Things to do in Hakodate：Former Iwafune Garden (Kosetsuen)

What is Hokkaido’s only nationally designated cultural property garden, “Former Iwafune Garden (Kosetsuen)”?

The former Iwafune Garden, commonly known as Kosetsuen, is a beautiful Japanese garden located in Miharashi Park on the mountain side of Yunokawa Onsen Town, Hakodate City, Hokkaido. This vast garden was built in 1898 by Minejiro Iwafune, a wealthy Hakodate merchant. It was originally designed as a vacation home for the Iwafune family, but in 1927 it was opened to the public free of charge, and in 1959, the land was purchased by Hakodate City, and it continues to be used as a place of relaxation for the citizens. In 2001, it was designated as a “scenic spot” under the Cultural Properties Protection Act, making it the only nationally designated cultural property garden in Hokkaido.

 

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函館大沼 鶴雅リゾート エプイ(@epuy_onuma)がシェアした投稿

The charm of each season ~ A garden rich in nature with cherry blossoms and fireflies flying around ~

Kosetsuen is known for its colorful nature that can be enjoyed from spring to summer. In spring, cherry blossoms, mainly Yoshino cherry trees, are in full bloom in the garden, especially in the lawn area, where the cherry blossoms in full bloom decorate the surrounding area and welcome visitors. In addition, in the summer, fireflies fly around the clear stream, and you can even see cicadas emerging, creating a landscape that seems to be alive with natural ecology. In this way, Kosetsuen Garden, where you can take a leisurely stroll while feeling the changing seasons, has become a soothing place for many residents and tourists.

 

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💗Ｒｏｃｏ🦋Ｒｏｃｏ💗(@rokomoko6943)がシェアした投稿

Highlights of a fusion of Japanese and Western styles – the garden’s pavilion and greenhouse

Kosetsuen has a shoin-style garden house that incorporates the style of a tea room, and you can tour the inside from 9:00 to 17:00. The roof is thatched, giving you a taste of Japanese architecture. There is also a rare brick greenhouse within the park, creating a unique space that combines Meiji era garden culture with Western technology. This greenhouse incorporates the latest technology of the time and is a historically valuable building.

 

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Cody | Japan Travel 🇯🇵(@cody_japan_)がシェアした投稿

Spectacular autumn scenery “Hakodate MOMI-G Festa” – Fantastic scenery of illuminated autumn leaves –

Kosetsuen’s appearance changes dramatically in the fall, and it attracts many tourists as a famous spot for autumn leaves. The garden is home to about 150 different types of trees, and the maples and maples in particular are beautifully colored, and the sight of the 100-meter-long row of maple trees turning red and yellow is a sight to behold.

Since 2009, the “Hakodate MOMI-G Festa” has been held from late October to early November, when the autumn leaves are in full bloom, creating a magical atmosphere during the illumination hours from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The maple leaves that appear in the darkness of the night give off a mysterious beauty that is different from the daytime, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.

 

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ばぶるす(@baburusu6502)がシェアした投稿

Event experience – “Green Center” where you can enjoy craft experiences and wearing Japanese clothes –

During the “Hakodate MOMI-G Festa” period, various events are held at the “Green Center” located in Miharashi Park. Craft experience sessions using natural materials and Tanka exhibitions are held here, allowing visitors to enjoy cultural experiences while enjoying the autumn leaves.

In addition, on November 2nd, visitors will be able to experience wearing Japanese clothing, which is popular as it allows visitors to take special photos that harmonize with the scenery inside the park. The Green Center is equipped with a terminal that allows you to search for trees and wild birds that inhabit the park, allowing you to deepen your knowledge about the nature of Kosetsuen. Free Wi-Fi is also available, making this facility highly convenient for tourists.

 

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なわまき(@nawamaki)がシェアした投稿

Access from the center of Hakodate City – Close to Hakodate Airport and Yunokawa Onsen –

Kosetsuen is located approximately 10 minutes by car from Hakodate Airport and Yunokawa Onsen, and can be accessed by bus from Hakodate Station. This makes it a convenient location for tourists visiting from outside the city. The temperature will be low during the illumination hours during the event, so we recommend that you prepare for the cold. There are also several restrooms, including multipurpose restrooms, within the park, making it comfortable for long stays.

 

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Daishi Yamanaka(@daishi.yamanaka1973)がシェアした投稿

Link：Hokkaido official tourism website