Catholic Motomachi Church
Japan's only church with an altar given by the Pope
A Roman Catholic church standing in Hakodate Motomachi, founded in 1859, a historic building with the only altar in Japan given by the Pope.
Founded by French missionary Father Mermet-Cachon in the 6th year of Ansei (1859), the current Gothic-style building was completed in 1924. The beautiful exterior with spires reaching toward heaven harmonizes with Hakodate's slopes and exudes an exotic atmosphere. Upon entering the sanctuary, silence reigns, and soft light filtering through stained glass casts colors on the floor. Wooden benches are arranged in orderly rows, and a solemn air appropriate for a place of prayer pervades.
The altar given by Pope Benedict XV as consolation for a fire has been carefully preserved as the only gift from a Pope in Japan. The altar's delicate decorations and solemn appearance convey the weight of over 100 years of history. The sound of the church bells rings throughout the streets of Hakodate, announcing the passage of time. As a place of faith passed down since its founding in 1859, it is a symbolic presence conveying Hakodate Motomachi's history and culture to the present.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Category
- With friends
- Shrines and temples, churches
- Historic sites, castles, culture properties, architecture
- History, culture, art
- Canals, townscapes
- Shooting locations of films, dramas, or commercials
- Solo trip
- Girls' trip
- Couple
- Travel style
- Sea, coast, cape, peninsula, island
- Red leaves, scenic spots, observation platforms
- Natural scenery, spectacular views
- Travel Inspiration
- Best for a girls' trip
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Postal code
- 〒040-0054
- Address
- 北海道函館市元町15-30
- Telephone Number
- 0138-22-6877
- Open
- 10:00-16:00 (Sunday mornings, except during worship services)
- Closed
- December 30 - January 5, when the cathedral is in use
- Car Park
- Paid parking available nearby
- Directions
- ●By car: About 10 minutes from JR Hakodate Station
●By car: About 15 minutes from Hakodate Airport
●On foot: About 10 minutes from "Jujigai" streetcar stop - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
