Hakodate City Museum of Literature, Literary museum and former bank building in Hakodate, Japan
The Hakodate City Museum of Literature occupies a 1921 bank building designed by architect Yoshitoki Nishimura. The exhibition spaces present works and documents from regional authors, showcasing the local writing tradition across multiple rooms.
The building served as the Hakodate Branch of Dai-Ichi Bank from 1921 until 1964. After the JACCS company occupied it, the structure was donated to the city in 1989 and later transformed into a museum.
The collection displays manuscripts and personal belongings from Japanese writers connected to the region. The poet Ishikawa Takuboku holds a special place in the exhibits, reflecting his importance to local literary life.
The museum operates with different hours depending on the season, so checking ahead helps with planning your visit. Visitors should allow adequate time to explore both the exhibitions and the architectural features of the historic building.
The building itself exemplifies early Meiji-period bank architecture with its classical design features. This pairing of banking heritage with literary culture creates an unusual cultural destination where visitors experience two aspects of the city's history simultaneously.
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