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Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward 旧函館区公会堂

Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

East meets West in exquisite style

Following the opening of Hakodate Port to foreign trade, European influence began shaping the city. A prime example of this is the Old Public Hall of Hakodate. Completed in 1910, the hall is a stunning showcase of elegant colonial architecture.

Quick Facts

The glamorous building replaced the old town hall, which was lost in the Great Fire of Hakodate in 1907

Imperial visitors used the elegant guest rooms here during their stays in Hakodate

The main hall is still used today for concerts and other events

The balconies offer spectacular views of Hakodate Bay

How to Get There

The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward is in Motomachi .

To get to the hall, catch a tram from Hakodate Station to the Suehiro-Cho tram stop (eight minutes). From this stop, it is a seven-minute walk to the hall.

A bright, bold architectural gem

The large symmetrical windows and balconies give the building balance, while the blue-gray walls contrast with the yellow window frames to catch the eye. Nestled among green trees, the elevated structure offers spectacular panoramic views of Hakodate Bay.

A fusion of Western and Japanese design

While the structure of the Old Public Hall is predominantly colonial, Japanese design traditions are still in evidence. You can find elements of the Japanese aesthetic in the scrollwork of the columns and balconies outdoors. Inside, look for Japanese patterns integrated into the decor of the art nouveau rooms.

The Old Public Hall is a beautiful example of colonial design

Dress like a lord or lady

To complete your visit to the Old Public Hall, why not dress for the occasion? You can choose from a wide variety of classic dresses and tuxedos along with all the accessories you need to complete the look in true aristocratic style. Costumes for children are also available.

Once you are dressed to impress, you are free to take commemorative photos throughout the beautiful, historical building.

The blue-gray and yellow colors make for striking photos all year long



* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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