Hakodate flourished as a full-fledged international trading port since its opening to the world at the end of the Edo period. Its architecture, heavily influenced by foreign cultures, and its temples and churches of different denominations remain popular tourist attractions and continue to fascinate visitors to this day.

One place I highly recommend is the Trappistine Convent, located on a hill outside Hakodate City. While you can't go inside the convent, you can admire its exterior and its meticulously maintained gardens that change with the seasons. A serene atmosphere permeates the grounds, allowing you to spend a special time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Therefore, in this article, we have compiled information on the history of the Trappistine Convent, how to get there, and the highlights of sightseeing.

<Table of Contents>
1. The History of the Trappistine Monastery
2. Access to the Trappistine Monastery
3. Highlights of the Trappistine Monastery
4. Buy souvenirs at the gift shop.
5. The soft-serve ice cream at the Citizens' Forest is also recommended.
Summary

The official name of the Trappistine Convent is "Our Lady of the Angels Trappistine Convent," and it is Japan's first contemplative convent for women, founded in 1898 (Meiji 31) by eight nuns sent from France. The convent suffered fires twice, in 1925 (Taisho 14) and 1941 (Showa 16), and parts of it were destroyed, but it was subsequently rebuilt.

Belonging to the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, a Roman Catholic order known for its strict discipline, more than 60 nuns still live a self-sufficient life there.

While the Trappistine Convent is a place of life and prayer for nuns, its brick exterior and well-maintained gardens, which change with the seasons, are open to the public and tourists.

The Trappistine Convent is located on a small hill on the outskirts of Hakodate City. It's about 3 km from Yunokawa Station on the Hakodate City Tram, and about the same distance from Hakodate Airport.

The road is quite hilly, so we recommend using a rental car or taxi. If you are coming by car, there is a paid parking lot about a 5-minute walk from the main gate.

If you're coming from Hakodate Station or Goryokaku Park, the "Goryokaku Tower/Trappistine Shuttle Bus" is recommended. From Hakodate Station to the Trappistine Convent costs 300 yen one way and takes about 37 minutes, and from Goryokaku Tower it costs 260 yen one way and takes about 22 minutes.

There are also discounted one-day passes available, making it convenient for those who want to visit the Trappistine Convent and other tourist attractions.

Main gate

This is the main gate of the Trappistine Convent. It is open from 8 a.m., except during the New Year holidays, and admission is free.

Next to it is the entrance that the nuns normally use. The contrast between the open, welcoming arched gate and the heavy, tightly closed gate is striking.

Statue of Saint Michael

Immediately visible after passing through the arched gate is the "Statue of Saint Michael," which was a gift from France.

Saint Michael was designated the "Protector of Japan" by Francis Xavier, who introduced Christianity to Japan.

Traveler's Cathedral

To the left of the statue of St. Michael is the "Chapel of Travelers," a chapel where visitors to the monastery can freely enter and offer prayers.

Unfortunately, photography inside is prohibited, but there was an altar, an organ, and beautiful murals, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Statue of Our Lady of Mercy

Behind the statue of St. Michael, with arms outstretched and a smile on her face, is the "Statue of Our Lady of Mercy." This is a work by Father Marie Bernard of La Trappe Abbey in France.

Behind the statue of the Virgin Mary, a landscape of lush greenery unfolds, delighting visitors with its ever-changing beauty throughout the seasons.

ル ル ド

Continuing further and climbing the stairs, you'll see "Lourdes" on your left, a replica of the Lourdes Grotto in southern France. A statue of the Virgin Mary and a statue of a young girl kneeling and looking up at Mary are placed there, and a pure atmosphere permeates the place.

It's a unique space that, while Western in style, also possesses a Japanese aesthetic thanks to the textures of the surrounding trees and rocks.

Statue of Saint Teresa

At the top of the stairs, you'll be greeted by a statue of Saint Teresa, holding a cross and roses to her chest.

She was a nun whose religious name was "Thérèse with the Child Jesus and His Venerable Face," and her statue is considered a symbol of the Trappistine Convent.

Cathedral and rectory

The large brick building visible from the square where the statue of Saint Teresa stands is the Trappistine Convent's chapel and rectory.

Beyond the high walls and fence lies the training grounds for the nuns. The atmosphere there is one of dignified tension, quite different from the tranquil air of the front yard.

View from the stairs

Photo by Wikipedia: Trappistine Convent / Ippukucho
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:TrappistineConvent3.JPG

This is a view looking down at the front garden from the top of the stairs. You can see the beautiful front garden of the monastery, and on a clear day, you can even see the city of Hakodate and Mount Hakodate.

This is the gift shop and museum. Photography is prohibited inside, but the gift shop right inside the entrance sells handmade sweets made by the nuns, as well as crafts such as rosaries. The handmade sweets are especially popular. You can find unique items that can only be bought here, such as madeleines with a flavor that has remained unchanged since the nuns' founding, and crispy, crumbly cookies made only with flour, butter, and powdered sugar.

Hakodate Citizens' Forest is located right in front of the Trappistine Convent. I heard that they have a popular sweet treat at their shop, so I decided to make a little detour.

This is Hokkaido soft serve ice cream. Made with fresh milk from Hokkaido, this rich and flavorful soft serve will revitalize your body after a tiring stroll.

I've introduced you to the Trappistine Convent. What did you think?

The Trappistine Convent, nestled amidst the beautiful natural surroundings of Hakodate, offers a serene and solemn atmosphere that will cleanse both body and soul. The unique souvenirs available here are also a major draw.

If you ever travel to Hakodate, I highly recommend you make a point of visiting this place.

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