, the hall showcases their mastery of European building techniques and decoration learned through observation. The interior decorations are exquisite, reflecting the high skill level of Japanese craftsmen during that era. A room reserved for honored guests, once visited by the Japanese imperial family, features splendid interiors that captivate visitors.
For those interested in immersing themselves in the Meiji era atmosphere, Haikara Dress Shop (ハイカラ衣装館) offers rental long dresses for cosplay, allowing visitors to take photos in period settings. This experience is immensely popular among tourists seeking a glimpse into Hakodate’s historical charm.
Link
The Former Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
Access
- Take a tram to Suehiro-cho(末広町) and 7min walk.
Open
April to Octover 9:00 – 19:00 November to March 9:00 – 17:00
Close
- Dec, 31 to January, 3
Admission Fee
- Adult: ¥300 (group: ¥240)
- Student/Child: ¥150(group: ¥120)
Discount ticket available for visiting more than two museums including these museum below:
- The Former Public Hall of Hakodate Ward(旧函館区公会堂)
- The Former British Consulate(旧英国領事館)
- Hakodate City Museum of Literature(函館市文学館)
- Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples(函館市北方民族資料館)
- Visit Two museums available Adult: ¥500 Sturent: ¥250
- Visit Three museums available Adult: ¥720 Sturent: ¥360
- Visit Four museums available Adult: ¥840 Sturent: ¥420
Neighborhood
- The Former Soma Residence (旧相馬邸)
- The Former Branch Office of Hokkaido Government
- Motomachi Roman Catholic Church
- Hakodate Orthodox Church
- Hakodate Episcopal Church of Japan
- Foreigners’ Cemetery
- The Former Russian Consulate
Related Article
- A Million Dollar Night View From Mt.Hakodate-yama
- Hakodate Orthodox Church(函館ハリストス正教会)
- Hakodate Episcopal Church of Japan (函館聖ヨハネ教会)
- The Former British Consulate(旧英国領事館)
- The Former Soma Residence (旧相馬邸)
- Foreigners’ Cemetery in Hakodate (外人墓地)
- Koryu-ji Temple(高龍寺) in Hakodate
- Hakodate Bay Area: Kanamori Soko(金森倉庫/Kanamori Warehouse)
- Hakodate Magistrate’s Office (函館奉行所/Hakodate Bugyosho)
- Market in Early Morning: Hakodate Asaichi(函館朝市)
- Hakodate Goryokaku(函館五稜郭): Historical place and Outstanding Shape
- Mt.Hakodate-yama (函館山)
- The Most Northan Castle in Japan, Matsumae-jo/Matsumae Castle(松前城)
