The building was constructed in 1880 as Kanamori Import Goods Shop and has since been restored as a museum. It stands out as Hokkaido’s oldest structure constructed by the Colonization Commission using fire-prevention bricks, blending Western and Japanese architectural styles—a hallmark of the Meiji era in Hokkaido. Designated as a tangible cultural property of Hokkaido, it features a notable item: a music box near the entrance.
The founder, Kumashiro Watanabe, purchased this music box in Genova, Italy during his travels in Europe. It was made in Switzerland and is the only one of its kind in Japan, with its sound still preserved and played in the museum. The first floor exhibits the counter and dealing room as they appeared in the Meiji era, showcasing the imported goods they sold. Upstairs, there’s a diorama of a Meiji-era shopping street and numerous photographs from 1888, along with a German-made ice cream machine and stove.
This museum offers a glimpse into the Meiji period and is well worth a visit for its historical richness and cultural significance.
Link
Local Archive Museum of Hakodate
Open
- April to Octover 9:00 – 19:00
- November to March 9:00 – 17:00
Close
- Monday, the last Friday of the month, holiday
- Dec, 31 to January, 3
Access
- Take a tram to Suehiro Cho and 1 min walk.
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