Koryuji Temple, also known as Kokugazan Koryuji, is the oldest temple in Hakodate. Located at the foot of Mount Hakodate, the temple is known for its imposing wooden architecture, richly decorated buildings, and deep connection with the city’s history.
Ten structures within the temple complex have been registered as Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Properties. Their historical importance, artistic beauty, and traditional wooden construction techniques make Koryuji an especially impressive destination for visitors interested in Japanese architecture and Buddhist culture.
The history of Koryuji began in 1633, when Banmuro Horyu, a monk of Hogenji Temple in Matsumae belonging to the Soto school of Zen Buddhism, founded the temple in Kameda, near what is now Mandai-cho.
As Hakodate developed into an important port and trading center, Koryuji continued to play a significant role in the religious life of the community. The present main hall was completed in 1899, and its imposing form reflects the craftsmanship of traditional Japanese temple architecture.
The main hall features a distinctive irimizuya-style tiled roof extending around all four sides, together with an additional projecting roof known as a mokoshi. The combination creates an elegant two-tiered appearance that is both graceful and powerful.
Inside, the spacious hall is supported by 39 massive zelkova pillars and beams. At the center stands a richly decorated Buddhist altar enshrining the Shaka Triad, representing the Buddha Shakyamuni accompanied by two attendant figures.
The intricate carvings around the entrance porch and other parts of the building are another highlight. Fine details carved into the wood demonstrate the exceptional skill of the craftsmen who worked on the temple.
The temple’s magnificent Sanmon gate was completed in 1911 and was said to be the largest temple gate north of the Tohoku region at the time. Constructed from Hiba cypress, the gate is an eight-legged gate supported by four pillars at both the front and rear.
Its exterior is richly decorated with carvings of lions, dragons, phoenixes, and other motifs. The gate alone is said to contain an astonishing 207 individual carvings. The carvings were produced in the Echigo region and transported to Hakodate by sailing ship.
On both sides of the Sanmon, tiled-roof side walls extend outward, followed by earthen walls and massive brick firebreak walls measuring approximately 60 centimeters thick. These defensive-looking walls also served an important practical purpose in Hakodate, a city that experienced numerous devastating fires.
The buildings and structures registered as Tangible Cultural Properties include the main hall, Sanmon gate and side walls, mortuary tablet hall, founder’s hall, Konpira-do Hall, treasure house, bell tower, water basin pavilion, firebreak wall, and earthen wall.
Together, these structures form an outstanding architectural ensemble that preserves the history of Hakodate’s Buddhist traditions while showcasing the craftsmanship of traditional Japanese wooden construction.
The grounds in front of Koryuji are also popular as a photography spot. From spring through autumn, the garden is decorated with cherry blossoms, azaleas, wisteria, and hydrangeas, creating a peaceful Japanese landscape beneath the slopes of Mount Hakodate.
At the center of the garden is Hyotan Pond. In summer, visitors can enjoy feeding the koi, while winter transforms the grounds into a snowy landscape that is especially atmospheric.
With its monumental gate, richly carved wooden buildings, registered cultural properties, and tranquil garden, Koryuji Temple offers a different side of historic Hakodate. It is an excellent place to appreciate the city’s Buddhist heritage and the artistry of traditional Japanese architecture away from the more familiar port-town attractions.
Gates open 9:00 - 16:00
Free to visit the temple grounds
10 min. walk from Hakodate Dotsukumae (Hakodate City Tram)
1 min. walk from Koryuji-mae (Hakodate Bus)