A Solo Stroll Through Hakodate’s Retro Architecture｜Exploring the Orthodox Church, Old Public Hall & Red Brick Warehouses
Wandering Solo Around Hakodate
Today’s the day I hop on a ferry from Hokkaido back to Aomori on the mainland. Before that, I set off from my hotel and headed into downtown Hakodate. When I first arrived in Hokkaido, I didn’t really get a chance to explore the city—so now’s my last chance for a quick wander before catching the ferry.
Hakodate Orthodox Church
When I think of Hakodate, I picture hills, churches, and night views. Since I’m leaving in the afternoon, the night view is off the table—but walking up the hilly streets to check out the churches? Absolutely.
By the time I reached the Hakodate Orthodox Church, I was dripping in sweat. But wow, the way it gleamed in the sun was almost divine! (Or maybe I was just getting dizzy from the heat… haha)
This was Japan’s very first Russian Orthodox Church. The striking contrast of its white walls and green roof makes it one of Hakodate’s iconic historic buildings.
You can’t go inside, but I did a full lap around the building. The white façade and its hint of Nordic vibes gave the whole place a lovely, peaceful feel.
Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall
Next stop: the dazzling Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall. It’s so ornate, it looks like a life-size dollhouse—Western-style, sparkly, and steeped in history.
Inside, the furniture and murals are all so refined and classy—it really feels like you’re walking through a European manor house.
It’s a prime example of Meiji-era wooden architecture, blending traditional Western design with meticulous Japanese craftsmanship in every detail.
The public hall was completed in 1910, funded by a generous donation from wealthy merchant Teppei Soma to replace a town hall lost in the great fire of 1907. I mean, how fancy is Hakodate for having such a glamorous community center back then!?
Former Kanemori Western Goods Store
Originally built in the Meiji period with fire-resistant red bricks, this building—once the Kanemori Western Goods Store—has been restored and opened to the public as a museum.
It was the starting point of what would become the famous Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses. While the warehouse area is packed with tourists, this museum remains a quiet hidden gem.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses
Honestly, this area and the nearby market might be the most crowded spots in Hakodate right now.
That said, I barely saw any Japanese tourists—it was mostly international visitors! With the Western-style red bricks and all the foreign tourists, I started wondering if I was still in Japan at all…
The exterior of the warehouses is a perfect photo op from every angle. Inside, it’s air-conditioned and filled with souvenir shops, boutiques, and sweets—ideal for a comfy shopping break.
Meijikan (Former Hakodate Post Office)
This red-brick, two-story building, completed in 1911, used to be the Hakodate Post Office.
It was sold off in 1962 when the post office relocated, and after being used as a warehouse and office space, it was renovated into a shopping mall in 1983.
Even though it’s summer, the post office is all decked out in Christmas decor… Why!? 😂
Even the mailbox is dressed as Santa Claus. Adorable.
There are also some super stylish shops inside—just browsing them is already a treat!