The consulate served as an official diplomatic office for the British government until 1934.
The building features Western-style architecture that highlights the transition of design influences in Meiji and Taisho-era Hakodate.
The garden was reconstructed in 1992 to reflect the historical layout and contains over 60 varieties of roses.
The interior includes a 'Port of Hakodate' history room detailing the arrival of Commodore Perry and subsequent trade development.
The Former British Consulate of Hakodate serves as a preserved historic site detailing the diplomatic relations between Britain and Japan following the 1859 opening of the port. The current building was completed in 1913 after the previous consulate was destroyed by fire. It functions as a museum showcasing period-appropriate furniture and artifacts from the early 20th century. Visitors can explore the former office spaces, consular living quarters, and a tea room. The grounds feature a rose garden that blooms seasonally. The museum preserves the history of the Anglo-Japanese interaction in the Hokkaido region. Educational exhibits explain the process of Hakodate becoming one of Japan's first international trading ports.
The central staircase inside the building or the exterior rose garden during the summer bloom.
Check the rose garden blooming status before visiting if the flowers are your primary interest.
Utilize the on-site tea room for a traditional British-style afternoon tea experience.
Walk through the entire exhibition to see the recreated living quarters, which provide insight into the consular lifestyle.
Do not mistake the modern gift shop or tea room area for the historical archive sections which require a more focused pace.
Closed during the year-end and New Year holidays.
Maintain a quiet volume inside the museum galleries and refrain from touching displayed artifacts or furniture.
