Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, Municipal heritage building in Hakodate, Japan.
The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward is a Giyōfū-style municipal building with gray and yellowish exterior paint and Western-inspired architectural details. Its interior preserves period furnishings, including a grand hall on the second floor featuring restored floor patterns from the early 1900s.
The building was constructed in 1910 after a major fire in 1907 destroyed the previous municipal buildings. It emerged during a time when Hakodate was rebuilding and adopting this newer architectural style for public structures.
The building shows typical features of Giyōfū style, blending Western design elements with Japanese building techniques that were popular in the early 1900s. Visitors can see this mix clearly in the wall details and the way rooms are arranged.
The building is easy to access and the interior is clearly laid out, so visitors can explore the rooms without difficulty. The best time to visit is early morning when fewer people are around and you can see the details more clearly.
During a 2021 restoration project, original linoleum patterns from the Meiji period were carefully reinstated on the grand hall floor. These floors showcase the craftsmanship and material choices from over a century ago.
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