Hakodate Orthodox Church

4.1 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Church・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Hakodate Orthodox Church, a beacon of architectural beauty and historical depth, stands proudly in the Motomachi district of Hakodate. This church isn't just a place of worship; it's a symbol of the cultural diversity that defines Hakodate, a city that opened its arms to the world during the Meiji period.

Constructed in 1861, Hakodate Orthodox Church is the oldest Russian Orthodox church in Japan, showcasing a stunning blend of Russian and Japanese architectural elements. Its distinctive green onion dome and elegant white walls make it a visually striking landmark against Hakodate's cityscape.

But the church is more than just its exterior. Inside, it houses a peaceful and spiritual ambiance, with beautiful icons and religious artifacts that tell stories of faith and history. Visitors are often captivated by the church's serene atmosphere, which offers a quiet escape from the bustle of city life.

The Hakodate Orthodox Church is not just for those of the Orthodox faith; it's a testament to Hakodate's rich, multicultural history, attracting visitors worldwide. Whether you're interested in architecture and history or simply looking for a moment of tranquility, this church offers a unique glimpse into the soul of Hakodate, making it a must-visit on your journey through this historic city.

Hours:

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Closed:

Open daily, but service times and events may restrict visitor access

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

Free entry, but donations are welcome

Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM

Phone

+81 138-23-7387

Website

orthodox-hakodate.jp

The area

Address

3-13 Motomachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0054, Japan

Top ways to experience Hakodate Orthodox Church

4hrs

Half-Day Hakodate Exploration - Guided Tour by Private Taxi

From $539 /person

Delightful Hakodate Taxi Tour, Standard Car

From $123 /person

8hrs

Hakodate Day Tour: Explore with a Local via Public Transport

From $480 /person

What other travelers are saying about Hakodate Orthodox Church

Small Russian orthodox church. You do have to pay a small fee to get in. We wouldn't mind it, except they won't allow any photograph, even without flash. So I don't think it's worth it as I've seen and photographed the interiors of many Russian orthodox church in Eastern Europe like in Sofia, Bulgaria, which is a lot bigger and lot more impressive. That said, you can capture the exterior and see the series of nice onion domes that is characteristic of Russian orthodox churches.

Michael Wu PhD

Oct 30, 2024

Hakodate Orthodox Church, the oldest Russian Orthodox church in Japan and also known as the birthplace of Orthodox Christianity in Japan, is a historic church founded in 1860. This cathedral, which features Western-style architecture with white walls and a green roof, was destroyed by a large fire in 1907, but was rebuilt in 1916. The current building is also designated as a national important cultural property. Additionally, the bell of this church is famous for its beautiful tone, and its sound was selected as one of the "100 Best Soundscapes of Japan."

Platinum Guide

Jun 14, 2024

This is an active Church from the Russian orthodox church. The exterior of this church is beautiful which draws tourists to come and take photos. You can go inside to pray but you'll have to take your shoes off. It smells of incense inside. At the base of the stairs leading up to the church is a sign with its history.

Richard A Francisco

Apr 30, 2024

We were at the top of Mount Hakodate and came across this really lovely and historic Orthodox It was built in 1860 by Russian sailors and merchants, and is the oldest Orthodox church in Japan. The church is a beautiful example of Russian architecture and is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. The church is a small, wooden structure with a single bell tower. The interior of the church is decorated with icons and frescoes, and there is a small altar where services are held.

Ross Daniels

Jan 29, 2024

Practice appropriate etiquette when entering this church; admission is free, allowing you to explore the interior and enjoy the outdoor scenery. The snow-covered landscape adds a captivating and dramatic element, perfect for capturing memorable photos with your camera. Additionally, the downhill view is quite charming. It is located at the uphill side, in between Hachiman-Zaka and Daikan-Zaka Slopes and near Hakkodate Ropeway in Hokkaido Japan. Photo was taken on January 7 2024.