Trappist Monastery (Tobetsu)
トラピスト修道院
Japan's earliest men's monastery, on the hills of Hokuto City. At the end of an 800-meter avenue of cedars and poplars stands a red-brick monastery, famous for its cookies and butter.
Our Lady of the Lighthouse Trappist Monastery was founded in 1896 and is Japan's earliest Catholic men's monastery. An avenue of cedars and poplars about 800 meters long runs straight from the entrance up the slope to the red-brick monastery. The scenery is solemn and beautiful, making it a classic photo spot. The interior is generally not open to the public, though men may apply in advance to visit. At the entrance shop, the monks sell cookies, butter, jam, and soft-serve ice cream. Admission is free. Open about 9:00-17:00 (shorter hours in winter). About a 40-minute drive from Hakodate, or take the Donan Ikasaki Railway to Watanoshima Tobetsu Station and walk about 20 minutes.
Opening hours
Shop about 09:00–17:00 (shorter hours in winter)
Nearby sights
- Mount Hakodate
- Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
- Former British Consulate of Hakodate
- Hachiman-zaka Slope
- Hakodate Orthodox Church
- Motomachi Catholic Church
- Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store
- Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse