The Reawakened Story of a Hand-Cranked Organ
A Melody Reborn
The Story of a Historic Hakodate Organ at OMO5 Hakodate
The bells of its churches, the glowing lights of fishing fleets, the spectacular, world-renowned night view—Hakodate is a city where sound and light intertwine.
And now, a new sound joins the chorus of the Hakodate night. It is the gentle, nostalgic melody of a hand-cranked organ, an instrument with a story all its own.
Once beloved by visitors to Goryokaku Tower, this organ lay silent for years. Today, it has been given new life at OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts. This is its story of rebirth
A Voice of the City, Born at Goryokaku Tower
The organ first came to life in 2007.
It was created to commemorate the first anniversary of the grand reopening of Goryokaku Tower, the iconic observation deck adjacent to the Special Historic Site of Goryokaku.
Crafted over eight months by one of Japan's few master artisans, the organ’s warm tones filled the tower's sunlit atrium, delighting visitors for a decade until 2017 and becoming a cherished part of the city's living history.
A Master's Touch: The Revival of a Silent Instrument
After its concerts ended, the organ fell silent for nearly five years. It produced no sound; its charming figurines stood motionless. But this silence was broken by Naoto Matsumoto, a master repairman with 40 years of experience dedicated to his craft.
Upon its arrival at OMO5 Hakodate, Mr. Matsumoto spent a week in deep dialogue with the instrument. He meticulously replaced its pipes, restored the wind chest, and painstakingly tuned each note.
Time began to flow again, and a forgotten melody was reborn, perfectly restored for a new era.
A New Stage, Illuminated by the Hakodate Night
This revived organ has found its new stage at OMO5 Hakodate's "Local Rhythm Night" event.
In a lounge glowing with stained glass inspired by the colors of the Hakodate night view, the organ’s music fills the air, reminiscent of the hymns and pipe organs of the city’s many historic churches.
This is more than just background music. It is a unique experience that resonates with the city's history, the artisan's passion, and the brilliance of the Hakodate night. With a drink in hand, let the rich tones of this special instrument become a cherished memory of your journey.
| Period | From August 13, 2025 (Held year-round) |
|---|---|
| Time | 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Last order: 11:00 PM) |
| Performance | Barrel Organ Performance 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM (approx. 10 min each) |
| Location | OMO Base (2F) |
| Prices | Free |
| Eligibility | Hotel Guests Only |
| Reservation | Not required |
Visit the Place Where the Story Began
This symbol of Hakodate offers a complete, 107-meter-high view of the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, a Special Historic Site of Japan.
From the observation deck, a spectacular panorama unfolds, showing the Hakodate cityscape and the Tsugaru Strait. You can also see the glass-walled atrium where the organ’s melody once echoed for ten years.
By visiting the place where it all began, with the organ's melody fresh in your memory, you will find a depth and emotion in your Hakodate journey that you can't experience anywhere else.
OMO5 Hakodate
Don't stop at the classics, get more and enjoy 120% of Hakodate!
With one of Japan's best iconic night views, seafood, morning markets, and Western-style streets, Hakodate is a place worth visiting multiple times. OMO exclusive bus will prove extremely useful to go around the city. Soak in the onsen hot spring, and slowly cool off from the bath by the fireplace. Finish your stay on a high note by enjoying five kinds of seafood for breakfast, and picking up your souvenirs at the professionals' market.