Explore Hakodate’s Religious History

Hakodate’s Motomachi area is located snuggly at the base of Mt. Hakodate. The neighborhood has a distinctly European vibe, thanks in part to the many historical churches that line its streets. It is a rare sight to see so many different denominations represented within such a short distance of each other, especially in Japan. The most frequently visited among these are the Hakodate Orthodox Church, with its distinct Russian-Byzantine style domes and arches, Hakodate St. John’s Church, with its impressive cross-shaped roof, and the Motomachi Roman Catholic Church, which features a magnificent altar gifted from the pope himself. The churches lining the sloped streets of Motomachi make for a lovely stroll and can be enjoyed at any time of day or night.