HAKODATE -- The former department store branch at the foot of Hokkaido's Mount Hakodate, a famous spot for taking in the nighttime cityscape of Hakodate, still has all its Showa era (1926-1989) charm.

       The manually operated elevator installed in 1934 is the oldest of its kind in the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions of Japan. (Mainichi/Taichi Kaizuka)

       Seeing a tram passing in front of the former Marui Imai Hakodate department store branch makes one feel like they've slipped back in time.

       The Western-style reinforced concrete building was built in 1923. The facade is anchored by a four-story cylinder on the corner, with the main entrance on the bottom floor and a domed observation deck on the top. Fourth and fifth floors were added to the building in 1930, as well as an elevator and a large staircase. Though the building was destroyed in the great fire of Hakodate in 1934, the store resumed business in only about eight months after reinforcing and renovating the structure.

       In 1969, the store was relocated. The building was later used as a Hakodate Municipal Government branch office, and now serves as the city's community center, a hub for locals to network and revitalize the city.

       The elevator, a manually operated model installed after the great fire, is still working. But because operating it requires skill with the up-and-down lever to stop the car exactly at each floor, it is run by a center employee. When the elevator is opened manually using the double doors, a visitor can sense the hustle and bustle of the department store shoppers and staff of decades past on the floor beyond.

       (Japanese original by Taichi Kaizuka, Hokkaido Photo Group)

       A marble staircase is seen at the former Marui Imai department store's branch in Hakodate, Hokkaido. (Mainichi/Taichi Kaizuka)

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       The Japanese version of this article was originally published on July 11, 2021.

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       This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.

       Retro Japan in Photos: Ex-department store in Hakodate keeps Showa era feel

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