Century-old former Russian Consulate in Hokkaido reborn as hotel
HAKODATE, Hokkaido (Kyodo) -- The former Russian Consulate in Hakodate, Hokkaido, built in 1908 by the Russian Empire and featured in the popular manga "Golden Kamuy," will reopen as a luxury hotel in July after remaining vacant for nearly 30 years.
The redbrick building, perched on a hill with sweeping views of Hakodate Port, has been reborn as Hotel Biaclyn Hakodate, a six-suite wellness retreat featuring a blend of Western architecture and Japanese design.
After serving as a consulate for 36 years, it was acquired by the city following World War II and is the only surviving building of its kind in Japan from the imperial Russia era. The building was used as a youth training facility until 1996 and then remained closed to the public.
In 2021, Nagoya-based automotive chemicals wholesaler Sovereign Corp. purchased the property and set the gears of restoration in motion, starting renovations around two years later.
The company's president, Hiromasa Murase, and his wife Shiho Tanimura both have a strong connection to Hakodate as they previously lived in the city. They also studied at Hokkaido University.
The project was overseen by Tanimura, an author who featured the former Russian Consulate in her novel "Kurokami" (Black Hair).
Opening on July 12, Hotel Biaclyn Hakodate will feature two suites in the consulate wing and four in a newly added wellness wing, all equipped with private saunas. A one-night stay with two meals costs 319,000 yen ($2,200) for two adults.
The main dining restaurant, which launched in May together with a sushi restaurant and bar, offers dishes paying homage to Hokkaido ingredients, as well as Russian piroshki pies served as an amuse-bouche.
Hotel manager Yuichi Haseyama, 56, said that in addition to the building exterior, elements like the original fittings of the bar and wooden wainscoting have also been preserved.
"We want to protect and nurture this historical building that is loved by the local community," said Haseyama. "I believe this (hotel) will become a new attraction for Hakodate tourism."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
an hour ago
Japan, U.S. to Continue Tariff Talks as July Deadline Nears
News from Japan Economy Jun 28, 2025 14:28 (JST) Washington, June 27 (Jiji Press)--Japanese chief tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday, agreeing to continue negotiations to reach a deal that serves the national interests of both sides. Their meeting, which preceded the July 9 expiration of a suspension of the additional U.S. reciprocal tariffs, marked the seventh round of bilateral ministerial talks on high tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Through his repeated visits to the United States, Akazawa, economic revitalization minister, has been urging the U.S. side to review the Trump tariffs. Japan released a statement that the two sides had "a fruitful discussion." But it is unlikely that they filled their gap over key issues including automotive tariffs on imports from Japan. During Friday's 65-minute meeting, Akazawa and Lutnick discussed bilateral trade expansion, nontariff barriers and cooperation in economic security. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
SoraNews24
an hour ago
- SoraNews24
Get a taste of paradise at Japan's top 8 ocean view cafes
Surprisingly, only two of them are in Okinawa. Summers in Japan are pretty hot, so the season can be quite divisive on whether people actually enjoy it or not. There are the brave folks who venture out under the burning sun, and the ones indisposed to moving away from the air conditioners. Taking the risk to go out of your front door, there are two great places to have a great day out that will help take the edge off heat: the mountains and the ocean. Japan has hundreds of mountains, and being at a higher altitude means a cooler temperature. However, there's just something about standing on the coast, looking out over the sparkling blue ocean, and feeling the sea breeze against your skin that can make you feel so relaxed. So, Japanese travel company Jalan organized a survey asking 1,027 people in their 20s to 50s throughout all 47 prefectures of the country about which cafe would be perfect to enjoy during early summer with an ocean view. Looking through the results, they have come back with a a selection of eight of the best cafes in Japan that combine breathtaking sea views with some delectable treats. ● Rokkatei Isaribidori Rokkatei is a store famous for its Marusei Butter Sandwiches, a blend of white chocolate, butter, and raisins sandwiched between two biscuits. At this directly operated location in Hakodate, Hokkaido Prefecture, a city famed for its night view, visitors can ascend to the second floor cafe, which features panoramic windows with a sweeping view of the sea surrounding the Tsugaru Strait, while also enjoying exclusive items, like their souffle pancakes that are made with ricotta cheese. Store information Rokkatei (Isaribidori branch) / 六花亭（漁火通店） Address: Hokkaido, Hakodate-shi, Kanahori-cho 9-18 北海道函館市金堀町9番18号 Cafe open 11:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (last order 4:00 p.m.), store open Store 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Closed Wednesdays Website ● Fukubishi Kagerou Cafe Located within the main store of Fukubishi, the maker of a local Wakayama Prefecture sweet called Kagerou, this cafe offers a terrace that overlooks the beautiful Shirahama coastline, as well as the opportunity to try the fresh Kagerou, using fresh fruits and cream, that is only available there. Store information Kagerou Cafe / かげろうカフェ Address: Wakayama-ken, Nishimuro-gun, Shirahama-cho 1279-3 和歌山県西牟婁郡白浜町1279-3 Open 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (last order 5:30 p.m.) Website ● Penguins Cafe Koubou If you're in Hakodate and have already hit up Rokkatei, then check out Penguins Cafe Koubou too. It boasts a deeply aromatic, in-house roasted coffee that can be savored as you enjoy the refreshing breeze rolling in from the ocean. Feeling a little peckish on top of that? Well, they also serve fruit plates and pork rice bowls to satisfy your stomach. Store information Penguins Cafe Koubou / ペンギンズカフェ工房 Address: Hokkaido, Hakodate-shi, Sumiyoshi-cho 14-1 北海道函館市住吉町14-1 Open 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays Website ● Marlowe Hayama Marina Store A Miura, Kanagawa Prefecture restaurant cafe owned by Marlowe, a company that's known for its puddings that are served in heat-resistant beakers. Seated inside, visitors can take in views of Enoshima, the Yujiro Lighthouse, and the blue waters of Hayama. It's also possible to dine with your dog on the terrace overlooking the harbor. If you have time to squeeze in another cafe, there's another one that's also great just a short distance away. Store information Marlowe (Hayama Marina branch) / マーロウ（葉山マリーナ店） Address: Kanagawa-ken, Miura-gun, Hayama-cho, Horiuchi 50-2 Hayama Marina 1F 神奈川県三浦郡葉山町堀内50-2 葉山マリーナ1F Open 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. (last order: lunch 2:00 p.m., dinner 6:00 p.m.) Closed Tuesdays (except busy seasons and national holidays) Website ● A Happy Pancake/Shiawase no Pancake Awajishima Resort Every seat has an ocean view at this pancake shop on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture. Being out on the terrace can feel like you're almost sitting in the sea itself. On top of the beautiful scenery, the grounds also have several scenic photo spots, like the 'A Happy Chair,' 'A Happy Ring,' 'A Happy Stairs,' and a swing making for a fantastic date location. Store information Shiawase no Pancake Honten Awajishima Resort / 幸せのパンケーキ本店 淡路島リゾート Address: Hyogo-ken, Awaji-shi, Osaki 42-1 兵庫県淡路市尾崎42-1 Open 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (weekdays, last order 6:45 p.m.) / 9:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (weekends and holidays, last order 6:45 p.m.) Website ● Sunny Days Kitchen on the Beach If burgers are what you want from your cafes, this spot in Ogimi Village, located at the northern tip of Okinawa's main island, is worth the trip. Surrounded by nature and far from the crowds of the southern cities, Ogimi is known for its peaceful coastal scenery. The cafe serves up excellent burgers made with local Okinawan ingredients. Whether sitting inside or on the balcony, you are treated to stunning ocean views and the sound of the waves lapping against the shore. Store information Sunny Days Kitchen Zekkei Cafe / サニーデイズキッチン『絶景cafe』 Address: Okinawa-ken, Kunigami-gun, Ogimi-mura, Oganeku 65 沖縄県国頭郡大宜味村大兼久65番地 Open 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays Website ● Ryuka Also in Okinawa, Ryuka is a cafe located in the town of Motobu, on the northwestern coast of Okinawa's main island. The area is known for its scenic coastline and proximity to popular attractions. Ryuka specializes in creating foods and drinks with tropical fruits, and starting with a dazzling white sand beach on the left, the cafe allows visitors a sweeping, uninterrupted view out over the ocean to the nearby island. It's also near Okinawa's famous Churaumi Aquarium, making for an excellent day out. Store information Ryuka / 琉果 Address: Okinawa-ken, Kunigami-gun, Motobu-cho, Bise 401 沖縄県国頭郡本部町備瀬４０１ Open 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed Thursdays (except national holidays) Website ● Ichimainoe Seaside Terrace Cafe Taking pride in its in-house roasted coffee, this cafe near the beach in Ako, Hyogo Prefecture is not one to pass up a visit to. The infinity-style terrace seems to blend into the sea, creating a feeling like you're submerged in a world of blue, with the ocean below and the sky above. This resort-like atmosphere is perfect for making you feel as if you have escaped to a tropical paradise. Store information Ichimainoe Unabe no Terrace Cafe / 壱枚乃絵 海辺のテラスカフェ店 Address: Hyogo-ken, Ako-shi, Maruyama 2300-3 Maruyama Kenmin Sun Beach-nai 兵庫県赤穂市尾崎丸山2300-3 丸山県民サンビーチ内 Open 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (morning 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., pancakes 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. [last order 4:15 p.m.]) Pancakes are not served in summer Closed Wednesdays (except national holidays, and then closed the following day) Website If the heat has got you down, why not cool off with the ocean breeze at one of these breathtaking spots. Or maybe you want to beat the heat with something a little higher up? In which case, there are plenty of fun attractions and beautiful scenery to discover in the mountains. Source: PR Times, Jalan Images: PR Times ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! [ Read in Japanese ]
Yomiuri Shimbun
2 hours ago
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japanese PM Ishiba States Eagerness to Expand Japan-U.S. Cooperation in Aircraft Production, Development
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed his willingness to expand cooperation between Japan and the United States in the field of aircraft manufacturing and development in an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun. The statement comes in connection with bilateral negotiations on U.S. tariffs. During the interview on Friday, Ishiba said Japan-U.S. cooperation would lead to the development of global markets and the expansion of employment in both countries. He also expressed his eagerness to 'create a new Japan-U.S. relationship that will be mutually beneficial.' Ishiba cited aircraft, along with shipbuilding, which has been one of the major items in the tariff talks, as an area where Japan-U.S. cooperation is expected to become increasingly important in terms of economic security. Referring to Mitsubishi SpaceJet — a passenger jet that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. was to produce in Japan, but abandoned in 2023 — Ishiba said, 'There are many sectors that can be utilized in the course of developing and producing aircraft in the United States.' He proposed that the company's technology be utilized in the joint development of aircraft by Japan and the United States. Ishiba also cited the Boeing 787 series aircraft, which some people call a 'quasi-Japanese aircraft,' because about 35% of its fuselage is made in Japan. Using that example, he indicated the aim of expanding the use of materials and parts made by Japanese manufacturers in aircraft manufacturing in the United States. The administration of U.S President Donald Trump has demanded that Japan boost its investment in the United States and reduce the U.S. trade deficit with Japan. In the interview, Ishiba reiterated his stance to emphasize Japan's track record of investment in the United States in making a breakthrough in the negotiations. 'We will reduce the deficit from the perspective of the United States and the surplus from the perspective of Japan, aiming for zero [in trade balance],' he said.
