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    The striking blue-gray exterior of this elegant historic building, accented with yellow trim, looks especially magnificent and refined against the clear blue sky.

    Up close, the exquisite details blending Western classical style with traditional Japanese craftsmanship are a feast for the eyes. Every window frame and colonnade exudes a strong sense of history.

    I highly recommend including the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward in your walking itinerary through Motomachi, Hakodate. Whether you admire the beautiful Western-style wooden architecture, experience the elegant atmosphere of days gone by, or take graceful travel photos, it will definitely add plenty of romantic memories to your trip!

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    The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward is a Western-style building more than a century old, perched on a small hill. Its elegant, ornate exterior, accented with bright yellow and gold trim, looks especially striking in the sunlight. It is also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Inside, the original design and layout have been well preserved. The grand hall on the second floor was once used to receive foreign guests and now serves as a venue for exhibitions and performances. You can also look out over Hakodate Bay from inside, where the ocean view and classical architecture complement each other, creating a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. While visiting, I also recommend browsing the gift shop, which carries many exquisite handicrafts. I was most impressed by the candleholders decorated with dried flowers. After the candle burns down, the natural hollow it leaves behind can be reused to hold a small potted plant, perfectly showcasing the meticulous and creative nature of Japanese design.

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    The inside has a European-style design, and the decor is very elegant. It really feels like stepping back in time into high society.

    The exterior is super eye-catching too. The yellow-and-blue color scheme is really unique, and you notice it even from far away.

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    This building is famous for its gorgeous Baroque style and Western vibe. The exterior is elegant and colorful, really showing off the incredible craftsmanship of that era.

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    The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward is a place with both historical value and architectural beauty. I was really impressed by how well the building has been preserved and its historical significance.

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    Here, you can watch an animation with a 360-degree view that shows what the inside of the building looked like before the renovations. It's a great way to learn more about this important cultural property that blends Japanese and Western styles.

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