The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward's Exterior.
1 / 10

Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall

4.2
·2k reviews·Hakodate, Japan

Historic 1910 civic building with striking yellow architecture and breathtaking harbor views from its balcony.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Cherry blossoms frame the building

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward's Exterior.

Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall

Best Time

Spring mornings

Cherry blossoms frame the building

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic 1910 civic building with striking yellow architecture and breathtaking harbor views from its balcony.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"Offers a superb view of Hakodate Bay and is an amazing piece of architecture."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Shoe Removal Required

Remember to take off your shoes before entering the main interior areas to protect the historic floors. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

The building's exterior and interior offer fantastic backdrops for memorable photos. Capture the details! :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Grandeur

Architectural Grandeur

Admire the stunning yellow exterior and intricate details of this 1910 civic building. A true architectural gem.

Panoramic Harbor Views

Panoramic Harbor Views

Step onto the balcony for breathtaking vistas of Hakodate Bay and the surrounding cityscape. Perfect for photos.

Elegant Interior Decor

Elegant Interior Decor

Explore the beautifully preserved period interior, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century Japanese design.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

While the Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall is beautiful year-round, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The building's exterior is particularly striking against cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.

Understanding the Interior Experience

The building's charm lies in its historical architecture and the panoramic views from its balcony. While some visitors note limited exhibits inside, the intricate interior decoration offers excellent photo opportunities. Be prepared to remove your shoes before walking on the floors.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Cherry blossoms frame the building
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Vibrant foliage and pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

桜満開の五稜郭が巨大すぎた⭐️🌸 逃げていく春を追いかけて初めての函館へ☺️✨ 五稜郭って東京ドームの約3倍の広さらしい😳✨ でっかい星型の桜がみられてすごい楽しかったです😆 #goryokaku #고료카쿠 #五稜郭 #hakodate #하코다테 #函館 #cherryblossom #벚꽃 #桜 #detectiveconan #명탐정코난 #名探偵コナン
@subtitletokyo
65.5K likes • 477.7K views

👟 Shoe Removal Required

Remember to take off your shoes before entering the main interior areas to protect the historic floors. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

The building's exterior and interior offer fantastic backdrops for memorable photos. Capture the details! :camerawithflash:

Truly one of the best place I’ve stayed at in Japan! Cost for this room was around $600-650 AUD per nightthere are two buildings of this place if you want this exact experience choose the one with the word “Hanatsuki”. Perfect Hokkaido holiday place! #placesinsydney #japan #travel #japantravel #traveljapan #hokkaido #hakodate #heiseikanshiosaite #ryokan #平成館しおさい亭 #onsen #hotsprings #bath #hotsprin...
@adrianwidjy
46.9K likes • 532.3K views
. #旧函館区公会堂 #formerhakodatewardpublichall
riyu07.20220702
0 likes • 665 views

📱 AR App for Enhanced Visit

Consider downloading the special AR app to virtually experience the rooms as they once were. :iphone:

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from Pier Area

Conveniently located within walking distance of the pier, making it easy to combine with other attractions. :walking:

【Must Visit 5 spot in Hakodate Area】 1. Mount Hakodate 2. Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse 3. Goryokaku Park 4. Yunokawa Hot Spring 5. Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall #japantrip #hokkaido #hakodate #北海道 #インバウンド #ゴールデンカムイ📷 #株式投資 #株主優待 #nisa #成長株 #仮想通貨 #fx #capcut #ainews
intrance.press
5 likes • 82 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Shoe Removal Required

Remember to take off your shoes before entering the main interior areas to protect the historic floors. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

The building's exterior and interior offer fantastic backdrops for memorable photos. Capture the details! :camerawithflash:

📱 AR App for Enhanced Visit

Consider downloading the special AR app to virtually experience the rooms as they once were. :iphone:

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from Pier Area

Conveniently located within walking distance of the pier, making it easy to combine with other attractions. :walking:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall for its stunning architecture and the superb panoramic views of Hakodate Bay from its balcony. While some find the interior exhibits limited, the well-preserved period decor offers excellent photo opportunities. The building's unique yellow exterior is a standout feature, making it a highly recommended stop in Hakodate.

"Nice view to oversee the entire area, it’s within walking distance to the pier area. Nothing much on the inside, there’s a 3D AR app to enhance the visit but unfortunately couldn’t get it working."

Peng Wan Choo

"Nice outside but I wish they had more furniture from the time period in the building. Wanted you to download a special app to have virtual reality of the rooms 👎🏻. Also required NO shoes when walking on hard floors (why I do not know)."

Lawrence Goodrich

"The building was amazing. Although there's not much to see inside, but you can definitely take some good pictures with the fantastic interior decoration."

Jimmy Chak

What People Like

Beautiful architecture
Panoramic bay views
Great photo spots

What People Dislike

Limited interior exhibits
Shoe removal required

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall is located in the Motomachi district and is easily accessible on foot from the pier area. It's also a popular stop on many Hakodate city tours. Reddit

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, it's best to check for public parking lots in the Motomachi area, as street parking may be limited. Many visitors arrive on foot or via public transport. Reddit

Yes, you can reach the vicinity of the Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall via local buses that serve the Motomachi area. It's a scenic walk from the bus stop. Reddit

The hall is situated on a hill, so there might be some inclines. However, it's generally considered a manageable walk for most visitors, offering rewarding views along the way. Reddit

Exploring the Motomachi area on foot is highly recommended to appreciate the historic architecture and scenic views. The Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall is one of several key attractions in this district. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is an entrance fee to go inside the building. The fee is reasonable and contributes to the maintenance of this historic site. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's advisable to check the official website or local information sources before your visit. Generally, it's open during daytime hours. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed inside, especially to capture the fantastic interior decoration. However, be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage. Reddit

Advance booking is typically not required for individual visitors. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival at the venue. Reddit

A notable restriction is that you are required to remove your shoes before walking on the interior floors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The yellow exterior with its intricate details is a prime photo spot. The balcony offers stunning panoramic views of Hakodate Bay, and the interior's period decor is also highly photogenic. Reddit

Absolutely! The building's unique architecture, both inside and out, makes it a very popular and rewarding location for photography enthusiasts. Reddit

Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the staff upon arrival to ensure you comply with any regulations regarding tripods or professional photography equipment. Reddit

Morning light can be beautiful for the exterior, while late afternoon might offer softer light. The balcony view is impressive at any time, but consider sunset for a magical glow. TikTok

Capture the contrast between the historic building and the modern cityscape or bay. The grand staircase inside is also a popular subject. Instagram

🎫 💡 Visitor Experience

While some visitors note that there isn't extensive historical exhibition content, the building itself is the main attraction. You can admire the period interior decoration and enjoy the views from the balcony. Reddit+1

The AR app is designed to enhance the visit by providing virtual reality of the rooms. Some visitors found it helpful, while others had trouble getting it to work. Reddit

Built in 1910, it served as a civic building and is a significant example of Western-influenced architecture in Japan during that era. It offers a glimpse into Hakodate's past. Reddit

The balcony provides a superb, commanding view of Hakodate Bay and the city. It's a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

Definitely. Architecture buffs will appreciate its distinct style, which differs from much of Japan's traditional architecture. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall offers a visually engaging experience for families. The bright yellow exterior is eye-catching for children, and the panoramic views from the balcony can spark their imagination about the city and the sea. Reddit While the interior might not have interactive exhibits, the historical decor provides a unique backdrop for photos, and the requirement to remove shoes can be a fun novelty for younger visitors. Reddit

Consider downloading the AR app to add an interactive element to the visit, allowing children to virtually explore the rooms. The hall's location in the Motomachi district also means it can be easily combined with other family-friendly activities in the area, such as exploring the nearby Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall is a dream location. The distinctive yellow architecture and intricate details of the exterior are highly photogenic, especially during the golden hours. TikTok The panoramic views of Hakodate Bay from the balcony offer a spectacular backdrop for landscape and cityscape shots. Reddit

Inside, the well-preserved period interior provides a rich setting for capturing architectural details and historical ambiance. The grand staircase and ornate furnishings are particularly popular subjects. Reddit While photography is generally permitted, it's always wise to be respectful of other visitors and any posted guidelines. Reddit

🏛️ Architecture Buffs

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance and History

The Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall, constructed in 1910, stands as a remarkable example of Western-influenced architecture in Japan. Its distinctive yellow facade and intricate detailing set it apart from many traditional Japanese structures. Originally serving as a civic building, it played a role in the administrative and social life of Hakodate during the early 20th century. The building's design reflects the era's embrace of Western styles, showcasing a blend of elegance and grandeur that continues to captivate visitors today. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the building's well-maintained exterior and the impressive interior decoration. While some reviews suggest there isn't extensive historical exhibition content inside, the preserved period rooms themselves offer a tangible connection to the past. The hall's prominent location on a hill also contributes to its significance, offering strategic views that were likely important historically. For those interested in architectural history, the Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall is a must-see. Reddit

For an enhanced experience, a special AR app is available that allows visitors to virtually recreate the rooms as they once were. This technology aims to bring the history of the building to life, offering a deeper understanding of its former use and atmosphere. Reddit

Panoramic Views and Photography

One of the most celebrated features of the Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall is the breathtaking panoramic view it offers from its balcony. Overlooking Hakodate Bay and the sprawling cityscape, this vantage point provides a stunning perspective of the region. It's a prime location for photography, allowing visitors to capture the beauty of Hakodate from an elevated position. Reddit

Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture striking images. The vibrant yellow exterior with its detailed ornamentation is a popular subject, especially when framed by seasonal elements like cherry blossoms in spring or colorful foliage in autumn. TikTok Inside, the elegant period interior with its grand staircase and ornate furnishings also provides excellent backdrops for memorable shots. Reddit Many visitors recommend visiting during the day to fully appreciate the scenic vistas, though the city lights at night can also be captivating. TikTok

To make the most of your visit for photography, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – for the most flattering light. While tripods might be subject to regulations, the natural light and the building's inherent beauty ensure stunning photos even without specialized equipment. Reddit

You may also like