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.
Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Hakodate Yunokawa Hot Spring
Yunokawa Hot Spring, visited by 1.35 million people annually, is one of Hokkaido's three major hot spring resorts. It's believed to have originated in 1653 when the 9th lord of the Matsumae Domain, Takahiro, recovered from a serious illness through its healing waters. During the Battle of Hakodate, it's also said that the former Shogunate army leader, Takeaki Enomoto, took to these waters for recuperation, attracting many for its reputed benefits.
查詢函館景點時，意外發現搭乘市電就能來到湯之川溫泉，於是安排了一趟小旅行。這裡除了有溫泉旅館，市電站旁還設有免費足湯「湯巡舞台」，走累了不妨停下來泡泡腳。附近的湯倉神社也值得順道參拜，境內有可愛的兔子神使「神兔」，還有造型討喜的御守，讓人忍不住多看幾眼。
午餐誤打誤撞走進一家家庭餐廳「葵食堂」，樸實的店面由夫妻經營，電視播放著新聞，充滿在地日常氣息。這次意外點了一道鱈魚白子湯豆腐，白子入口柔滑細嫩，帶著濃郁奶香般的口感和豆腐一起吃格外溫潤，也讓人留下深刻的印象。
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Motomachi Roman Catholic Church
Built by French missionary Father Mermet de Cashon when he entered Hakodate in 1859, the Motomachi Roman Catholic Church was rebuilt in 1910. It adopts the 12th-century Gothic architectural style, featuring a pointed bell tower soaring 33 meters high, a distinctive feature of the church. It is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Japan, alongside those established in Yokohama and Nagasaki.
That evening, I was hurrying to catch the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway to see the night view when I happened to pass by Motomachi Roman Catholic Church and couldn't help but stop. Illuminated by warm yellow lights, the white building looked especially elegant, with the outlines of its spire and rounded tower clearly visible. The most distinctive feature was the rooster ornament at the top of the spire, adding a touch of whimsy to the solemn church. The church dates back to 1859 and was rebuilt in 1923 after a fire. The current building incorporates Gothic-style architecture, and the altar inside was donated by Pope Benedict XV. I had only planned to pass by quickly, but it unexpectedly became a beautiful sight on my evening walk.
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Atre Shinagawa
This commercial establishment located inside the station has a chic and stylish atmosphere reminiscent of New York. There are shops and restaurants located on the 2nd to 4th floors of the building.
Shinagawa Station is a major transportation hub in Tokyo, so naturally there are many commercial facilities around it. Whenever I pass by Atre Shinagawa, I can't help but go in for a look around. Its biggest advantage is that it's directly connected to the station, making it very convenient to fit in some shopping as soon as you exit. Compared with the designer boutiques in department stores, I prefer the shopping atmosphere here. You can take your time discovering lesser-known Japanese clothing brands, household goods, and all kinds of thoughtfully designed Japanese products, and often come across interesting little items unexpectedly. If you get tired from shopping, you can also stop by Blue Bottle Coffee for a drink and enjoy a relaxing break.
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