The Former Russian Consulate is situated in Funami-cho, at the foot of Mt. Hakodate in the southwest ward of Hakodate city. Positioned near the end of Saiwai-zaka slope, it offers a splendid view of Hakodate city. The consulate was established following the Japan-Russia Peace and Amity Treaty in December 1854, with Goshkevich becoming the first Russian Consul of Hakodate in September 1858.
Originally, the Russian Consulate was located at the current site of the Russian Orthodox Church in Motomachi from 1860, but it was destroyed in a fire originating from the nearby British Consulate. Construction of a new consulate began at the current location in 1903, delayed by the Russo-Japanese War and finally completed in 1907, only to be destroyed shortly after by a major fire in August of the same year. The present building was finished by the end of the following year.
Following the Russian Revolution, the consulate served as the Soviet Consulate from 1925 until 1944, when Consul Zaveliev repatriated on September 30th.
In 1964, Hakodate city acquired the building from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was used as a youth lodging and training center, known as the Southern Hokkaido Youth House, until July 1966 and is currently not in use.
Designed by German architect Richard Seel, the two-story main building is constructed from brick, with Japanese-style cusped gables at the entrance, reflecting a blend of European and Japanese architectural influences.
Access
- Take a tram to Hakodate Dock Mae and 15 min walk.
Link
The Former Russian Consulate will undergo renovation work until the spring of 2025.
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