Nippon Sei Ko Kai Hakodate St. John’s Church

Reverend Dening from England came to Japan in 1874, the year after the ban on Christianity was lifted. He organized “Hakodate St. John’s Church” to spearhead the evangelical work for the Anglican Church. Then, Rev. Batchelor, called the Father of Ainu tribe, and Mr. and Mrs. Coroban who focused on three goals of “education, save the poor, and healthcare,” have built the history of missionary work in Sapporo.

The current chapel is the 5th, rebuilt in 1979 after repeated infernos in Hakodate. The church is in the shape of a cross in hopes that God’s blessings may spread into the world. In 2006, a pastorium was built next to the chapel. This architecture was given the Hakodate Cityscape Award.

The pipe organ in the chapel was made in West Germany and set up first in Hakodate. its sound touches hearts in the warship service which begins at 10:30 am on Sundays. It is intended to offer passing tourists a moment of soul cleansing and contemplation as well.