[1][2] However, the land earmarked for foreigners wasn't ready yet, so the consul, along with other diplomats, initially lived in local temples.

[2] This building was designed by German architect Richard Seel and exhibits an "Art Deco-influenced wood frame and brick structure".

[5][6] Afterwards, the property was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1952 and was then sold to the city of Hakodate in the 1960s, which used the building for educational seminars.

[5][8] It was last accessible in October 2020, six years after the last opening, when it hosted a tour for city residents organized by groups advocating for the preservation of the old consulate.

[9] This was in response to a plan announced by the city that year to sell the site; although there were provisions in place for preserving the building's exterior, there were still concerns from local organizations over the impact of such a sale, with some worrying that it could be demolished.