3.5Clock Tower (Tokei-dai)(2.647 reviews) - Worth seeing/photographing from the outside! Monday: 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Hokkaido’s most famous landmark is its clock tower, reported to have never missed tolling the hour since its construction in 1878.See more..
4.0Former Hokkaido Government Office Building(2.132 reviews) - Worth Walking By, Beautiful Building Monday: 8:45 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Government Buildings
I walked around the Government building recently. After a lot of snow, there were small paths carved out from other people around the building. I didn't enter or anything but I enjoyed viewing the exterior of the building and the park. At night, the building was lit up and looked great! The architecture is unique for Japan, so I recommend at least walking by.See more..
4.0Goryokaku Park(1.412 reviews) - Cherry blossoms of Goryokaku Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Parks
Goryokaku Fort or park is a National special historic site in Hakodate. I went for the cherry blossoms because they are in full bloom this time of year. Several other attractions there like the observation tower and temple. But if your Following Sakura this is where to be at the end of April.See more..
4.0Hokkaido Jingu(1.194 reviews) - Impressive Shrine in a snowy landscape! Monday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Set in Maruyama Park and approached along the Cherry Tree Boulevard from the 2nd Shrine Gate, the Hokkaido Jingu Shinto Shrine is probably impressive whatever season you choose to visit. Visiting in January when blanketed by snow, however, seems to elevate it to something extra-special. Established in 1869, the centrepiece of the Main Shrine is an impressive A-framed building whose gold embellishments positively sparkle on a bright Winter's day. I was particularly fascinated by the wooden frame with wires that devotees tied their "wishes"/prayers around. I rounded off my visit to this impressive Shrine by taking a break at the attractive Coffee Shop that sells hand-made cookies near the entrance to the Main Shrine, then walking back towards the Subway Station through the snow covered Park. Most enjoyable!See more..
4.0The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward(551 reviews) - Following the earthquake on September 6th, 2018, they have announced that the public hall will be closed for three years Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
A railway that now become a good photo spot. Its located a long the way when you go down straight from the Otaru Station. For some people who like to post, this place can be a good place to take photo.See more..
4.5Kyu Soma-tei(98 reviews) - I would love to stay there if I only could… a unique place… Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
A gem not too miss when in Hakodate. This former merchant home is unique in many ways snd definitely worth a visit. The architecture and interior design is rarely to be seen in such a good condition. The staff is friendly and dedicated to explain details to foreigners and there is an english audioguide included in entrance fee.See more..
4.0Moyoro Kaizuka-kan(47 reviews) - Fantastic Museum - less well known than others Monday: Historic Sites • History Museums
This is known as the Shell Mound Museum & the name does not imply much but this was an excellent museum. They had English audio & one of the guides kept popping in to see how we were doing & adding extra information. There was lots of information & displays. Definitely a "must" on a visit to Abashiri. Please note that the website is in Japanese only. We took a fun photo dressing up in a coat & holding hands with a display of a native man - not tacky ..... fun!See more..
This place has lots of history and its preserved well. The people in information desk were super helpful and warm. The only negative point would be its far from the JR station which makes its less convenient. This place was a station and has history so place couldn't be changed so, its nice place with wonderful people. See more..
3.5Yokoyama Residence(32 reviews) - No Nails in 200-Year Old Fisherman Boathouse Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Going back 8 generations to the Edo Era, this is the residence of a Kaisendonya (Owner of Herring Fishing Boats). The amazing thing: it is built in the Kyoto-style without using a single nail! It is a Hokkaido Cultural Treasure. From the Front Entrance, this building goes 80 meters down to the ocean. Looking at the old pictures, it seems that the ocean came right up to the building and the current road was made by filling in the 'canal'. The herring could be removed and supplies put on the boats. There is a small museum (¥300) but it closes irregularly. But it is possible to see the inside construction with the high ceilings and crossbeams (when no nails were used). Free Parking on the side. It is possible to eat Herring Soba but it wasn't open when we were here.See more..
4.0Kushiro Itsukushima Shrine(29 reviews) - Typical small shrine Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Religious Sites
The city circular tour bus (starting from near where our cruise ship docked) stopped off at this shrine for enough time to walk up and have a brief look. We were given the opportunity to stop off and wait for the next bus an hour later, but frankly after seeing bigger shrines in Kyoto this would not have justified a full hour. In fairness, it’s in an attractive location and the shrine is worth a look if you are nearby, anyway.See more..
From the elegant street level rooms where business was conducted, down thru the warehouses and strong rooms, you finally reach the (old) sea level and the doors where all the precious cargo for this trading family was unloaded. There are steps to the 2nd floor that could be raised and hidden if the guest needed privacy, and there are lovely old safes and business ledgers. English info available on a A4 paper. Guides for a short tour. Hokkaido has few of these old Japanese homes - this is a gem.See more..
4.0Old Okuyukiusu Ekiteisho(26 reviews) - History of development in Hokkaido Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites
It is amazing there were houses and shops here when the train services were available. There are three historic sites in this area: 1. Old Okuyukiusu Ekiteisho This was a combined facility of an inn, a rental horse station and a travel information center when there were no railway services to travel in this part of Hokkaido about one hundred years ago. Renovation of the building was completed recently. It looked modern outside, but you can feel history inside. 2. Old Okuyukiusu Station This used to be a railway station of Japan National Railways. The line and the station were abolished in 1989. You can enter the station building, walk on the railroad and step onto the platform. 3. Old Station of Bekkai Village Tram System They had a tram system before cars became common means for transportation. There were two train cars and a ruin of a turntable. There was also a small building where we could see some exhibits. They are all free. Parkings are available in each site. In addition, large parking is available within a walking distance. It is open from 10:00am. They seem to be completely closed in Winter. Winter in Hokkaido is long. I recommend you check if it is open before visiting.See more..
3.5Yubari Rokumeikan(25 reviews) - Old private state guesthouse Historic Sites
When Yubari coal mine was a heyday, this private State Guesthouse was used. Leave at the time of Emperor Showa has stayed, the room has been saved. Some of other rooms are kept, but you can get in all room by your foot. And the other rooms are currently used for restaurant. The furniture and electronics in the rooms do not work because they are more than 50 years old, but well cleaned. The impression is modern century museum. This is the symbol of the Yubari capitalist who had gotten so rich, the other hand you'll see the poor life of the laborer in Mining Lifestyle Museum which is one of Coal Mine Museum. http://www.yubari-resort.com/en/visit.html There was the Social disparity already.See more..
4.0Former Seto House(24 reviews) - Hidden gem in the back streets of Wakkanai Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites
Literally stumbled across this historical gem having a bit of spare time in Wakkanai - ended up with a personal guided tour and spent over 2 hours there. Seriously, give this place a long look. There is historical items relating to the now defunct herring fishing industry, for sumo fans there is memorabilia for a famous Yokozuna who lived there in the 1960's. The enthusiasm of the two staff members was infectious and it was a great afternoon of personal learning, fun and cultural enhancement.See more..
4.5Old Shimoyoichi Unjoya(23 reviews) - Beautiful Old Japanese Trading House Historic Sites
With your GPS or Google maps, you’ll easily find this place. We enjoyed this old wooden building which has been nicely restored. The timbers inside are stunning. It has all the old kitchen and rooms set up as it was in the day. There are not so many historic building in Hokkaido compared to Honshu, so it nice this one has been preserved. You can spend 20-50 minutes visiting this place. Small fee of 100y for kids and 300y for adults to enter. Certainly worth a visit especially if you do two or three things on your Yoichi trip and maybe grab a lunch. If your going up for a day trip, the old Hanamatcha Property is only 2m drive along the same road. See more..
4.0Old Sasanami Family Residenc(14 reviews) - Nice place to know the great history of fisherman's culture of Kaminokuni and Hokkaido. Historic Sites
Sasanamike is one of the old houses that has been engaged in fishery beyond generations. You can enjoy learning the original history of fishery in Hokkaido.See more..
4.0Ruins of Matsumae Clan Hekirichi Jinya(14 reviews) - Cherry Blossom in Hokkaido 2018_4 Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Scenic Walking Areas
This is probably the best sakura tunnel I have ever visited. It is very long and the canopies of the cherry trees are dense enough to cover the sky above so it is romantic to stroll along the path with your companion. Not only there is a ruined castle site nearby , there are also a few very scenic hanami spots around the Hokuto city which you can visit together. Spending a day in Hokuto city for cherry blossom viewing will be a very good thing to do in spring time. 可能是我去過的最好的櫻花隧道。 它非常長，櫻桃樹的樹冠密集得足以覆蓋上面的天空，所以漫步在與你的同伴一起的路上是浪漫的。 不僅在附近有一座被毀壞的城堡遺址，還有一些您可以一起參觀的北斗市周圍的風景秀麗的賞花點。 花一天時間在北斗市觀賞櫻花將是春天的一件好事。See more..
4.0Kitakogane Kaizuka Historic Park(6 reviews) - A place to learn how ancient people lived peacefully without farming Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Parks
This is one of 39 sites of a recently approved world heritage, called Jomon historic sites in Northern Japan. You may learn how people, who lived between 2,000 and 5,000 years B.C. there, enjoyed the richness of animals, fish and shellfish, vegetables, and fruits around that area without farming. Nature and people lived together peacefully. It is not easy to visit with the public commuting system, however a taxi will take you there in fifteen minutes from Date Monbetsu JR Hokkaido train station. Notice that this location is closed during the winter time.See more..
4.5Old Futaba Kindergarten(6 reviews) - best to see in Obihiro Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Because of winter season could be, the site was closed. Obihiro is not so old town, so there are not so many historic buildings or sites left, why this building is so important and now is preserved as National Heritage. This was a kindergarten founded by Anglican Church in 1922. You are advised to check when it is opened. However, it maybe interesting to see this pretty building.See more..
4.0National Historic Site Pirika(5 reviews) - The best attraction in the Pirika area Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
This is a real hidden gem if you like archaeological excavations or museums of old country life, but it is still in the early stages of development and must have gotten a central government grant for tourist development as there seems to be little demand for this type of place. We were the only visitors the hour we were there. Most of the excavations are done on a few hills above the museum building. It is unusual because the excavations reveal a pre-Jomon, Old Stone Age civilization. Some of the artifacts are displayed in the museum. There is a separate building that encloses an excavated area so that you can see just where the artifacts lay in relation to each other. While we found this interesting, we found the third building, a display of old farm implements from the area and some fossil remains just as interesting. It appears that this building was co-located to take advantage of the Historic Site displays. Admission to the historic site museum is ￥200 for adults, ￥150 for children. It is open 9:30 - 16:30 from April through November and closed during the winter. Visited 9/14/2017.See more..
Over 100 years of history - fishing fleet master home, fishing workers' dormitory...and then later lodging house...now the gently lit, wooden building is a cafe and local history collection. Local people also come to hang out, welcome visitors and hold events. There isn't much English information - but very welcoming. You can use smartphone translate apps on the printed into - and learn about the family history. The cafe has bowls of raw fish at weekends, and the rest of the time it is curry, rice balls and soup, and sweets. You can sit anywhere on the 1st floor. Located between the main road and the boat trip port. Gorgeous old building. I dropped in for a quick break and stayed over an hour.See more..
