tamanitabi's Reviews

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse - Kanemori Yobutsukan

This shopping mall is located within Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, a popular spot in Hakodate’s Bay Area. The facility’s name traces back to the origins of the red brick warehouses and comes from Kanemori Yobutsukan, a shop opened about 160 years ago by Kumashiro Watanabe, the founder of the Kanemori warehouses, as “a place that sells dreams of foreign lands.”

Hakodate and Matsumae
Commercial Buildings

15 Oct 2026 See More

It’s nice to walk around and shop during the day, but at night it’s illuminated and looks incredibly beautiful!

Goryokaku Tower

Goryokaku Tower, built adjacent to Goryokaku Park, offers a bird's-eye view of the Goryokaku Ruins, a special national historic site, from 90 meters above ground, and is loved by locals and tourists alike as a landmark of Hakodate.

Hakodate and Matsumae
Observatories

15 Oct 2026 See More

From the tower, you can see the beautiful star shape of the Goryokaku ruins. I stood on a floor made of transparent reinforced glass and experienced the thrill of being 86 meters high. There were various exhibits at the top of the tower. It was also very easy to spot from the plane and had a strong presence as a symbol of Hakodate.

Hakodate Bugyosho

Hakodate Magistrate’s Office faithfully recreates the Edo Shognate’s security base around Japan’s northern territory. It is built at the original location in the former Goryokaku (the star-shaped fort), using as much similar skills and provisions as those in the Edo Period, such as pine beams, Bingo tatami mats or sliding doors with hand-made paper.

Hakodate and Matsumae
Tourist Attractions

15 Oct 2026 See More

It's a very magnificent Japanese building. It is said to have been restored to its original appearance using traditional Japanese architectural techniques, including the materials and construction methods. You take off your shoes at the entrance before going in. The large tatami hall is wonderful.

Mt. Hakodate Ropeway

The “Hakodate Ropeway” boasts a 125-seat giant gondola built with domestic and international technology and craftsmanship. It connects the base and summit of Mt. Hakodate at a speed of 7m/s, only a 3 minute ride to the summit. The current gondola is in its 5th generation. Originally it seated 30 seats, but became the way it is now after various refurbishments.

Hakodate and Matsumae
Ropeway

15 Oct 2026 See More

Mt. Hakodate is one of Japan's three famous night views. It's known for its night view, but since I visited during the day on a weekday, it was very quiet. I could clearly see the shape of Hakodate! Next time, I'd like to go when I can see the night view.

Motomachi Roman Catholic Church

Built by French missionary Father Mermet de Cashon when he entered Hakodate in 1859, the Motomachi Roman Catholic Church was rebuilt in 1910. It adopts the 12th-century Gothic architectural style, featuring a pointed bell tower soaring 33 meters high, a distinctive feature of the church. It is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Japan, alongside those established in Yokohama and Nagasaki.

Hakodate and Matsumae
Museums

15 Oct 2026 See More

Photography is not allowed inside. It was quiet when I entered, and I felt a sacred atmosphere. Just sitting there made me feel very calm and refreshed.

Former British Consulate of Hakodate

The Former British Consulate was established when Hakodate port opened as an international port in 1859. Following several fires and rebuildings, the current building completed in 1913 opens to the public as the Opening-Port Memorial Hall.

Hakodate and Matsumae
Museums

15 Oct 2026 See More

It's a building where you can feel the history. You can put on a cape, sit in an elegant chair, and take a commemorative photo. There was also a shop and a cafe inside. They also offer a discounted combination admission ticket for nearby tourist attractions, so I recommend it if you're visiting several places.

Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

The Old Public Hall of Hakodate ward, a Western-style building constructed in 1910, underwent extensive conservation and repair work in 2021, restoring it to its original beauty.

Hakodate and Matsumae
Tourist Attractions

15 Oct 2026 See More

The building's yellow and light blue exterior is very beautiful. The inside is spacious and has a stylish Western-style design. From the second-floor balcony, I could see Hakodate Port. You can take a break in the large dining hall.