Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples
About This Museum
Tucked away on a quiet street in Hakodate's historic Motomachi district, this museum feels like a well-kept secret. Stepping inside, you're immediately transported from the heart of Hokkaido to the vast, snowy cultures of the Arctic. It’s a wonderfully intimate space where every artifact, from a delicate parka to a formidable harpoon, tells a story of survival and ingenuity. I was completely captivated by the intricate beadwork and the sheer artistry woven into everyday objects.
Collection Highlights
The stunning Ainu attush robes, made from elm bark fibers, are absolute showstoppers. You can also get up close to a full-sized umiaq, a sealskin-covered boat used by Inuit peoples, and an array of evocative shamanic regalia that feels both powerful and deeply spiritual.
Visitor Information
It's a compact museum, so you can easily soak it all in within an hour—perfect for a cultural interlude during a day of sightseeing. Be sure to check their website for seasonal opening times before you go.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a beautiful piece of history, housed in a former branch of the Hokkaido Colonial Bank with classic Meiji-period Western-style architecture, featuring white walls and elegant green trim.
Contact & Location
Address: 函館市北方民族資料館, 7, 末広町, 函館市, 渡島総合振興局, 北海道, 040-0053, 日本
Phone: +81 138-22-4128
Website: Visit Website
