Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples｜What to See & Do｜HOKKAIDO LOVE! -Hokkaido Official Tourism Site

Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples

Discover the Living Spirit of Northern Indigenous Cultures

Discover the vibrant heritage of the Ainu and other northern indigenous peoples inside a beautifully preserved 1920s bank.

This striking stone building, constructed in 1926 as the Bank of Japan’s Hakodate branch, blends architectural elegance with deep history. Inside, the cool air carries echoes of the past, seen in the original glass doorknobs and the ornate transoms of the former manager's office. The galleries showcase the renowned Osamu Baba collection, featuring exquisite Ainu robes with delicate needlework and colorful "Ezo Nishiki" textiles that tell a story of ancient trade across the northern seas.

The museum invites you to do more than just look—it encourages you to feel the spirit of the North. Listen to the rhythmic, nature-mimicking sounds of the "mukkuri" bamboo harp, or try your hand at traditional paper-cutting to create your own Ainu patterns. From the sleek lines of an Aleut "baidarka" kayak to ingenious tools crafted for the subarctic wilds, every exhibit reveals the wisdom of those who lived in harmony with Hokkaido’s rugged landscape.

* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.

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Area: Southern Hokkaido; Hakodate, area around Hakodate

Category: With friends; Historic sites, castles, culture properties, architecture; World Heritage sites, Jomon culture, Ainu culture; Museums, science museums, art galleries, archives; History, culture, art; Solo trip; Girls' trip; Couple; Family; Travel style

Travel Inspiration: Ideas for a rainy day; Adventure Travel

Nearest airports

General Information

Postal code: 〒040-0053　
Address: 北海道函館市末広町21-7
Telephone Number: 0138-22-4128
Open: (Apr.-Oct.) 9:00-19:00
(Nov.-Mar.) 9:00-17:00
Closed: Temporary closing (see official website)
[Year-end and New Year holidays] Dec. 31 - Jan. 3
Prices: paid
Directions: ●By streetcar: About 10 minutes from Hakodate-Ekimae Station, get off at Suehirocho, and walk About 5 minutes
●By car: About 45 minutes from Hokkaido Expwy Onumakoen IC
Website: Official site (Japanese)
Remarks: *Please check the website for information about the experience, etc.
*Please note that there may be temporary closures, event cancellations, and service changes in addition to the above.