Trappistine Convent

Historic Site

Prefecture

Hokkaido

Type

Historic Site

N/A

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About This Destination

Founded in 1898, the first contemplative convent for women in Japan. The cloistered nuns are not seen, but visitors can walk the brick-Gothic front garden with its statues and a small museum, and buy the madeleines and butter candy the sisters make.

The Trappistine Convent (officially Our Lady of the Angels) was founded in 1898 by eight French nuns and was the first contemplative monastery for women in Japan. The sisters live a cloistered life of prayer and work and are not on view, but the grounds in front of the red-brick, Gothic-revival buildings are open to visitors. A garden path passes statues of the Virgin Mary, Joan of Arc and the Archangel Michael, and a small museum explains daily life inside the convent. The shop is well known for madeleines and butter candy made by the nuns. Set on a rise on the eastern edge of Hakodate near the airport, it pairs naturally with the men's Trappist monastery across the bay in Hokuto.

Location

Prefecture: Hokkaido

Address: Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan

Nearest Station: Hakodate Station (bus connection)

Best time to visit: Year-round; the hilltop grounds are especially pleasant in late spring and autumn, and quiet under snow in winter

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Accepted

Frequently Asked Questions

Can visitors go inside the Trappistine Convent?

No. The convent is a cloistered community and the living quarters and chapel are closed to the public. Visitors are welcome in the front garden, the outdoor statue path and the small museum, and at the shop. Please keep quiet, as it is an active place of prayer.

How do I get to the Trappistine Convent?

Take a bus from Hakodate Station toward the Trappistine area (about 40 minutes) to the Torapisuchinu-mae stop, then walk uphill a few minutes. It sits close to Hakodate Airport, so many people stop on the way to or from a flight. There is no direct train; bus, taxi or car are the options.