Motomachi walking in port town HAKODATE

Hakodate surrounded by the sea on its three sides
seen from Hakodate-yama

Hakodate became an international port along with Shimoda after the friendship treaty was struck between the Tokugawa Shogunate of Japan and the US in 1854. This ended a long-term self-imposed hibernation of this country when she enjoyed stability with limited access to things from abroad. 

Hakodate soon became one of the five treaty ports open to the five foreign countries. That was the way modern Hakodate developed.

The Motomachi district and the Bay Area are close to each other and can be enjoyed together. The whole district gives you a port city atmosphere. Japan's early modernization period when brick buildings and churches for foreign residents were built can be felt. The churches stand along with Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

In addition to that, Hakodate-yama hill - 334 meters high- in the same district offers a magnificent view of the city. Aerial cable service is available and it's only three minutes from the bottom to the observation building on the top.

Here are some pics from the places above.

Russian orthodox church in Motomachi

Catholic  church in Motomachi

a local hamburger shop with their chicken burger so tasty
and a convenience store famous for their lunch box with pork