Baron Ryokichi Kawada left behind great achievements in Hakodate.

The name of the Danshaku Club originates in the name of Ryokichi Kawada (1856-1951) who left behind great achievements in Hakodate.
Ryokichi Kawada learned shipbuilding in Scotland and brought back the culture and modern shipbuilding and farming technologies from England to Japan. He was successful in growing American potatoes that matched the climate of Japan in Nanae (a neighboring town of Hakodate). His potatoes helped save the lives of people from a famine and were eventually called Danshaku (Baron in Japanese) in tribute to his achievements. Today, Danshaku potatoes are well known among the Japanese and are a representative food of Hokkaido. We propose a new travel style by inheriting his pioneering spirit. Stay with us to experience the home-away-from-home, relaxing atmosphere.

■ Steam car, Locomobile (Japan’s oldest passenger vehicle) Baron Ryokichi Kawada purchased a Locomobile imported from the United States in 1902. He became the first person to own a passenger car in Japan.
Baron Kawada’s Locomobile remains in Hakodate today.
His car will be exhibited at the Danshaku Lounge in Nanae from April 2019.