🗺️ Hakodate Bakufu Office箱館奉行所

The "Hakodate Magistrate's Office," faithfully restored to its original location within Goryokaku, was an administrative institution established by the Edo Shogunate as a northern defense base in Japan. The restoration utilized materials and construction methods as similar as possible to those from the Edo period, including mats, Bihō tatami, and paper doors made with handmade washi. The area in front of the entrance is called the "Reproduction Zone," which has completely recreated the appearance of the Hakodate Magistrate's Office during the late Edo period based on documentary evidence. Inside the magistrate's office, the most prestigious room is the 72-tatami large hall, along with the formal sitting area that served as the magistrate's office, allowing visitors to deeply appreciate the unique style of traditional Japanese architecture. Beyond the Reproduction Zone, there are also the "Historical Exploration Zone," "Image Theater," and "Architectural Restoration Zone." The Historical Exploration Zone features screens that explain the history of Goryokaku, the Hakodate Magistrate's Office, and the last battle of the Boshin War, known as the "Battle of Hakodate." The Image Theater shows documentary films about the restoration project, showcasing the skills of Miyabigumi in Japanese architecture. In the Architectural Restoration Zone, visitors can learn about the process of recreating the magistrate's office through old photographs, documentary materials, and excavation results, as well as the hardships faced during the construction process.

Using materials and construction methods from the time as much as possible, it faithfully restores the architecture of the Edo Shogunate's administrative institutions. There are many areas where visitors can learn about the history of Goryokaku and the Hakodate Magistrate's Office. By using a smartphone application, you can view AR images and take photos with土方歳三 (Hijikata Toshizo), as well as capture pictures of yourself transformed into a magistrate. You can purchase the highly praised "御城印" (Castle Seal) that is popular among castle enthusiasts. It is a sacred site for the anime "薄桜鬼真改" (Hakuouki: Shinkai) and one of the story backgrounds for the manga "黄金神威" (Golden Kamuy).