Trappist Monastery Hokuto
A serene red-brick monastery in Hokuto, Hokkaido, famous for its 800m poplar-lined avenue and homemade monastic treats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery and pleasant weather
Trappist Monastery Hokuto
Best Time
Lush greenery and pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene red-brick monastery in Hokuto, Hokkaido, famous for its 800m poplar-lined avenue and homemade monastic treats.
"This unseen attraction is beautiful, offering a calming and enlightening sight of the life of a Trappist monk. "
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up to the monastery can be steep. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable visit.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Don't worry about parking; there's plenty of space for visitors arriving by car.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Poplar Avenue
Entrance path
An 800-meter straight path lined with poplar trees, creating a breathtaking, symmetrical approach to the monastery.
Monastery Grounds
Exterior
Explore the serene exterior, admire the red-brick architecture, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the expansive meadows.
Monastic Products Shop
Near the entrance
Sample and purchase delicious butter, jam, and cookies made by the monks. A sweet treat to remember your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serene Walk
Respectful Observation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up to the monastery can be steep. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable visit.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Don't worry about parking; there's plenty of space for visitors arriving by car.
🍪 Taste the Monks' Cookies
Try the famous Trappist cookies! Some find them sweet, but they're a unique local delicacy.
📸 Capture the Avenue
The 800m poplar-lined path is incredibly photogenic, especially in good light.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up to the monastery can be steep. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable visit.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Don't worry about parking; there's plenty of space for visitors arriving by car.
🍪 Taste the Monks' Cookies
Try the famous Trappist cookies! Some find them sweet, but they're a unique local delicacy.
📸 Capture the Avenue
The 800m poplar-lined path is incredibly photogenic, especially in good light.
🙏 Respectful Donation
A donation box is available for those who wish to contribute to the monastery's upkeep.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Trappist Monastery Hokuto for its stunning poplar-lined avenue and serene grounds, offering a peaceful escape. While access to buildings is limited, the scenic beauty and the chance to purchase homemade monastic products are highlights. Some find the cookies a bit too sweet, but the creamy soft-serve ice cream is a hit.
"it's a lovely walk up to this gated grounds and there's a donation box for those who wish to contribute their blessings back to the Lord,
there's a exhibit both left and right of the locked gate"
Mark Chan
"A bit far from Hakodate, but this unseen attraction is beautiful. It is interesting to see how the Trappists lived a long time ago. Walkway was a bit steep to go up. Plenty of parking. The reason for 4 stars is because the Trappist Cookies were too sweet. The people who made them should lower the sugar content a little. Also, I ordered a soft cream. The milk was very creamy."
Pudis Rangkul
"Tucked away from most attractions in Hakodate, a 30-minute walk from the nearest station, Oshima-Tobetsu, this convent is a must-see, surrounded by a scenic landscape - lush green, grassy meadows and towering pines; a calming and enlightening sight of the life of a Trappist monk."
Tiziano Vecellio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monastery is located in Hokuto City, a suburb of Hakodate. It's about a 30-minute walk from the nearest station, Oshima-Tobetsu. Driving is also a convenient option, with ample parking available.
Yes, you can take a train to Oshima-Tobetsu station, which is approximately a 30-minute walk from the monastery.
Many visitors find driving to be the most convenient method, especially given the ample parking. Public transport is an option, but requires a walk.
The walk up to the monastery is via an 800-meter avenue lined with poplar trees. While scenic, the walkway can be steep and may be challenging after rain or snow.
While possible, it's a considerable distance. A day trip from Sapporo would be very long. It's more feasible as part of a trip focused on the southern Hokkaido region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee to visit the grounds of the Trappist Monastery Hokuto. However, donation boxes are available for those who wish to contribute.
Access to the monastery grounds is generally available during daylight hours. Specific opening times for the shop may vary. It's best to check locally or during your visit.
No, access to the monastery buildings themselves is restricted due to Cistercian protocol. Visitors can explore the exterior grounds and admire the architecture.
The grounds are generally open for visitors to explore without an entrance fee. Donations are appreciated.
While the grounds are accessible, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for the best experience and to respect the monastic community.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the exterior grounds, especially along the iconic poplar avenue. Please be mindful and respectful of the monastic environment.
The 800-meter poplar-lined avenue leading to the monastery is a prime spot for stunning photographs. The exterior architecture and surrounding meadows also offer beautiful photo opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to avoid intrusive photography, especially if monks are present or during any religious services. Focus on the landscape and architecture.
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites to ensure privacy and respect. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless otherwise indicated.
Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon, can provide beautiful lighting for the poplar avenue and the monastery grounds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The monastery shop sells delicious butter, jam, and cookies made by the monks. Soft-serve ice cream made with local milk is also a popular treat.
Dining options are limited directly at the monastery. You'll find more restaurants and cafes in Hokuto City or back in Hakodate.
Yes, the Trappist cookies are a signature product sold at the monastery shop. They are a popular souvenir.
Many visitors enjoy the soft-serve ice cream, noting its creamy texture due to the high-quality local milk.
The primary offerings are baked goods and jams, which are typically vegetarian. Vegan options may be limited.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The monastery shop's cookies and soft-serve ice cream are usually a hit with younger visitors, providing a sweet reward after the walk. 📸 Photographers
+1 This perfectly straight path offers incredible symmetry and depth, making for dramatic shots. The surrounding meadows and the red-brick monastery architecture provide additional picturesque elements. Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most captivating light. Be mindful of any seasonal events like winter illuminations, which can offer unique photographic opportunities. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Contemplatives
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Poplar Avenue
+1 The sheer scale and uniformity of the poplars make it an unforgettable sight, especially when framed by the expansive meadows surrounding the monastery. It's a photographer's dream and a serene walk for visitors. This avenue is not just visually appealing; it sets a tone of peaceful contemplation before you even reach the monastery itself. The trees provide shade in the summer and a striking silhouette against the sky in other seasons. Many visitors highlight this walk as a key part of their experience, emphasizing the need for comfortable shoes due to the potential steepness of the path.
Life of a Trappist Monk
This monastic community follows a life of prayer, manual labor, and silence. The serene environment, characterized by wide meadows and the imposing red-brick architecture, reflects this dedication. Visitors often comment on the calming and enlightening atmosphere, appreciating the opportunity to witness a different way of life, even from a distance.
Seasonal Beauty and Events
Autumn paints the landscape in warm hues, while winter transforms the area into a snowy wonderland. During winter, the monastery sometimes hosts special illumination events, turning the poplar avenue and monastery into a magical, glowing spectacle.
These events are particularly popular and offer a unique, enchanting experience. Regardless of the season, the monastery's tranquil setting provides a memorable visit, though some suggest summer might be the safest and most pleasant time to visit due to weather conditions. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit