Hakodate history

The history of Hakodate, one of the key cities in the south of Hokkaido, is closely linked to the sea and international trade. Growing from a small fishing village, the city became one of Japan's first "windows" to the world after a long period of isolation.

Foundation and Early Years

The first settlements on the site of modern Hakodate have existed since ancient times, but the starting point in the city's history is considered to be the mid-15th century. In 1454, the local feudal lord Kono Masamichi built a fortified manor here. Its shape resembled a box, which gave the area its name — "Hako-date" (Japanese for "Box Manor"). For a long time, this was a small settlement where the residents' main activity was fishing. Until the late 18th century, the region was under the administration of the Matsumae clan, which controlled the southern part of Hokkaido.

Key Factors of Development

Geographical location and political events were decisive in the development of Hakodate. Key moments in its formation include:

• Strategic Location: The city is situated by a natural deep-water harbour, making it an ideal port for ships. This played a central role in its future destiny.
• Opening to Foreigners: In 1854, after the signing of the Convention of Kanagawa with the USA, Hakodate became one of the first two ports in Japan opened to foreign ships for replenishment of supplies. And from 1859, following the conclusion of new commercial treaties, the port was opened for international trade.
• Political Centre: In certain periods, the city became an administrative hub. For example, in 1802, the Shogunate established an office here to control the island. Later, in the Meiji era, Hakodate briefly served as the centre of the Hokkaido Development Commission.

Cultural and Economic Features

Opening the port to foreigners radically changed the appearance and economy of Hakodate. Merchants from Russia, the USA, and European countries began to settle in the city, leading to the emergence of the Motomachi district with its characteristic Western architecture. Foreign consulates, churches, and residential houses were built here, many of which have survived to this day. The city's economy, initially based on fishing and the seafood trade, received a powerful boost thanks to international commerce. Hakodate became a vital transport hub connecting Hokkaido with the main Japanese island of Honshu.

Chronology of Hakodate's History

From a humble fishing settlement to a gateway to modern Japan, the history of Hakodate is full of dramatic turns and events significant for the entire country. Here are the key moments that shaped the appearance and destiny of this northern city.

• 1454 — Kono Masamichi builds the fortified "Hako-date" manor, considered the founding moment of the future city.
• 1854 — The signing of the Convention of Kanagawa with the USA makes Hakodate port one of the first in Japan open to foreign vessels.
• 1859 — Hakodate officially opens to international trade, facilitating the influx of Western culture and technology.
• 1868–1869 — The city becomes the capital of the short-lived Republic of Ezo, established by Shogunate supporters during the Boshin War.
• 1869 — The Battle of Hakodate ends with the defeat of the Republic of Ezo and the final establishment of the Imperial government's authority over Hokkaido.
• 1907 — The first major fire occurs, causing significant damage to the city.
• 1934 — The Great Fire of Hakodate destroys a large part of the city, claiming the lives of over 2,000 people and leaving thousands homeless.
• 1954 — The Toya Maru ferry disaster in the Tsugaru Strait during a typhoon, claiming over 1,000 lives, accelerates the decision to construct an undersea tunnel.
• 1988 — The Seikan Tunnel opens — at the time the longest undersea railway tunnel in the world, directly linking Hokkaido with the island of Honshu.
• 2004 — Hakodate significantly expands its territory by merging with several neighbouring towns and villages.
• 2016 — Operations of the Hokkaido Shinkansen high-speed trains begin, allowing travel from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in approximately 4 hours.

Key Stages of Hakodate's Development

The history of Hakodate is a history of transformation, from a gateway for international trade to a modern transport and tourism hub. Key events defined its economic and cultural landscape.

• Opening of the Port to International Trade (1859). This event was a turning point in the city's history. Hakodate, along with Nagasaki and Yokohama, became one of the first ports opened to foreign ships. This led to rapid economic growth, the emergence of the Motomachi district with Western architecture, consulates, and churches, and laid the foundation for the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• Construction of Goryokaku Fort (1866). A unique star-shaped fortress in the European style was built to defend Japan's northern borders. In 1868-1869, it became the centre of the short-lived Republic of Ezo, the last stronghold of Shogunate supporters. Today, it is the city's main historical monument and park, attracting numerous tourists.
• The Great Fire of 1934 and Replanning. A devastating fire destroyed a significant part of the urban area. This tragedy prompted a massive urban planning reform. Wide avenues were laid out to prevent the spread of fire in the future. These measures radically changed the look of the central districts and formed the basis of the city's modern layout.
• Development of Fisheries. Throughout its history, Hakodate has been and remains one of Japan's leading fishing ports. The city's economy is inextricably linked to the harvesting and processing of seafood, particularly squid. The famous Hakodate Morning Market (Asaichi) is not only a trade hub but also an important cultural attraction.
• Opening of the Seikan Tunnel (1988). The completion of what was then the world's longest undersea railway tunnel was a supreme engineering achievement. The tunnel directly linked Hokkaido with the main island of Honshu, ensuring reliable all-weather transport connections and replacing the ferry service. This event had immense significance for the economy of the entire region.
• Launch of the Hokkaido Shinkansen (2016). The arrival of high-speed bullet trains (Shinkansen) significantly reduced travel time from Tokyo and other major Japanese cities. This made Hakodate even more accessible to tourists, giving new impetus to the development of tourism infrastructure, the hotel business, and the service sector.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Hakodate represents a unique fusion of Japanese traditions and Western influences within the country. Its status as one of the first open ports turned the city into an experimental ground where Japan learned to build in new ways. The urban landscape is clearly divided into zones: from the strictly planned fortress to the picturesque slopes with foreign mansions and port warehouses.

Bakumatsu Era (Late Edo Period): European Fortification

In the mid-19th century, realizing the threat from the sea, the Shogunate turned to Western military science. The brightest example of this period is Fort Goryokaku.

• Style: Star bastion (European fortification school inspired by the designs of the French engineer Vauban).
• Features: Japan's first fortress in the shape of a five-pointed star, built to defend the strait and house the administration. It was a radical departure from traditional Japanese castles.

Meiji and Taisho Eras: Eclecticism and Western Influence

The period of active modernization and trade with the West (late 19th — early 20th century) gave the city its most recognizable district — Motomachi. Here, on the slopes of Mount Hakodate, an architectural ensemble formed, combining elements of various world schools.

• Colonial Style and Classicism: A landmark building is the Old Public Hall of Hakodate. A wooden structure in colonial style with characteristic yellow and blue colouring, columns, and balconies, symbolizing the westernization of the elite of that time.
• Russian Byzantine Style: The Resurrection Church (Hakodate Orthodox Church) with its green domes and white walls became the first Orthodox temple in Japan and a striking accent in the city panorama.
• Gothic: Elements of the Gothic style can be seen in the architecture of the Motomachi Roman Catholic Church, especially in the design of the bell tower and lancet windows.
• "Gi-yofu" Style (Pseudo-Western): Local carpenters, imitating Western models, created unique hybrid buildings combining a European facade with Japanese structural solutions.

Industrial Heritage: Port Architecture

The development of trade led to the appearance of functional yet expressive industrial architecture at the water's edge.

• Brick Style: The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses are a classic example of late 19th-century port architecture. Today, these buildings have been revitalized and converted into shopping arcades, preserving the historical spirit of the trading harbour.

Urban Planning after 1934: Fire Resistance

After the Great Fire of 1934, the city was replanned with safety in mind. Streets were significantly widened, creating broad avenues acting as firebreaks (for example, the green belt on Nijukken-zaka Avenue), so that fire could not jump to neighbouring blocks. In residential construction, concrete was used more frequently for the first floor, combining it with a wooden second floor — a style characteristic of post-war Hakodate.

Notable Figures Associated with Hakodate

The history and culture of Hakodate are inextricably linked with the names of many prominent figures — from samurai and reformers to poets and rock stars. Here are just a few of them:

Enomoto Takeaki (1836–1908)

Admiral and Diplomat. A key figure in the city's history, the last commander of the Tokugawa Shogunate fleet. After defeat in the Boshin War, he retreated to Hokkaido and founded the short-lived Republic of Ezo in Hakodate, becoming its first and only president. After surrender, he was pardoned and built a successful career in the Meiji government, holding various ministerial posts.

Hijikata Toshizo (1835–1869)

Samurai, Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi. A legendary warrior known for his loyalty to the Shogunate. He fought alongside Enomoto Takeaki and died heroically in the Battle of Hakodate. His figure is surrounded by a romantic aura and is one of the most revered in Japanese history, and places associated with him in Hakodate attract many admirers.

Takeda Ayasaburo (1827–1880)

Scholar and Architect. A specialist in Western sciences ("Rangaku") who designed the famous Goryokaku Fortress. Using knowledge of European fortification, particularly the works of engineer Vauban, he created a defensive structure in the shape of a star, unique to Japan. His work was a major contribution to military architecture and urban planning in 19th-century Japan.

Ishikawa Takuboku (1886–1912)

Poet and Publicist. One of Japan's most famous poets of the Meiji era. He spent a short but very fruitful time in Hakodate working as a journalist, and this period was reflected in his work. Although he did not stay in the city long, it was here that he said: "I should like to die here." His grave, in accordance with his wishes, is located in Hakodate.

Carl Raymon (1833–1914)

German Entrepreneur. Founder of the first company in Japan to produce Western-style meat products. Arriving in Hakodate, he opened a factory where he began producing hams and sausages using German recipes. His enterprise, which still exists today, introduced the Japanese to European meat gastronomy and made a significant contribution to the city's culinary culture.

GLAY

Rock Band. One of the most successful and influential rock bands in Japanese history, formed in Hakodate in 1988. All members of the group — Teru (vocals), Takuro (guitar), Hisashi (guitar), and Jiro (bass) — hail from this city. They often mention Hakodate in their songs and hold large-scale concerts here, making them true "ambassadors" of their hometown in the world of music.