The Former British Consulate next to Hakodate Motomachi Park

The Former British Consulate (旧英国領事館) is located at the foot of Mt. Hakodate, on the left side of Motoi Saka slope, facing Motomachi Park.

Hakodate, as one of Japan’s main port cities, opened for foreign trade in 1859. For 75 years thereafter, the Union Jack flew over Hakodate.

Originally, the consulate was temporarily housed at Shomyoji Temple before a permanent building was constructed near Hakodate Orthodox Church. Following several fires, the current building was reconstructed on its present site by the Shanghai Construction Bureau of the British Government in 1913.

The consulate ceased operations in 1939. Designated as a tangible cultural property in 1979, the building was restored by the city to commemorate the 70th anniversary of its opening, and it reopened to the public as the Opening-Port Memorial Hall.

In 2009, in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of Hakodate Port’s opening, several exhibitions within the facility were updated. Visitors can explore the restored rooms of the consul and his family, including the chair used by the third consul, Richard Eusden.

Today, the building serves as a symbol of Hakodate’s port opening. It features a beautiful rose garden and houses a café and a British-style souvenir shop. Additionally, an exhibition room showcases various items related to Hakodate’s history, particularly from the Meiji era through World War II. Whether for sightseeing or a relaxing break, this is one of the best places to visit in Hakodate.

From here, you can explore several other sightseeing spots within walking distance, including the Former Soma Residence, the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, Motomachi Park, the Church area, and more. Standing at Motoisaka slope, right in front of the Former British Consulate, offers a splendid view of Hakodate city.

Link

The Former British Consulate

Access

• Take a tram to Suehiro-cho and 5 min walk.

Open

• Apr,1- Oct, 31: 9:00–19:00
• Nov,1 – Mar, 31: 9:00–17:00

Close

• Dec, 31 and Jan, 1

Web site

http://hakodate-kankou.com/british/en/

Neighborhood

• Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
• Old Branch Office of Hokkaido Government
• Old Soma Residence
• Motomachi Roman Catholic Church
• Hakodate Orthodox Church
• Hakodate Episcopal Church of Japan
• Foreigners’ Cemetery
• Old Russian Consulate

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