Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Experience the enchanting echoes and timeless beauty of Japan’s first Russian Orthodox cathedral.

Visit Hakodate Orthodox Church, a piece of living history. Known for its striking white walls, emerald-green roofs, and melodic bells, this Important Cultural Property offers a peaceful retreat into Hakodate’s international past.

Established in 1860, Hakodate Orthodox Church is a testament to the city's international history. Originally part of the Russian Consulate, it became the cradle of Orthodox Christianity in Japan after St. Nicholas arrived in 1861. Though the original structure was lost to the Great Fire of 1907, it was meticulously rebuilt in 1916. Its significance was officially recognized in 1983 as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

This masterpiece of Eastern European architecture features brilliant white brick walls and vibrant green copper roofs. Its iconic octagonal bell tower and six onion-shaped domes create a stunning silhouette. Inside, the atmosphere is serene, with high vaulted ceilings and a magnificent iconostasis—a wall of sacred icons—brought from Russia, inviting visitors into a world of artistic beauty.

The church is beloved for its beautiful bells, earning it the local nickname "Gangan-dera." During prayer services, the bells ring for about 3 to 5 minutes, sending a melodic resonance through Hakodate. Whether you seek history, art, or tranquility, this iconic church promises a memorable experience that defines the charm of Hokkaido.