Monks living in a cloistered community in Hakodate’s beautiful countryside make some of the country’s best ice cream.
It’s a bit of a drive to the Trappist Monasteries, located outside Hakodate, but in summer, locals and tourists alike make the trip just for a cup of ice cream. Founded in 1896 and housed in a gothic-style brick building in the rolling hills of Tobetsu, the Roman Catholic order of monks is devoted to a self-sufficient life of quiet contemplation. That devotion has led to fame for their dairy products, sold from a small kiosk adjacent to the parking lot. Make the ice cream pilgrimage and stroll through the lovely nearby countryside to find their famous shrine.
Drive or walk down the long road leading to the monastery, lined on both sides by rows of Japanese cedars. See the monastery come into view, its redbrick exterior and gray slate roof a contrast with the abundant greenery surrounding it. Park the car in the small lot and go to the kiosk to place an order. Dig into the ice cream, which comes with a butter cookie in place of a spoon. Select some of their other products for snacking during your return to town.
Spend several minutes in the small exhibition space accessible to visitors, which shows photographs of the monastery through the years. Then head out onto the grounds, watching for the Hokkaido brown bears that still occasionally wander through.
Climb up the hills, searching for the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. Admire how the pure white stone contrasts with the climbing ivy that surrounds it, testifying to the deep faith of the men who make their lives here.
The Trappist Monastery is located east of downtown Hakodate. Drive here in about 40 minutes via the coastal road or take the train to the closest railway station in about 20 minutes. Walk from the railway station in 30 minutes. The sales desk is open from January through March and closed on Sundays and Thursdays. Visits of the monastery itself can be reserved in advance, by men only, and are offered only on Mondays. The small exhibition room is open to all visitors daily and the grounds are freely accessible.
