HakoBA Hakodate: Stay in a Former Bank Near Hakodate’s Scenic Waterfront

Hakodate’s waterfront features top city landmarks, including the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, the cinematic Hachimanzaka slope, and Mt. Hakodate—home to a world-famous, Michelin-starred night view.

For seamless access to these attractions in one stay, MATCHA recommends the chic and artsy HakoBA Hakodate.

Connecting Past and Present—The History of HakoBA Hakodate

HakoBA Hakodate spans two distinctive historic buildings: a former art museum and an 85-year-old former bank building that later operated as a local hotel until its closure in 2010. Drawn to the waterfront's charm and the rich history embedded in both structures, a renowned Japanese hotel developer restored the properties—giving them new life as a stylish, next-generation hotel.

The building’s exterior has been preserved almost exactly as it was, while the interior blends preserved historical details with modern design. At the entrance, the original bank sign still hangs in place, giving guests the feeling of stepping inside a museum the moment they arrive.

A sign from the building’s previous hotel era is also displayed in the hallway. It was designed by renowned graphic designer Masayoshi Nakajo, known for creating the main visual logo for the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo and the shopping bags for Shiseido Parlour.

Look closely and you’ll notice that the hotel’s staircase was intentionally stripped of the thick coverings around its original columns, leaving the steel framework exposed for an industrial feel. Paired with warm wooden handrails, the result is a stylish and harmonious contrast.

Retro Yet Modern Guest Rooms

Picture courtesy of HakoBA Hakodate

The guest rooms are located across two buildings, BANK and DOCK. Rooms in the BANK building feature tiled floors, while the shapes and materials of the windows, beams, and columns have been preserved as much as possible to retain the architectural style that was popular during the building's days as a thriving bank.

Picture courtesy of HakoBA Hakodate

The two-story MAISONNETTE room can accommodate up to four guests. Beneath its high ceiling is an elegant and spacious living room where families and friends traveling together can relax, chat, and spend time together.

There is a bedroom on both the first and second floors. Even if guests have different sleeping and waking schedules, everyone can enjoy their own space and relax comfortably during the trip.

Picture courtesy of HakoBA Hakodate
The highlight of this room type is its private rooftop terrace. On a clear evening, guests can enjoy a drink while taking in some of Hakodate’s most iconic night views. In summer, you may even catch a spectacular fireworks display—an experience that feels truly VIP.

The DOCK building also offers rooms designed for larger groups. The ECONOMY GROUP room can accommodate up to six guests and comes with a simple washbasin and sofa. The bunk beds feature a single bed on top and a double bed below, making clever use of the limited space while creating a fun atmosphere perfect for travelers excited about their Hakodate adventure.

Art-Filled Shared Spaces

Picture courtesy of HakoBA Hakodate

Throughout HakoBA Hakodate, guests will find art and culture closely connected to the local community. At the BANK lounge, where you can watch Hakodate’s streetcars pass by outside, guests are free to browse a carefully curated selection of books. Works by Hokkaido artists are also exhibited here from time to time.

At the souvenir corner beside the first-floor reception desk, guests can browse handicrafts from Hokkaido and the Tohoku region, postcards, and unique yet practical items designed by up-and-coming creators.

Picture courtesy of HakoBA Hakodate
If you’re getting tired of eating out every day, try heading to the Hakodate Morning Market early in the morning to pick up the freshest local ingredients. Then, cook together with your travel companions in the shared rooftop kitchen, enjoy authentic local flavors, and share memories from the day’s adventures.

Explore Hakodate Like a Local

Beyond riding the city's streetcars with a one-day pass, you can rent an e-bike directly from the hotel to explore at your own pace. Electric power makes tackling Hakodate’s famous slopes effortless, making it easy to discover hidden local shops off the beaten path!

Special thanks to HakoBA Hakodate for their cooperation with this article.

Main image courtesy of HakoBA Hakodate