The Hakodate Orthodox Church is the first Russian orthodox church to have been built in Japan, and it is a historical structure designated as an important cultural property. The church is characterised by its exotic exterior of white walls and green roof. Locally, it's known by the nickname Gangan Temple; in Japanese, "gangan" is an onomatopoeia for loud or intense sounds. On weekends, the beautiful sound of the church's bell rings throughout the city, and in 1996 it was even acknowledged as a Soundscape of Japan by the Ministry of the Environment.