つぬっこ
Continuing from June 2019... On the second day of my trip to Hakodate, I plan to explore the Motomachi area. I got off at Suehirocho Station by streetcar, and arrived at Hachiman-zaka. This is an uphill slope on the Hakodate-yama side, and if you look towards the Hakodate Bay side downhill, you can see the famous view of Hakodate's cityscape often featured in TV and magazines. This area has 19 slopes running from the mountain side to the sea side, and Hachiman-zaka in particular is introduced as a scenic spot in Hakodate.
Chibitsunu: "Let's start exploring the town right away." This building is the headquarters of Soma Corporation. It's interesting how it looks like a Western-style building but has a tiled roof. The founder, Mr. Soma, was a successful grain merchant who expanded his business and invested his personal fortune in developing the town of Hakodate.
Chibitsunu: "The glasswork in the shop window is beautiful." Let's go inside and take a look. This is the Hakodate Glass Studio where you can experience making glass crafts. It's a facility where you can easily try your hand at making glass trinkets while sightseeing, as it is featured on travel information websites.
Chibitsunu: "It would be wonderful to make something like this." We didn't have time for the hands-on experience, but we would like to try it if we have the chance.
This is the Hakodate City Literature Museum. The building was originally built as the Hakodate Branch of Daiichi Bank in 1923. It was designated as a cityscape formation specified building and underwent reinforcement and renovation. It opened as the Hakodate City Literature Museum in 1993, showcasing handwritten materials and works of literary figures from Hakodate.
Interesting design of the building. This is the Hakodate Museum of History and Folklore. It was built in 1880 as the former Kanemori Yokocho Store and is now open as a museum after renovation. It is designated as a tangible cultural property of the city and showcases the lifestyle of Hakodate citizens in the Meiji era.
Chibitsunu: "I think we're getting tired from walking. Let's have some tea at the nearby cafe." When we visited the Motomachi area, we stopped by the cafe we wanted to visit, "Green Gables."
Chibitsunu: "It looks like Anne of Green Gables' house, so lovely, so lovely." The interior is surprisingly spacious and relaxing. From the tables and chairs to the wallpaper, windows, and decorations used in the interior, everything is from the world of Anne of Green Gables.
Chibitsunu: "Girls are weak to this kind of atmosphere." I ordered a cream soda, which was delicious with plenty of ice cream and whipped cream. Chibitsunu had an iced apple tea, which made her feel very elegant.
After finishing our drinks, we relaxed in the cafe for a while. The terrace seats are also nice. Chibitsunu: "It's nice to have tea here." If it wasn't during the trip, I would want to stay longer in such a cafe. If you have the chance to visit the Motomachi area in Hakodate, this is a cafe that you should definitely visit. Let's continue our stroll... to be continued.
[Note] The business hours may change due to the impact of COVID-19.
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Green Gables
20-30 Suehirocho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
+81-138-26-7644
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
Access: A short walk from Suehirocho Station on the Hakodate Streetcar