Guida
The Old Hakodate Museum No. 1 & No. 2 are among the oldest museum-style buildings still standing in Japan, located within Hakodate Park in Hakodate City. Designated as a tangible cultural property of Hokkaido, these buildings were originally constructed during the Meiji era to support the activities of the Development Commission (Kaitakushi). Building No. 1 is a wooden structure characterized by white wooden walls, a dark brown tiled roof, and a distinctive gabled entrance. Building No. 2 features a striking design with white walls and a vibrant red roof. Both structures serve as iconic symbols of the history spanning from the Meiji to the Showa eras. Visitors can enjoy the sight of these elegant Western-style buildings amidst the lush greenery of the park.
The history of this site dates back to 1871 (Meiji 4). Horace Capron, the head of instructors for the Development Commission, advocated for the necessity of a museum, leading to the establishment of Building No. 1 as a temporary museum for the Development Commission in Hakodate. Building No. 1 opened in 1879 to display materials donated by E.S. Morse and various products manufactured by the Development Commission. Above the main entrance, you can see the 'Hokushin' (North Star) relief, the symbol of the Development Commission. Building No. 2 was opened in 1884 and served as a repository for materials related to the nature, archaeology, history, folklore, and arts and crafts of Hakodate and Hokkaido. These buildings are vital cultural heritages that tell the story of Hokkaido's pioneering and modernization efforts.
The greatest attraction is the beautiful exterior that preserves the architectural style of the Meiji era. The contrast between the white walls of Building No. 1 and the red roof of Building No. 2 harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding nature. The 'Hokushin' relief on the front of Building No. 1 allows visitors to feel the historical atmosphere of the era. While visits are primarily focused on viewing the exterior, there are specific times when you can experience the interior structure and historical ambiance. It is a wonderful way to enjoy a stroll through Hakodate Park while admiring Meiji-era Western-style architecture.
The scenery is beautiful throughout the year, but it is particularly stunning during spring and summer when the white buildings stand out beautifully against the lush greenery and flowers of Hakodate Park. Please note that the interior of Building No. 1 is only open to the public twice a year. Additionally, during the museum's main building opening period from April to October, there may be opportunities to view the interior under certain conditions. The bright daylight hours are ideal for photography, as the colors of the walls and roofs appear most vivid.
Most visitors enjoy a relaxing stroll through Hakodate Park, admiring the historical buildings from the outside. You can observe the intricate architectural details and the symbolic reliefs of the era. For groups of 5 or more, it is possible to view the interior of Building No. 1 if a reservation is made at least two weeks in advance (this is limited to the period between April and October when the main museum building is open). This allows a rare chance to see the internal structure and the space as it once functioned as a museum.
The area around the buildings, including Hakodate Park, is rich in history and nature. The nearby Motomachi area features historic streets, sloping roads, and beautiful views. The Hakodate Municipal Museum is also located nearby, making it easy to visit both sites to deepen your understanding of Hakodate's history.
Since you will be walking through the park, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. While viewing the exterior is free and open to the public, please respect the historical environment. If you are planning an interior tour (reservation required for groups), ensure you check the specific requirements in advance. While there is no fee for viewing the exterior, please be mindful of your behavior around these cultural properties.