International trade in Hakodate started to flourish in 1859 with the opening of the British Consulate. By the late 19th century there were 14 countries with consulates in Hakodate, such was the importance of trade here. The current building was built in 1913 after a series of fires had destroyed previous buildings, and it closed in 1934. Today it is a fine little museum with an excellent tea room!
You can look down at an amazing carpet showing the layout of Hakodate in relation to the rest of the world.
Around the back of the building is a rose garden. I love roses, so despite the rain, I had to take a photo of every one of them!
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