What to in Hakodate
Hakodate is situated between two bays. From the top of the eponymous mountain, one can have a spectacular view of the city, especially at night.
User:Satellizer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mount Hakodate
Mount Hakodate, located in the Japanese city of the same name, offers a spectacular view of the city below. After a short ascent by cable car or car, visitors can admire the breathtaking panorama both during the day and at night. During the night in particular, the view of the illuminated city lights is simply spectacular. Mount Hakodate is a must-see landmark for tourists who want to enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view.
yamauchi from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
Official website  |
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| 10:00-22:00 (20 April to 30 September) 10:00-21:00 (1 October to 19 April) |
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| No closing days | |
| 1200 Yen (one way) 1800 Yen (round trip) |
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| To reach the cable car to Hakodate Mountain, take the tram from Hakodate Station and get off at the Jujigai stop (5 minutes). From here continue on foot for 10 minutes towards the south-west. As an alternative to the cable car, you can take a direct bus from the station to the top of the mountain (30 minutes – 400 Yen) |
Fort Goryokaku
The Goryokaku Fort, located in the city of Hakodate, Japan, is a historic star-shaped structure that offers a fascinating visit. Built in 1864, the fort played an important role during the Meiji Restoration period. Today, the fort is surrounded by a park that is particularly popular during the cherry blossom season. Visitors can stroll along the walls, enjoy the scenery and learn more about Japan’s turbulent history.
Suicasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| Tower | |
| 9:00-18:00 Last entry 30 minutes before closing time |
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| No closing days | |
| 1000 Yen (students 750 Yen, children 500 Yen) | |
| Former magistrate’s office | |
| 9:00-18:00 (until 17:00 from November to March) Last admission 15 minutes before closing |
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| 31 December to 3 January Some days during the year |
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| 500 Yen | |
| Take the tram from Hakodate Station and get off at the Goryokaku Koen Mae stop (10 minutes). From here continue on foot for 10 minutes to the north |
Morning market
The Hakodate Morning Market is a lively attraction located in the city of Hakodate in the Hokkaido region of Japan and is held daily from 5 a.m. (6 a.m. during winter) to noon. This busy market offers a wide selection of local culinary delights, from fresh seafood to local farm produce. Visitors can stroll among the stalls and sample delicacies such as raw fish, giant crabs and fresh oysters. There are also souvenir shops selling unique and traditional products. Hakodate’s morning market is a perfect place to immerse yourself in Japanese food culture and enjoy the authentic flavours of the region.
bryan…, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 6:00-14:00 (January to April) 5:00-14:00 (May to December) Hours may vary depending on the shop |
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| 5 minutes’ walk south of JR Hakodate Station |
Motomachi
Motomachi, located in the city of Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido, is a fascinating district steeped in history. Characterised by cobbled streets, historic buildings and fashionable shops, Motomachi offers visitors a unique experience. Here you can stroll among the trendy boutiques, cosy cafés and old western-style houses.
One of the main points of interest is the famous Motomachi Catholic Church, an iconic red-brick building dating back to the era when Japan’s ports were opened to international trade.
663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Take the tram from Hakodate Station and get off at the Suehirocho stop (10 minutes – 210 Yen) |
Kanemori Red Brick Department Store
The Kanemori Red Brick Department Store, located in the city of Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido, is an iconic tourist attraction. This historic red brick building, built at the end of the Meiji era, offers a unique shopping experience. Inside are fashionable shops, restaurants and cafés offering a variety of culinary delights.
Visitors can also admire the building’s historical architecture and enjoy the view of the surrounding sea. The Kanemori Red Brick Department Store is a perfect place for a stylish shopping experience and a pleasant stop during a visit to Hakodate.
663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 9:30-19:00 (restaurants close later) | |
| No closing days | |
| Take the tram from Hakodate Station and get off at the Jujigai stop (5 minutes – 210 Yen), from here walk north for 5 minutes |
Yunokawa Onsen
Yunokawa Onsen is a renowned spa resort located in Hakodate, in the Hokkaido region of Japan. This fascinating spa area is known for its mineral-rich hot springs. Visitors can relax and rejuvenate by immersing themselves in the traditional Japanese thermal baths, called onsen. Yunokawa Onsen offers a variety of hotels and ryokans offering high-quality spa services, including massages and relaxing treatments. The peaceful and serene atmosphere of Yunokawa Onsen is the ideal place for a rejuvenating break from everyday stress and to immerse oneself in Japanese spa culture.
663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
| Official website |
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| 9:00-21:00 | |
| A few days for maintenance | |
| Free (foot bath) | |
| Take the tram from Hakodate Station and get off at Yunokawa Onsen (30 minutes – 240 Yen). From here walk 2 minutes to the west |
Onuma ‘Quasi’ National Park (Onuma Koen)
The Onuma ‘Quasi’ National Park (Onuma koen) is a hidden gem located in Hokkaido Prefecture, near the city of Hakodate. The park covers an area of about 90 square kilometres and offers visitors spectacular scenery and outdoor activities. The focal point of the park is Lake Onuma, a picturesque body of water surrounded by a series of small islands.
It is possible to hire boats to explore the lake or simply stroll along the paths surrounding it, enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the wild flowers that bloom in spring. The park also offers cycling and hiking trails and observation points for birdwatchers. With its natural beauty and variety of outdoor activities, ‘Quasi’ Onuma National Park is a true paradise for nature lovers and an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate.
Practical information
| View location on Google Maps | |
Official website  |
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| From JR Hakodate Station take the train and get off at Onuma Koen (local train 1 hour – 640 Yen)(Limited Express 20 minutes – 1270 Yen) |