If you have any problems while sightseeing in Hakodate, head to the Community Center! [More than just information, it's a tourist information center] Hokkaido Lab ~A comprehensive Hokkaido travel guide to enjoy gourmet food, nature, and culture~

If you have any problems while sightseeing in Hakodate, head to the Community Center! [More than just information, it's a tourist information center]

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: Last updated: September 11, 2018

Table of contents

The Hakodate Community Development Center is an impressive building that evokes the romanticism of the Taisho era.

Tourist Information Spot 1: Information

Tourist Information Spot 2: Information Search Corner

Tourist Information Spot 3: Recommended Walking Routes

Tourist Information Spot 4: Brochure Corner

Exploring the Community Center Building 1: The Grand Staircase

Community Center Building Exploration 2: Manual Elevator

Taking a little break... Cafe Drip Drop

Final thoughts

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Have you ever been unable to visit a planned tourist spot due to a sudden change in weather or a lack of information? That's when tourist information centers come in handy.

Hakodate, a city known for its tourism, has many tourist information centers located inside Hakodate Station and in popular tourist areas. This time, we'll introduce the "Hakodate Community Development Center," commonly known as "Machi-Sen," located near the bay area in Jujigai.

<Table of Contents>
The Hakodate Community Development Center is an impressive building that evokes the romanticism of the Taisho era.
Tourist Information Spot 1: Information
Tourist Information Spot 2: Information Search Corner
Tourist Information Spot 3: Recommended Walking Routes
Tourist Information Spot 4: Brochure Corner
Exploring the Community Center Building 1: The Grand Staircase
Community Center Building Exploration 2: Manual Elevator
Taking a little break... Cafe Drip Drop
Final thoughts

The Hakodate Community Development Center is an impressive building that evokes the romanticism of the Taisho era.

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A short walk from Jujigai, the nearest tram stop to the popular Bay Area, towards Mount Hakodate, you'll come across a building steeped in history. This building was constructed in 1923 (Taisho 12) as the Marui Imai Department Store. Through repeated renovations and restorations, it still conveys the bustling atmosphere and Hakodate feel of the time it was built.

Tourist Information Spot 1: Information

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The information desk is located right inside the entrance of the Hakodate Community Development Center. A staff member will greet you with a "Hello."

This information center handles facility reservations and relocation consultations, but you can also get advice on tourism. Feel free to ask us what kind of sightseeing you'd like to do or what you'd like to see.

Tourist Information Spot 2: Information Search Corner

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To the left of the information desk is an information search corner. Here you will find computers that can be used by those who wish to search for tourist information themselves.

Furthermore, you can use the free Wi-Fi inside the building to connect to the internet for free, so you can search for information on your smartphone or tablet without worrying about the cost.

Tourist Information Spot 3: Recommended Walking Routes

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If you go past the information search corner and further inside, you'll find the recommended walking route corner. Here you'll find a large map of Hakodate, making it easy to see at a glance where different spots are located.

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This panel contains tourist information written by the staff of the community center. It also includes information on whether each spot has parking and restrooms, so you can learn about your destination before you go.

Tourist Information Spot 4: Brochure Corner

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If you go back towards the entrance and turn right towards the information desk, you'll find a pamphlet corner. Here you'll find pamphlets not only for places close to the community center, such as the Bay Area and the Western District, but also for places throughout the city, including Goryokaku Park and the Hakodate Jomon Culture Exchange Center, as well as for nearby facilities such as Nanae Town and Hokuto City.

There are also many brochures available with suggested itineraries for exploring Hakodate, categorized by theme. Try finding one that suits your interests, whether it's historical exploration or visiting movie filming locations.

Exploring the Community Center Building 1: The Grand Staircase

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The Community Center is a fun place to visit not only to get tourist information, but also to explore the building itself. Built during a time when Hakodate was rapidly prospering, this building has many places that evoke that era.

This staircase is located further beyond the recommended walking route corner. The retro atmosphere, with its marble railings and patterned ceiling, makes it a perfect spot for taking photos.

Community Center Building Exploration 2: Manual Elevator

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Exiting through the door on the left side of the grand staircase, you'll find a manual elevator. This elevator was installed in 1934 (Showa 9), making it the oldest existing elevator north of Tohoku. When the doors open, you'll find a bellows-style door like something out of an old movie, and it's operated using a control handle.

If you're interested in using this elevator, just ask a staff member and they'll let you ride it, so please go to the information desk!
★Let's go on a long-distance trip to Hakodate with JAL!★

Taking a little break... Cafe Drip Drop

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At the back of the pamphlet corner, there's a rest area with tables and chairs. Anyone can use it for free, but if you do decide to take a break, please also enjoy a cup of coffee from Cafe Drip Drop!

The coffee beans used are from "HandPick," a roasting room in Hakodate, allowing you to enjoy a rich aroma.

This cafe offers not only coffee and other drinks, but also light meals such as toast, hot sandwiches, and cakes, making it a great option when you're feeling a little hungry.

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Between this cafe and the information desk, you'll find this! This is Tower Robot, the hero who protects the city from the Ikaru aliens, the Hakodate tourism commercial characters who are trying to invade "Hakodate".

Ikaru Alien merchandise and DVDs are sold at the cafe counter, so please ask if you're interested.

<Hakodate City Community Exchange and Town Development Center>
Address: 4-19 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 040-0053, Japan
TEL：0138-22-9700
FAX: 0138-22-9800
Opening hours: 9: 00 to 21: 00
Closed days: New Year's holidays (December 31st to January 3rd) *The museum may be temporarily closed about once a month for equipment maintenance.
URL:http://hakomachi.com/
<cafe Drip Drop>
Address: 1F, Hakodate Community Exchange and Town Development Center, 4-19 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 040-0053, Japan
TEL: 0138-22-9700
Opening hours: 10: 00 to 18: 00
Closed on Wednesdays and other days the facility is closed.
Prices: D Blend 310 yen, Toast Plate 700 yen, Hot Sandwich 400 yen
URL:http://hakomachi.com/cafe/

Final thoughts

We've introduced the Hakodate City Community Exchange and Town Development Center, a facility that we highly recommend you visit when sightseeing in Hakodate. This facility has gallery spaces from the first to the fifth floor, and various events are held there from time to time. Once your Hakodate travel dates are set, be sure to check the center's website for events that will be happening during your trip.

Please also check out these related articles.