Hakodate Orthodox Church 函館ハリストス正教会
The first church in Japan
The island of Hokkaido, due to its geographical location, is the ideal gateway between Russia and Japan. A sign of this proximity, the oldest Orthodox church in Hakodate has illuminated the city with its Byzantine features for almost 150 years!
Japan's oldest Orthodox church
After Admiral Perry's visits in 1853 and 1854, Japan had to abandon its policy of closure vis-à-vis foreign countries. The country's opening was seen as an opportunity by the major Western powers, including Russia. She thus quickly set foot in the land of the Rising Sun and had the first Japanese Orthodox church built in 1859 in Hakodate 1859, which was baptized "Church of the Resurrection."
Read also: The Meiji era.
The first patriarch of the Church of Hakodate
Wikipedia
Established at the foot of Mount Hakodate, the church is located in the heart of the Motomachi district, where foreign merchants came to settle - then, five ports opened to foreign trade, with two in Hakodate and neighboring Anglican and Catholic churches.
"Gan Gan-dera"
With its classic Orthodox style made of white walls surmounted by six green domes, sporting across at their head, the church has something to mismatch in the Japanese cultural universe. However, the population has appropriated the place. The church was rebuilt in 1916 after a fire, a few years after being listed as an "Important Cultural Property of Japan," and refurbished in 1988 to restore its original form.
Read also: Oura Church.
Hakodate Church Tower
Wikipedia
Locals call the church "Gan Gan-dera" or "ding-dong church," as the bell rings three times on Saturday and once on Sunday for prayers. The bell is one of the "100 natural sounds of Japan", a catalog of sounds of daily life promoted by the Ministry of the Environment.
One landscape can hide another.
Once you pass the red gate supported by stone pillars, climb the stairs to the church. With a bit of luck, you will walk around Hakodate in winter, and it is with your boots full of snow you will be able to admire this little piece of Japanese-style Russia.
But whatever the season, the church also offers a perfectly unobstructed overhanging view of Hakodate Bay behind its elegant walls. A real observation point that attracts photography lovers. Lovers of beautiful images will make sure not to forget their camera.
Night view of Mount Hakodate
Wikipedia
And for those still looking for a little more height, a cable car to reach the summit of Mount Hakodate – 334 meters – is available not far away.
Read also: The three most beautiful night views of Japan.
Address, timetable & access
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Address
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Phone
0138-23-7387 -
Timetable
From Hakodate station, 5 min by tram to "Jujigai" station, then 10 min walk. -
Access
Weekdays: 10 am-5 pm. Saturday: 10 am-4 pm. Sunday: 1 pm-4 pm.
