Where East Meets West, and the Night Glows Bright
🌟 What is Hakodate?
Hakodate is a beautiful coastal city in southern Hokkaido, known for its rich history, scenic night views, and unique Western-influenced architecture. Once Japan’s first international port, the city blends Japanese charm with European flair. From morning markets to glowing mountaintops, Hakodate offers a slow and scenic escape.
🔭 Why Visit Hakodate?
✅ Mt. Hakodate Night View: One of the top 3 night views in Japan
✅ Hakodate Morning Market: Fresh seafood bowls and street snacks
✅ Motomachi Area: Western churches, historic houses, and hillside streets
✅ Red Brick Warehouses: Now shopping malls with a historic vibe
✅ Goryokaku Fort: Star-shaped fort with cherry blossoms in spring
✅ Hot Springs & Seaside Views: Relax in Yunokawa Onsen by the sea
📸 Featured Spots
| Spot | Description |
|---|---|
| Mt. Hakodate Ropeway | Ride to the top for jaw-dropping night views over the bay |
| Motomachi District | Sloped streets, Western-style churches, and photogenic houses |
| Red Brick Warehouses | Trendy shops and cafes inside historic port warehouses |
| Hakodate Morning Market | Seafood lovers’ paradise—don’t miss squid fishing! |
| Goryokaku Tower & Park | Panoramic views over a star-shaped fort, stunning in cherry blossom season |
| Yunokawa Onsen Footbath | Seaside hot spring with free public footbath—relax with a view |
🎟️ Admission & Booking
| Attraction | Price (Adult) | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Mt. Hakodate Ropeway | ¥1,800 round trip | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (seasonal) |
| Goryokaku Tower | ¥1,000 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Hakodate Morning Market | Free | 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Red Brick Warehouses | Free | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (varies by shop) |
🚨 Visitor Tips
🌸 Visit Goryokaku in late April for cherry blossoms
🌃 Mt. Hakodate gets crowded—go early evening for best views
🦑 Try squid sashimi or catch one at the market’s live tank
🚍 Use the Hakodate City Tram for easy sightseeing
♨️ Many ryokans in Yunokawa offer ocean-view hot spring baths
🚉 Access
Nearest Station:
🚉 Hakodate Station (JR Hakodate Line)
From Major Locations:
🚄 Sapporo → Hakodate = ~3.5 hr via Limited Express Train
✈️ Tokyo → Hakodate Airport = ~1.5 hr flight
🚆 Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto → Hakodate = 20 min via local train or shuttle
🏨 Top 3 Recommended Hotels in Hakodate
🏙️ La Vista Hakodate Bay – Rooftop onsen with a view, and famous breakfast
🛏️ Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate – Modern stay right near the station
💼 Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort – Elegant ryokan with sea-view onsen in Yunokawa
🍴 Top 3 Must-Try Eats in Hakodate
🦑 Uni Murakami – Sea urchin lovers’ heaven near the morning market
🍣 Kikuyo Shokudo – Try the fresh kaisendon (seafood rice bowl)
🍜 Ajisai Ramen – Light salt-based ramen, a local Hakodate classic
📍 Address & Contact
Hakodate Tourist Information Center
📍 12-13 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido 040-0063
📞 +81-138-23-5440
🌐 https://www.hakodate.travel/en