Ai Nishimura
Administrator of the blog "My Diary," which began in 2004. A writer who has traveled to all 47 prefectures and loves local culture and history.
Author of Shimane's "Geography, Place Names, and Maps" Mysteries (Jitsugyo no Nihonsha), My Town is the "Number One in Japan" Dictionary (PHP Institute), and Prefectures Explained in Neko Neko Japanese History (Jitsugyo no Nihonsha). Official blogger for Suntory Gourmet Guide, official top user for Retty, and official platinum blogger for Excite.
I walked around the churches on Yamate! In this area, you can see a part of the history of incorporating foreign cultures. I also came across a cute parfait.
Hakodate is a city with many slopes.
To get to the Yamate area of Hakodate, you first have to go up a hill. The most famous of these is Hachimanzaka, which offers a commanding view of the harbor from a high point. There are guide signs everywhere, so as long as you have the direction, you can find many spots even if you're just going by accident.
There are flowers in the beautifully maintained houses to welcome tourists, and many photogenic spots.
Hachimanzaka slope stretches straight down to Hakodate Bay, and is a view that symbolizes Hakodate.
The former Yasuda Bank Hakodate branch has been renovated and is now used as a hotel. It is located at the bottom of Hachimanzaka.
Let's go up the hill! There are also beautiful houses lined up on the side of the hill.
If the slope is steep, you can also use the stairs. It's still steep though (lol)
There are many slopes between the sea and the mountains. Each slope has a sign indicating your current location.
We arrived at the top of Hachimanzaka. It was a fairly steep slope. It seems like it's best to see Hachimanzaka from the top.
The slopes are equipped with handrails and road heating to melt snow in the winter, making them safe to go up and down.
The seeds of religion have taken root in Hakodate. You will be fascinated by the architectural styles of each sect.
There are three churches in Yamate: the Catholic Motomachi Church with its high Gothic roof, Hakodate St. John's Church, which belongs to the Anglican Church in Japan and is the parent organization of St. Luke's International University and Rikkyo University, and Hakodate Christ Orthodox Church, Japan's first Russian Orthodox church.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, these churches are enveloped in a solemn atmosphere. The cobblestone streets are also atmospheric, and it's a place you'll want to take your time to explore. Even if you don't usually go to churches, you might find yourself interested in visiting them while traveling.
It is also a pleasant moment during your trip to calm your mind in the cool air of the cathedral, pray for a safe journey, and soak in the majestic space.
First, we went to see the Catholic Motomachi Church. It was in a great location, with a view of the sea!
When the hour comes, a beautiful bell will ring. The highlights are the altar inside the cathedral, which was given to us by the Pope, and the Stations of the Cross, which are paintings depicting the story of Jesus Christ leading up to his crucifixion.
Hakodate St. John's Church is a Protestant church that looks like a cross when viewed from above.
The cathedral is shaped like a dome.
The cross was unusually made from solid wood.
On the other side of the altar is a colored glass cross. Depending on the time of day, light shines through here.
"Hakodate Orthodox Church" is the first Russian Orthodox church built in Japan.
The triangular roof, octagonal shape and arched shape create an exotic atmosphere.
The six onion-shaped domes, or "coupoles," are an architectural style known as Russian Byzantine.
The cross has two horizontal bars in addition to the cross, which have a meaning. The upper bar represents the letter that wrote the charges against Christ (Jesus) when he was crucified, and the lower bar represents that by believing in Christ based on the anecdote at that time, you can go to heaven.
The lower bar is higher on the right side of Christ, pointing to heaven. The cross itself has a great meaning, but I found it very interesting that it represents a scene from the Bible in one form.
Take a break at the cafe. Colorful shiratama "Kikusen".
After seeing the church, we went to an old-style Japanese cafe. It was renovated from a villa of a sake wholesaler built in the Taisho period.
Actually, I only found out when I was there that this shop had recently appeared in the TV anime "Love Live!" and had become a mecca for anime fans (Lovelivers). A few days after my visit, a Loveliver concert was scheduled to be held in Hakodate, and everyone there that day except for me was a Loveliver, which was a strange experience.
There are various ways to use the space, such as a tatami room by the hearth, table seats by the window, and sofa seats. As for the taste of the parfait, it was very satisfying with freshly made chewy rice flour dumplings, rich black sesame ice cream, and plenty of fruit!
I came to Sabo Kikuzen in search of the parfait I was looking for.
This relaxing cafe is housed in an old building that used to be a liquor wholesaler.
From the window seats, you can see the bustling sights of people sightseeing outside.
The main ingredient is the shiratama, and the sesame ice cream in the middle is very flavorful and delicious.
Small, round tofu shiratama balls. Light and easy to eat!
A purely Japanese-style building. It is extremely popular as a sacred place for the anime "Love Live." Love Livers are also welcome to visit.
Read the second part here
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
