Hakodate Otemachi House (former Asano Cement Hakodate Sales

Hakodate Otemachi House: A Taisho-Era Gem Revived

Standing proudly on Otemachi Street, just a short walk from JR Hakodate Station, the Hakodate Otemachi House (formerly the Asano Cement Hakodate Sales Office) is one of Hokkaido's most striking examples of Taisho-period Western-style architecture. Built in 1918, this two-story wooden building evokes the grandeur of a European commercial office, complete with tower-like projections, a fanlight entrance, and an elegant balcony above the arcade. Registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2005, it stands as a testament to Hakodate's prosperous past as the largest city north of Tokyo during the early twentieth century.

Historical Background: Asano Cement and the Rise of Modern Hakodate

The building was constructed in 1918 (Taisho 7) as the Hakodate sales office for Asano Cement, one of Japan's most powerful industrial enterprises. Asano Cement was founded by Asano Soichiro, a legendary entrepreneur often called the "Cement King" of Japan. Having acquired the government-run Fukagawa Cement Works in 1884 with the backing of Shibusawa Eiichi, Asano built his company into the nation's largest cement producer, eventually controlling half of Japan's total cement output by 1919. The Asano zaibatsu extended into shipping, mining, shipbuilding, steelmaking, and the massive land reclamation project that created much of the Keihin Industrial Zone.

By the time the Hakodate office was built, Asano Cement had already supplied materials for numerous port construction projects across Hokkaido, including those at Otaru, Hakodate, Muroran, and Kushiro. The establishment of a dedicated sales office in Hakodate reflected the city's importance as a major commercial hub and port in northern Japan, as well as the growing demand for cement in the region's rapid modernization.

Why It Was Designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property

The Hakodate Otemachi House was officially registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property on July 12, 2005. The building is valued for several reasons. First, its architectural design is exceptional: the wooden two-story structure features protruding tower-like elements on both sides of the facade, with concrete block quoins (corner pillar details) that give the impression of a masonry building. The entrance is adorned with a fanlight, while the area above the arcade serves as a balcony. Window hoods and sills display clean, linear designs characteristic of Taisho-era Western-influenced architecture.

Second, the building is historically significant as a rare surviving example of the commercial architecture built by Japan's major industrial conglomerates during the early twentieth century. Third, its meticulous restoration in 2004, which faithfully returned the building to its original appearance based on a single surviving photograph, represents an exemplary case of heritage preservation through private initiative.

The Master Carpenter: Muraki Jinzaburo

According to the ridge beam plaque (munafuda) preserved within the building, the master carpenter responsible for its construction was Muraki Jinzaburo. Muraki was one of Hakodate's most accomplished builders of the era, having also constructed such celebrated buildings as the Old Hakodate Ward Public Hall (an Important Cultural Property), the Hakodate Seafood Merchants' Association Office, and the former Hakodate Municipal Library archives. His craftsmanship is evident in every detail of the Otemachi House, from the elaborately decorated facade to the careful proportions that give the building its dignified presence.

Decline, Abandonment, and Rebirth

After Asano Cement's operations evolved, ownership of the building passed to the Hokkaido Fisheries Corporation, which used it as their office. However, restrictions imposed by the Soviet Union on North Pacific fishing operations ultimately led to the company's bankruptcy in 1989, and the building was left vacant and neglected for years.

The turning point came when the current owner, who had long admired the building while passing by, finally acquired the property in 2003 and undertook a remarkable restoration project. Over the decades of neglect, the tower sections of the building had been significantly altered from their original form. Using a single historical photograph that was discovered by chance, the owner calculated the proportions of the original tower structures by comparing them with surviving elements of the building, achieving a faithful reconstruction. This painstaking effort earned the Hakodate City Urban Landscape Award in 2004 and contributed to the building's registration as a cultural property the following year.

Architectural Highlights and Things to See

The exterior of the Hakodate Otemachi House offers a wealth of architectural details worth examining. The symmetrical facade features the twin tower-like projections that give the building its distinctive European character. Concrete blocks used to simulate stone quoins at the corners create the illusion of a masonry structure, despite the building being entirely wooden framed. The copper-plate roof adds a sophisticated touch, while the fanlight over the main entrance and the second-floor balcony above the arcade recall the elegance of European commercial buildings.

The linear window hoods and sills throughout the facade demonstrate the restrained, geometric aesthetic that was fashionable during the Taisho period, blending Western architectural vocabulary with Japanese construction techniques. The building's total floor area covers approximately 139 square meters, a compact yet stately footprint that commands attention on the streetscape.

Visitor Information

The Hakodate Otemachi House is located at 5-1 Otemachi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido, on the Toungumo-koji (Shinnonme Broad Avenue) stretching from Hakodate City Hall toward the harbor. It is easily accessible on foot, just a 3-minute walk from the Shiyakusho-mae (City Hall) stop on the Hakodate streetcar line, or approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station.

The building previously operated as a café (Cafe Centenaire), but as of 2025, the café has closed and the building is available for exterior viewing only. Visitors are welcome to admire the beautifully restored facade and its architectural details from the outside. The surrounding area, situated between Hakodate Station and the Bay Area, makes it an ideal stop when exploring the city's historic architecture on foot.

Nearby Attractions

The Hakodate Otemachi House sits in a prime location for exploring some of the city's most beloved landmarks. The Hakodate Morning Market (Asaichi), famous for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere, is just a few minutes' walk away. The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses along the waterfront offer shopping, dining, and scenic harbor views. Walking further along the hillside, visitors can discover the Old Hakodate Ward Public Hall, the Hakodate Orthodox Church, and the charming slopes of the Motomachi district. The Tomoe Bridge (Tomoe Ohashi) offers panoramic views of Hakodate Harbor, and the iconic Mount Hakodate Ropeway is within easy reach for the city's world-famous night view.