September 20, 2017

Historical and Beautiful Motomachi

Armed with Hakodate map we got at the train station, we continued our walk. This time, towards Motomachi area. It's not too far from the red brick warehouse.

Motomachi is located at the foot of Mount Hakodate, so it's rather hilly ala San Francisco. There are many sloping streets running straight to the port, commanding a fine view. The neighborhood was home to many foreign residents during the early trading days so the area has Western-influenced streetscape, buildings and churches, which remains till today.



The slopes in Motomachi.



Hachiman-Zaka slope is one of the most famous tourist spots here. From this slope, you can see Hakodate Bay and Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship moored at the port.




Motoi-Zaka slope with Mount Hakodate at the back.



Motomachi Park.

Just a few metres away from the park is the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward. This historic building was built in 1910, and has been designated as important cultural property since 1974.


*pix from google since my pix was meh

Opening hours : April ~ October 9 am ~ 7 pm, November ~ March 9 am ~ 5 pm
Closed on Dec 31 ~ Jan 3
Entrance fee :  300 yen

Other notable buildings around Motomachi include Former British Consulate of Hakodate. This building was used as the British Consulate from 1913 to 1934. There's a tea room where you can enjoy some English tea.


*pix from google

Opening hours : April ~ October 9 am ~ 7 pm, November ~ March 9 am ~ 5 pm
Closed on Dec 31 ~ Jan 3
Entrance fee :  300 yen

Then there's the Hakodate Russian Orthodox Church. It is Japan's oldest Russian Orthodox Church and was designated as important cultural property in 1983.


*pix from google

The building has this Russian Byzantine style, which very much reminded me of my trip to Moscow. When can I visit the city againnnnn?!

Opening hours : Weekday 10 am ~ 5 pm, Saturday 10 am ~ 4 pm, Sunday 1 pm ~ 4 pm
Closed from Dec 26 ~ March 15
Entrance fee : 200 yen

Another church is Motomachi Roman Catholic Church. The current building was built in 1924, and its altar was a gift from Pope Benedict XV.


*pix from google

Opening hours : 10 am ~ 4 pm (except Sunday mornings and worship time)
Closed from Dec 30 ~ Jan 5

Lovely area to stroll and enjoy the history and have ice cream hehe. There's this street with endless line of shops selling soft serve ice cream with unique flavors such as Hokkaido melon and squid ink. You better try them!

The historical buildings are lit up at night so you can enjoy an evening stroll here after descending from Mount Hakodate. We didn't get to see it since we took the bus from the mountain back to Hakodate Station and were too lazy to take the tram to Motomachi.

Access: Take the tram and get off at Suehiro-cho station.

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