Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Experience nearly 400 years of history at Koryuji Temple, Hakodate's oldest Soto Zen temple. Admire intricate wooden carvings, important cultural properties, and traces of the city's wartime past.

Founded in 1633, Koryuji Temple is the oldest Soto Zen temple in Hakodate. Originally established as a branch of Matsumae Hogenji Temple, it was relocated several times and rebuilt after fires before settling at its current site in 1879.

One of its highlights is the Sanmon gate, completed in 1911 and built entirely of Japanese zelkova wood. Adorned with intricate carvings by master craftsmen, it is considered an outstanding example of late Meiji-era wooden architecture. Many buildings on the grounds, including the Dharma Hall, Sanmon gate, and bell tower, are designated Registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan.

Koryuji Temple also played a role in the Hakodate War, serving as a temporary hospital for wounded soldiers of Enomoto Takeaki's forces. The Monument to the Fallen Wounded Soldiers commemorates those who lost their lives and offers a place for quiet reflection.

The temple is also known for housing “Nirvana of Shakyamuni,” regarded as the masterpiece of painter Kakizaki Hakyo. Combining history, architecture, and art, Koryuji Temple offers a memorable glimpse into Hakodate's rich cultural heritage.