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Wander through Hakodate’s Motomachi District, where sloping cobblestone streets, sweeping ocean views, and 19th-century architecture reveal the city’s rich international heritage.
A Hillside Town With Global Roots
After Hakodate Port opened to foreign trade in 1859, Motomachi District (元町) became home to diplomats, missionaries, and traders from Russia, China, the UK, and beyond. Their legacy lives on in the neighborhood’s Western-style churches, former consulates, and hillside homes. Many of which are still beautifully preserved.
Unlike places where history is tucked behind glass cases, Motomachi feels alive. Its past is woven into the streets, the sloping stone paths, and even the retro lampposts. Walking here felt like stepping into a museum.
Top Things to Do in Motomachi
Explore the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
We started at the Old Public Hall, an elegant wooden structure built in 1910. Its bright blue balconies and hilltop location gave us beautiful views of Hakodate Bay. Inside, you can see restored rooms that once hosted imperial guests.
Visit the Historic Churches and Consulates
Just a few minutes’ walk from the hall, we visited several iconic buildings:
- Hakodate Orthodox Church (函館ハリストス正教会) – With its white walls and green onion-shaped domes, this church is one of the oldest Eastern Orthodox buildings in Japan.
- Former British Consulate – Now a museum and tea room, it offers insight into early Western diplomacy and a chance to enjoy British-style afternoon tea surrounded by antique furnishings.
The neighborhood also includes a former Chinese consulate, the Catholic Motomachi Church, and several beautifully maintained Western-style homes.
Don’t Miss: Motomachi Park
At the center of the neighborhood is Motomachi Park, a peaceful green space perfect for resting your legs. The park includes the old Hokkaido Government Office Branch, another elegant reminder of the area’s history.
How to Get to Motomachi District
Train
- From Hakodate Station, take the tram to Suehiro-cho Station (末広町駅).
- It’s about a 5-minute walk uphill to reach the main area of Motomachi.
- Total travel time: 10 to 15 minutes.
Bus
- Local buses from Hakodate Station also stop near the Motomachi area. Get off at the Motomachi or Suehiro-cho stop.
Taxi
- A taxi from Hakodate Station to Motomachi takes about 10 minutes and costs around ¥1,000 to ¥1,500.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes—the slopes can be steep, and some roads are cobblestone.
Is Motomachi District Worth Visiting?
Yes—Motomachi is a must-visit in Hakodate. It’s one of the best places to see how Japan’s international history shaped its modern identity. Between the hillside views, preserved architecture, and quiet charm, Motomachi feels like a peaceful escape that’s still deeply connected to the heart of the city. Whether you love history, photography, or just want a beautiful place to wander, this neighborhood should be on your Hakodate itinerary.
More to Explore Nearby
After walking the charming slopes of Hakodate’s Motomachi District, these nearby spots offer more history, views, and local flavor:
- Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses – Explore boutique shops and cafés inside historic brick buildings by the harbor.
- Hakodate Morning Market (函館朝市) – Sample fresh seafood and experience local life at this bustling early-morning market.
- Mount Hakodate – Ride the ropeway up at dusk for sweeping views of the peninsula lit up at night.
- Fort Goryokaku – Visit a rare star-shaped fort from the Edo period, surrounded by cherry trees and a modern observation tower.
