Sotoshu Kunikazankoryu Temple

Tucked into the Funami-cho district, Koryuji is Hakodate's oldest temple and one of its most rewarding quiet discoveries. A Soto Zen foundation, it rewards the curious with an elaborately carved temple gate (lions and dragons rendered in remarkable detail) leading to a main hall rebuilt around 1900 that has weathered Hokkaido's seasons with quiet dignity. A meditation room within the hall hints at the contemplative life still practised here, and the grounds welcome visitors year-round, free of charge.

When to go

The temple opens daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, so an early-morning visit catches the grounds in their most serene state. Hokkaido's short summer and vivid autumn foliage both lend the precincts a particular beauty, though the hush of a winter morning has its own stark appeal.

“Incredible ancient Buddhist temple in the heart of Hakodate. A 15-minute walk from the old British Consulate and Old Public Hall. Well worth the visit to see this awesome temple and walk the grounds!”— Dave Warar, Google review