Hakodate St. John’s Church is a Protestant church located in the historic Motomachi district of Hakodate. Its bright white walls are decorated with crosses on all four sides, while its distinctive brown roof forms a cross-shaped design when viewed from above.
The church is one of the three best-known historic churches in Hakodate’s Motomachi area, together with Hakodate Orthodox Church and Catholic Motomachi Church. Its striking architecture and long history make it an important landmark in the city’s historic streetscape.
The history of St. John’s Church began in 1874, when an English clergyman arrived in Hakodate and began missionary work. The church later developed through the efforts of successive missionaries, pastors, and members of the congregation.
The church’s activities extended beyond religious services. Over the years, its pastors and missionaries established schools and hospitals in the city, making significant contributions to education and social welfare as well as Christian missionary work.
The present church building was reconstructed in 1931. Its design draws on the Gothic Revival tradition, while its clean white exterior gives the building a particularly striking appearance against the historic streets of Motomachi.
Inside, visitors can appreciate features such as stained-glass windows and a beautiful wooden ceiling. The combination of religious architecture, warm wooden details, and colorful light creates a peaceful atmosphere.
One of the most distinctive features of St. John’s Church is its unusual roof. From the summit of Mount Hakodate, the brown roof can be seen forming a recognizable cross-shaped pattern.
This aerial view helps explain why the church has become such an iconic part of Hakodate’s landscape. From street level, the white walls and cross motifs stand out beautifully among the historic buildings of Motomachi; from above, the unusual geometry of the roof becomes even more apparent.
Motomachi is famous for its concentration of historic religious buildings, reflecting Hakodate’s history as an international port. Churches representing different Christian traditions stand within walking distance of one another, creating a distinctive cultural landscape rarely found elsewhere in Japan.
St. John’s Church forms an important part of this historic group. A walk through the surrounding streets allows visitors to experience the area’s architectural variety while also discovering the history of international exchange that shaped Hakodate.
St. John’s Church continues to serve as a place of Christian worship and community activity. In addition to worship services and Bible study, the church has a tradition of engaging with the local community through social welfare activities and events.
Special events are also held around major Christian celebrations such as Christmas and Easter, bringing together church members and people from the wider Hakodate community.
The church is surrounded by historic attractions, including Hakodate’s hillside streets and Motomachi Park. Cafés and restaurants can also be found nearby, making the area an enjoyable place to explore on foot.
For visitors, the appeal of St. John’s Church lies not only in its architecture but also in the story it tells about Hakodate’s development as a multicultural port. Its white walls, distinctive roof, and peaceful interior offer a memorable glimpse into the city’s Christian heritage.
With a history reaching back to the early Meiji era, a distinctive cross-shaped roof, and elegant Gothic Revival architecture, Hakodate St. John’s Church is one of the defining landmarks of Motomachi.
When exploring Hakodate, a visit to the church can easily be combined with the area’s other historic churches and hillside streets. It is a rewarding destination for travelers interested in architecture, history, religion, and the international character of this fascinating port city.
November 4 - May 1
Tram “Jujigai” stop, 15 min. walk