Hakodate Bugyosho (Magistrate’s Office)

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.

The area right next to the entrance is called the Reproduction Zone, filled with the authentic replica of Hakodate Magistrate’s Office at the end of shogunate era, based on the historical documents. The most revered grand hall with 72 tatami mats and the magistrate’s office in the front of the building reflect the traditional Japanese architecture.

After the Reproduction Zone, you will come to the Discover History Zone, Image Theater and Reproduction Zone. In the Discover History Zone, there are graphic panels about the history of the Goryokaku Fort and the Magistrate’s Office and the Battle of Hakodate which was the last part of the Boshin War. In the Image Theater, the restoration video shows the skills of shrine carpenters on Japanese architecture. In the Reproduction Zone, you can learn the history of restoration and the hard labor that was required through the ancient photos, documents and excavation results.