The essence of Hakodate – Motomachi!2019/07/08

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The essence of Hakodate – Motomachi!

Your day in Motomachi should start and end at one of the most Instagrammed places in Hakodate – Hachiman-zaka slope! And the reason for that is a breathtaking view on the harbor and Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship “Mashu-Maru” from its top both during the day and after the sunset.
Depending on the season you can see the trees on the both sides of the slope covered with snow and illuminated in Winter, turning bright orange and red during Fall, and all green and vibrant in Summer.

This 270-meters-long brick road connects the sea and the sky, the past and the future of Hakodate.
Right at the top of the slope you’ll see the Old Public Hall of Hakodate. This historic colonial-style building reconstructed in 1910 after a devastating fire presents colonial style in its best. Distinct to colonial style ash-blue and yellow exterior with ingenious lace-like accents looks truly gorgeous. The members of the Imperial family used to stay there during their visits to Hakodate which is why this building is now an important cultural property. It resembles the era of the beginning of international trade in Imperial Japan in the port of Hakodate. You can even rent a dress or a tuxedo and pretend to be a noble person of that age with a short photo session on your camera as one of the tourist services.
When Hakodate first opened its doors to foreigners, many tradesmen from all over the world were coming here for work. So, not only people of different cultural background, but also people of different religions were gathering here. And that’s one of the reasons why there are so many churches and shrines of different religions gathered in the historical district of Motomachi.
Don’t miss to see the traditional-style Roman Catholic church, a unique modern St. John Anglican church, a Russian Orthodox church with emerald green roof and bells that ring every day at 5 o’clock, 2 Japanese Buddhist temples and a Shinto Shrine, all of them in Motomachi.
Take a moment to enjoy the sunset view on Hakodate bay from one of 19 picturesque slopes (Hachiman-zaka would be our pick) and hurry up to see one of the best night views in Japan from the top of Mount Hakodate as the ropeway entrance is in Motomachi!
End your day peacefully strolling around Motomachi down to the seaside and enjoy the night view of the port.