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A must-visit during Hakodate sightseeing is the Motomachi area, which boasts charming townscapes with an exotic atmosphere. There are many attractions, including historical buildings, retro ambiance, and cafes where time seems to flow slowly.
Since the Meiji period, Hakodate has developed as an international trading port and has been heavily influenced by Western culture. This influence is clearly reflected in the townscape of Motomachi. Western-style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras line the streets, along with stone-paved slopes, retro mansions, and antique shops, creating a landscape filled with exotic charm.
Let’s introduce the attractions and popular tourist spots in the Hakodate Motomachi area.
Hachiman-zaka Slope is a stone-paved slope that stretches from Prefectural Road 457 (Hakodate Fishing Port Line) to Hakodate Nishi High School. The slope is approximately 270 meters long, with a gradient of about 4.2 degrees and an elevation difference of about 11 meters.
The view from Hachiman-zaka Slope is often featured on TV programs and magazines, making it one of the famous tourist spots. Since the slope is straight, the view of the sea and sky is outstanding.
The name Hachiman-zaka comes from the Hachiman Shrine that once stood in this area. At the top of the slope, there is an entrance to the observation deck of Hakodate Mountain and a route leading to the former foreign settlement of Motomachi.
The slope is paved with stone and well-maintained for easy walking up and down. If you come to Motomachi in Hakodate, it’s a recommended spot that you should definitely visit.
Motoi-zaka Slope is a stone-paved slope that leads from the foot of Hakodate Mountain to Motomachi, Hakodate. The name comes from Motoi Okada, a businessman who was active in Hakodate during the Meiji period. Okada was a figure who contributed to the urban development of Hakodate at that time and is said to have been involved in the maintenance of this slope.
The area around Motoi-zaka used to be the center of Hakodate. Near Motoi-zaka, there are the former British Consulate, the Perry Memorial, and at the top of the slope, there are the site of the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office, Motomachi Park, and the Four Heavenly Kings Statues.
Several art objects are installed on the slope, allowing visitors to enjoy art as well.
If you take a stroll in Motomachi, you will inevitably pass through Motoi-zaka.
At Motoi-zaka, there is Perry Square, where the Perry Memorial stands.
This monument was built in 1936 (Showa 11) to commemorate Commodore Perry’s visit to Hakodate. The inscription on the monument praises Commodore Perry’s achievements and expresses the wish for the monument to become a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States.
Commodore Perry is known for coming to Uraga in 1853 and demanding that Japan open its ports. He returned to Japan the following year in 1854 and called at Shimoda and Hakodate. Records show that he stayed in Hakodate from June 21 to July 1, conducting surveys around the port.
The Perry Memorial is a symbolic presence that shows the historical connection between Hakodate and the United States. It can be said to be a monument that tells the history of Japan’s opening and Hakodate’s development as an international trading city.
Motomachi Park is located at the top of Motoi-zaka Slope. Situated at the foot of Hakodate Mountain, it is known as a prime viewpoint overlooking the townscape of Hakodate.
Motomachi Park was opened in 1879 (Meiji 12) and is the oldest park in Hakodate. At that time, it was called “Hakodate Park,” but in 1907 (Meiji 40), it was renamed “Hakodate-Sanroku Park,” and in 1989 (Heisei 1), it was renamed “Motomachi Park.”
From the park, you can look down on Hakodate Port and the townscape of Hakodate. It is especially popular at night as a great spot to enjoy the night view of Hakodate. Benches are installed in the park where you can sit and fully appreciate the night view of Hakodate while taking a break.
The view of Hakodate from Motomachi Park is very pleasant and refreshing. If you take a stroll in Motomachi, it’s a spot you should definitely visit.
Motomachi Park also has restrooms, so it’s recommended for taking a break during your stroll.
In Motomachi Park, there are the Four Heavenly Kings Statues of Hakodate, which depict four businessmen who contributed to the development of Hakodate during the Meiji period.
The Four Heavenly Kings Statues of Hakodate. From left to right: Imai Ichiemon, Hirata Bun’emon, Watanabe Kumagoro, Hiratsuka Tokizo.
The four were merchants who not only contributed to the development of industries but also devoted themselves to welfare, infrastructure, and charitable projects for the development of Hakodate. In recognition of their achievements, they are honored with these statues by the people of Hakodate.
Just above Motomachi Park is the Former Hakodate Public Hall.
The Former Hakodate Public Hall is a representative Western-style building constructed in 1910 (Meiji 43). At that time, Hakodate was thriving as an open port, and the building was constructed to serve as the office for the town council and the chamber of commerce. It is now designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is cherished by many people as a valuable building that conveys the history and culture of Hakodate.
Inside the building, visitors can experience the atmosphere of the time through AR technology, enjoy a beautiful view of Hakodate Port from the balcony, and take commemorative photos wearing period costumes such as dresses and hakama.
The street stretching from Motomachi Park to Hachiman-zaka is one of the recommended spots for strolling in Motomachi. It is a street lined with buildings in a mixture of Western, Japanese, and Western-Japanese eclectic styles, which is typical of Hakodate. Souvenir shops and cafes also line the street.
The atmosphere is simply wonderful, so it’s recommended to take a leisurely stroll.
A short walk from Hachiman-zaka is the Hakodate Orthodox Church.
Hakodate Orthodox Church is a historic church known as Japan’s first Russian Orthodox church. Built in 1860, the white church stands out in the exotic townscape and has become one of Hakodate’s most famous tourist attractions.
This church was built in 1859 and was established by Russian missionaries who came to Japan on the occasion of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and Russia. It is a wooden building constructed in the traditional architectural style of the Russian Orthodox Church, characterized by it’s blue and green roofs. The interior retains beautiful decorations around the altar, offering a unique atmosphere of the Orthodox Church.
https://www.orthodox-hakodate.jp/
Near Hakodate Orthodox Church is the Motomachi Catholic Church.
Motomachi Catholic Church is a historic church built when Christianity spread in Hakodate. It was originally built of wood in 1859 and was operated by a religious order. It was damaged by the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, so the current brick church was rebuilt.
The exterior has a Western-style appearance with Neo-Baroque decorations. The steeple, in particular, has a striking presence that catches the eye from the townscape of Hakodate. The interior is a tasteful space with beautiful stained glass windows letting in the light.
The church also has an archive room displaying old records that show the church’s history, where visitors can learn about the background of the mass execution of Christians in Hakodate.
Even today, Sunday services are held, and it is a living church. Visitors can easily stop by for sightseeing purposes as it is located in the middle of Hakodate. It is an essential building for understanding the history of Hakodate and a valuable place where the atmosphere of the town can be felt.
The tourist spots introduced this time are also included in the standard route for strolling in Motomachi recommended by the Hakodate City Tourism Department.
https://www.hakobura.jp/machi/course01.html
This stroll course takes about an hour to walk through. Considering stopping by cafes, souvenir shops, and churches along the way, it’s a good idea to allocate about 1.5 to 2 hours as a tourism plan.
Hakodate Motomachi is a charming area that truly symbolizes Hakodate, with its exotic townscape and historical buildings. As you walk up and down the stone-paved slopes, you can stop by cafes, feel the atmosphere of churches, and sense the vestiges of the past.
At Hakodate Orthodox Church, you can encounter the unique decorative beauty of the Russian Orthodox Church. On the other hand, Motomachi Catholic Church is impressive for its sophisticated appearance and the profound atmosphere of its interior. From Hachiman-zaka and Motomachi Park, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hakodate’s townscape and the sea, which will surely captivate your heart with its open scenery.
As you walk along the street lined with souvenir shops and retro buildings, you can let your thoughts wander to the history of Hakodate.
Why not visit Hakodate Motomachi, where you can experience an exotic atmosphere and the history of Hakodate, and enjoy a leisurely trip?
