The Old Hakodate Public Hall is a Western-style building that retains the glamorous atmosphere of a bygone era.
It stands majestically on a hill overlooking Hakodate Port.

This time, we'll explore the charm of the "Former Hakodate District Public Hall," whose striking blue-gray and yellow exterior and architectural beauty are sure to captivate your attention.

Reading this before your trip will surely enhance your enjoyment!

Table of Contents:
1. What is the "Former Hakodate District Public Hall," which was completed by the residents of Hakodate?
2. The function of the public hall, which was also used as the residence of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince.
3. The appeal of a magnificent building's exterior.
4. Let's take a look inside the building!
5. Take memorable photos in your favorite dress or tailcoat.
6. Access to the Old Hakodate District Public Hall
Final thoughts

In 1859 (Ansei 6), the three ports of Hakodate, Yokohama, and Nagasaki were opened as foreign trade ports.
With increased opportunities for contact with foreigners, the people of Hakodate absorbed foreign knowledge and developed as a center for commerce and land and sea transportation.

Hakodate was a vibrant city that flourished as a center of politics and administration, thanks to the rapid increase in imports and exports.
At that time, the area was experiencing remarkable population growth, becoming the most populous place in Hokkaido, and it is said that brick and wooden Western-style merchant houses were being built during this period.

However, in August 1907 (Meiji 40), the city of Hakodate was struck by a great fire. The residents' meeting hall (town hall) and the Hakodate Chamber of Commerce were also lost.

<The town hall that was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1907>

A group of local residents estimated the construction cost to be approximately 60,000 yen.

They appealed for donations, but due to the aftermath of a major fire, they couldn't collect as much as they hoped, so they consulted with Teppei Soma I, the first generation of a wealthy merchant family in Hakodate at the time.
Despite losing much of his own home and business to the fire, Mr. Soma donated a large sum of 50,000 yen (equivalent to about 1 billion yen today).

Based on this, construction was completed in September 1910 (Meiji 43). In mid-1911 (Meiji 44), many craftsmen, carpenters, and master builders made full use of new designs and techniques to complete the current public hall.

Now, let's look at the role that public halls have played.

In August 1911 (Meiji 44), Emperor Taisho, then Crown Prince, used this building as his lodging during his visit.
Afterwards, Emperor Showa, the current Emperor, and Empress also viewed and rested there.

The large hall on the second floor was used as a venue for gatherings of local residents, including balls and presentations for prominent figures in Hakodate.

In the ball room on the first floor, the racks for holding billiard cues are still on display.

The public hall was apparently heavily used as a place for the activities and exchanges of Hakodate merchants (it also served as the Chamber of Commerce office).

Although it was never operated as a hotel, a reception room, bedrooms, restrooms, and dining room were prepared, suggesting that there were plans to operate it as a hotel during the initial design phase.

The building boasts a gorgeous and beautiful symmetrical exterior that is simply captivating to behold. Now let's take a look at its architectural features!

This two-story wooden building is in a colonial style, and the main building materials are made extensively from locally sourced timber such as Yezo spruce and ash wood.

Gable ornament (hafu-kazari)

Take a look at the decorations on the roof. The gable ornaments feature a Japanese-style arabesque pattern (honeysuckle pattern).
The Japanese-style elements, which harmonize with the building, are eye-catching.

Roof window

Roof windows are a unique Western-style design found in Hokkaido. This design is used in many public buildings, including the former Hokkaido Government Office.

《Balcony/veranda on the front of the second floor》

From a distance, the columns appear to be Corinthian in style, but the capitals and carved grooves have a Japanese aesthetic.

Due to its highly regarded architectural design and techniques, as well as its good state of preservation,
It was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1974 (Showa 49).

What's it like inside the building? Let's take a look inside!
Photography is permitted.

4-1 Bedroom (Guest Room)

These rooms were apparently occasionally used as reception rooms and waiting rooms for members of the Chamber of Commerce.

4-2 Western-style bath

4-3 Japanese-style bath

Apparently, the Crown Prince's bathtub was transported by warship at the time.

4-4 Ball room

This ballroom had two billiard tables, and it is said that prominent figures from Hakodate's political and business circles enjoyed playing there day and night.

4-5 Large dining room

The large dining hall could accommodate 80 people and was used for balls and parties.
Since there was no kitchen in the public hall, they apparently had to order from a nearby restaurant each time.

This image shows the decoration above the entrance to the main dining hall. The upper center features shell-shaped petals and acanthus leaves, the lower part is adorned with festoon carvings, and both ends of the frame are carved with Japanese-style cloud-shaped ornaments.

The same decoration can be seen above the entrance to the large hall on the second floor.

4-6 Veranda

Let's go up to the second floor!

4-7 Grand Hall

When it first opened, it was the only public meeting place and was used for concerts, balls, workshops, and various other events.

The large 130-tsubo (approximately 430 square meter) hall has no pillars whatsoever. This speaks to the advanced architectural techniques of the time.
Apparently, this is because the ceiling is a vaulted, semi-circular, type of suspended ceiling.

The ceiling is approximately 6 meters high from the floor, creating an exceptional acoustic space.
Try clapping your hands here. You'll hear the sound echo!

Currently, they hold around 30 concerts a year and are popular with many citizens.

4-8 VIP Room (Imperial Chamber)

It served as lodging for Emperor Taisho during his visit, and was also used by Emperor Showa during his visit in July 1922 (Taisho 11).
On October 2, 1989 (the first year of the Heisei era), Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress rested here during their visit.

The walls and ceilings are covered with British-made Art Nouveau wallpaper (featuring botanical patterns). High-quality materials are used for the doors and wainscoting.

The central ornament and chandelier (U-shaped) in the VIP room are said to be the same as they were back then.
It features plasterwork.

4-9 Honorable Guest Room (Bedroom)

Back then, beds made of brass pipes were considered a luxury item.
Apparently, the chair fabric is made of Nishijin-ori textile.

The noble purple color harmonizes beautifully with the elegant atmosphere!

4-10 Veranda/Balcony

The view from the balcony is spectacular! You can see the city of Hakodate and the sea. It's a popular photo spot.

On the first floor of the building, there is a "High-Collar Costume Museum" (fee required) where visitors can enjoy taking commemorative photos in the public hall while wearing dresses or tailcoats.

Apparently, some visitors come specifically to see the "High-Class Costume Museum."

We do not accept reservations. You can make a reservation after you arrive and choose your favorite dress. (Please note that it may be crowded during long weekends.)
Staff members will assist you with putting on your costume.

*Please note that we do not have a dedicated photographer. You will be responsible for taking photos yourselves, so please remember to bring your own camera, video camera, etc.

Recommended photo spots include the ball room and veranda on the first floor, the large hall on the second floor, the veranda/balcony, and the VIP room.

On this day too, many groups of people were enjoying taking commemorative photos at each spot!

A memorable and extraordinary experience awaits you in this beautiful Western-style mansion!

Former Hakodate District Public Hall [High-Collar Costume Museum]
*An additional entrance fee to the public hall is required.

■ Rental fee
Costume rental: 1,000 yen per outfit (for 20 minutes)
In addition to women's dresses, they also offer men's tailcoats, girls' dresses, boys' outfits, and more.

■ Hair and makeup service
Hair and makeup fee: 1,000 yen (1 session: approximately 5 minutes)
(Includes point makeup, hair styling, tiara, necklace, earrings, etc.)

■ Business hours
May 1nd to 25th
(Heisei 28)
*Closed from December 26th to the end of February.

■ Reception hours
[March 3st-April 1th]
From 9:4 a.m. to 30:XNUMX p.m.

[March 4st-April 1th]
From 9 am to 5 pm

[March 11st-April 1th]
From 9:4 a.m. to 30:XNUMX p.m.

*By car from Hakodate Airport
30km via Hokkaido Prefectural Road 63 and National Route 278, approximately 40 minutes.

*By car from JR Hakodate Station
Approximately 10 minutes towards the Bay Area and Mount Hakodate.

*A short walk from JR Hakodate Station
Approximately 25 minutes towards the Bay Area and Mount Hakodate.

*Streetcar (Hakodate Station tram stop → bound for Hakodate Dock)
Get off at "Suehirocho tram stop" and walk for 7 minutes.

* Hakodate Bus (Boji Moriya Mae → Koryuji-ji)
Get off at "Kokaido-mae" bus stop and walk for 3 minutes.

*If you are traveling by car
There is no private parking lot.
Please use the nearest Motomachi Tourist Parking Lot (paid parking).

Access to the Old Hakodate District Public Hall

Address: 11-13 Motomachi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
TEL：0138-22-1001
Opening hours: [April to October] 9:4 AM to 7:10 PM
[November to March] 9:11 AM to 5:3 PM
Admission fee: Adults: 300 yen, Students: 150 yen, Preschool children: Free
[Closed for internal maintenance in FY2016]
◯2016
11/29
12 / 14 (WED)
◯2017
1/10
2/14
3/21
*Open every day from May to August
*However, this may change.

Closed: New Year's holidays (December 31st to January 3rd)
(The museum may be open temporarily from January 1st to January 3rd, so please inquire.)

Final thoughts

The Old Hakodate Public Hall was awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan (revised second edition), the Japanese edition of the French travel guidebook that rates tourist destinations with a star system.

While the building itself was certainly appealing, I was completely captivated by the beautiful view from the balcony.
I highly recommend that you all visit the Old Hakodate Public Hall and immerse yourselves in its elegant atmosphere!

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