Hakodate Orthodox Church — Attraction in Hakodate

The Japanese government, through the Treaty of Shimoda in 1855, pledged to supply land and housing for the Russian Consulate. By the 1858 treaty, Russia's diplomatic representatives were granted the right to permanent residency in Japan, leading to the establishment of the first Russian Empire Consulate in Hakodate.

In late 1858, the inaugural mission of the Russian Consulate, headed by Iosif Antonovich Goshkevich, arrived in Hakodate, Japan. Initially, the Russian mission was accommodated in local Buddhist temples. Goshkevich, serving as the Consul, promptly initiated discussions with Japanese authorities to secure a land allocation for the mission. Ultimately, an agreement was reached to assign land in the coastal area at the base of Mt. Hakodate, which remains the...

The Hakodate Orthodox Church is a hidden gem in the Motomachi district, instantly catching your eye with its white walls, green copper roofs, and elegant onion-shaped domes topped with Russian crosses. Built in 1916, it blends Russian-Byzantine style with Hakodate’s coastal charm. Step inside and you’ll find a beautifully crafted iconostasis and serene atmosphere perfect for quiet reflection. Don’t miss the gentle chime of its famous bell, one of Japan’s “100 Soundscapes.” Only a short walk from Jujigai tram stop, it’s a must-visit for history, architecture, and...

Hakodate Orthodox Church, the oldest Russian Orthodox church in Japan and also known as the birthplace of Orthodox Christianity in Japan, is a historic church founded in 1860. This cathedral, which features Western-style architecture with white walls and a green roof, was destroyed by a large fire in 1907, but was rebuilt in 1916. The current building is also designated as a national important cultural property. Additionally, the bell of this church is famous for its beautiful tone, and its sound was selected as one of the "100 Best...