📝 1. Overview
Nestled on the slope leading up to Mt. Hakodate, the Motomachi District reflects Hakodate’s unique history as one of Japan’s first international ports. With its sloping streets, 19th-century Western-style buildings, historic churches, and views of the harbor, this charming area is a cultural time capsule. Visitors can stroll cobblestone paths, explore preserved diplomatic residences, and enjoy cafés tucked inside elegant old homes. It’s a tranquil, walkable district that beautifully blends East and West, past and present.
🌟 2. Highlights
⛪ Motomachi Catholic Church – Gothic architecture and glowing stained glass
🏛️ Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward – Grand wooden structure with balcony views
🇷🇺 Russian Orthodox Church – Green domes and Byzantine-style interiors
🇬🇧 British Consulate Museum – Victorian furnishings and garden tea room
🎨 Motomachi Park – Open lawn space with panoramic harbor views
🎥 Photo Spots on Slopes – Especially Hachimanzaka & Daisanzaka Streets
🛍️ Retro Shops & Cafés – Souvenirs, handmade goods, and cozy breaks
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Hachimanzaka Street – Straight slope with ocean backdrop
- In front of the Orthodox Church – green domes + cherry blossoms (spring)
- Old Public Hall balcony – city and sea views
🕰️ Best time to visit:
- Spring for blossoms
- Late afternoon for soft light on buildings
- Evening to combine with Mt. Hakodate night view
👟 Wear good walking shoes—there are many slopes
🧭 Download a Motomachi walking map from the tourism site
🍵 Take a break at one of the consulate tearooms
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 in Motomachi
- Tea Room Victoria (British Consulate)
☕ Afternoon tea with scones and jam
📍33-14 Motomachi, Hakodate
🕒 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚶 Inside the consulate museum - Cafe De L’Abbaye
🍞 French pastries, quiche & artisanal coffee
📍1-20-1 Temiya, Hakodate
🕒 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚶 Short walk from church district - Hakodate Milk Kobo
🍦 Fresh soft serve and dairy sweets
📍31-3 Motomachi, Hakodate
🕒 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
🚶 Near Motomachi Park
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – What to Explore Around Motomachi
⛪ Church & Embassy Hill Zone
- Motomachi Catholic Church
- Russian Orthodox Church
- British Consulate + Garden
🏛️ Cultural Heritage Zone
- Old Hakodate Ward Public Hall
- Former Soma Residence
- Motomachi Local History Museum
🛍️ Café & View Street Zone
- Hachimanzaka – Most photographed slope
- Retro cafés like Mikasa Coffee & Cha-Cha House
- Handicraft & glass accessory shops on the slopes
🚗 5. Access
📍 From JR Hakodate Station
🚌 Tram to Suehiro-cho or Jujigai (~5 min) → 5–10 min walk uphill
🚶 20 min walk via the slopes
📍 From Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Base
🚶 5–10 minute walk to church area and park
📍 From Hakodate Morning Market
🚗 10 min by car / ~25 min on foot
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Most of Motomachi is walkable
🚕 Taxis available for uphill transport if needed
🅿️ Paid parking near Old Public Hall and ropeway