2024 Hakodate Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

Hakodate Mountain Summit: A Dreamlike Fairy Tale World of Skyline Views

The summit of Hakodate Mountain in Japan is an exceptional place to observe the skyline. Standing at the top, it feels as if you are above the clouds, with a magnificent panorama unfolding before your eyes. Below, the bustling yet serene cityscape of Hakodate weaves a captivating tapestry, while the distant sea sparkles and meets the sky, forming an endless blue line. The seamless blend of sea and sky creates a vast and majestic view that opens up the heart and evokes a sense of transcendence. As the sunlight shifts throughout the day, the scenery transforms unpredictably. From the gentle light of dawn to the bright midday sun, and finally to the splendid hues of dusk, each moment is like a carefully crafted painting that leaves one in awe. Especially when night falls, the twinkling stars and the lights below create a dreamlike atmosphere, making it feel as if you are in a dazzling fairy tale world.

Shanghai Departure: 24-Day Japan, USA, and Canada Cruise.

🌊 Dive into the heart of spring and ice with the Norwegian Jewel. The 24-day journey from Tokyo's cherry blossoms to Alaska's pristine glaciers turns dreams into reality. Don't forget to save this article for your dream vacation plans! 🚢【Cruise Introduction】 First launched in 2005 and refurbished in 2014, it can accommodate 2,376 passengers, is 965 feet long, and 105 feet wide. The ship features 16 dining options and 13 bars and lounges. It offers luxurious accommodations, including Haven suites with 24-hour butler service. Designed for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation, it offers a variety of activities and amenities, served by 1,100 crew members to ensure an unforgettable cruise experience. 📅【Travel Dates】 Departure Date: April 8, 2024 Duration: 24 days 🌈【Itinerary Highlights】 ✨Tokyo: Vibrant cherry blossom experience, with historical and cultural sites everywhere. ✨Hokkaido: Night views and Goryokaku Park, a star-shaped fortress adorned with cherry blossoms. ✨Aleutian Islands and Kodiak Island: Remote beauty with rich history and natural scenery. ✨Alaska: Glacier Bay National Park and quaint towns like Homer, known as the "end of the road." 🗺【Daily Itinerary】 🌟April 8-10: Explore Tokyo, including Asakusa, Shibuya, and special cherry blossom viewing. 🌟April 11: Visit Sendai Castle ruins, Zuihoden, and Osaki Hachimangu Shrine. 🌟April 12: Tour Goryokaku Park, Motomachi, Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine, and Hakodate Observation Deck. 🌟April 13: Aomori's stunning Hirosaki Castle, surrounded by over 2,500 cherry trees. 🌟April 14-17: Cruising at sea, enjoying the ship's facilities and services. 🌟April 18-19: Unique wildlife and fishing culture in Dutch Harbor. 🌟April 20-21: Kodiak and Homer, where untouched natural beauty meets quaint town life. 🌟April 23: Spectacular Hubbard Glacier, highlighted by its dynamic ice scenery. 🌟April 24: Visit Icy Strait Point, experiencing Alaska's unique natural environment. 🌟April 25-27: Charming towns in Southeast Alaska, such as Juneau and Skagway, rich in gold rush history and natural beauty. 🌟April 28-29: Tour Vancouver, return to Shanghai, and conclude the trip.

Hakodate's No.1 Breakfast at the Century Marina Hot Spring Hotel

During a self-drive trip to Hokkaido, I stayed for two nights in Hakodate, and the reason I chose Century Marina was the rooftop open-air hot spring I saw in the photos. Soaking in the bath with a view of the sea, the hotel is both new and chill. But the actual stay was full of even more pleasant surprises. Firstly, the rooftop hot spring is on the 14th floor indoors and the 15th floor outdoors. Not only can you see the sea, but the night view of the area is also unobstructed, and you can even see Mount Hakodate and the Kanemori Warehouse Group. After a bath, you can go to the 14th-floor lounge for a snack, sitting comfortably on the sofa by the floor-to-ceiling windows enjoying the brightly lit night view of Hakodate. Then, the most amazing surprise was the buffet breakfast. The variety was truly six-star resort level, ranging from seafood, salads, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, fruits, desserts, waffles, and even sparkling wine! There were also freshly cooked hot pots, and what's more impressive is that the menu changes daily, which is very thoughtful. A breakfast that was supposed to take only half an hour ended up lasting nearly two hours, and I was so full that I didn't even need to visit the nearby morning market! The location is also very convenient, situated between Hakodate Station and the Kanemori Warehouse, each about a 10-minute walk away. The famous Hakodate morning market is even closer, making it convenient to go anywhere. The hotel is very new, clean, and comfortable to stay in. Upon check-in, you can choose not only a pillow but also an essential oil scent to be placed inside the pillow to help with sleep, which is very considerate! Next time you visit Hakodate, don't forget to experience the rooftop open-air hot spring at the Century Marina Hotel, as well as the No. 1 ranked breakfast in Hakodate hotels.

Relaxing 2 days in Hakodate

Decided to stop in historic port town of Hakodate to start my journey in Hokkaido. Visitors may be surprised to see the amount of Western style architecture as Hakodate suffered several fires destroying old buildings but making way for new styles that came with doing commercial business outside Japan. Found my stay in HakoBA by Share Hotels to enhance my overall experience with its chic design and #architecture ideal central location to Red Brick Warehouses complex, docks and walking to Motomachi sites. Don’t forget to see Mt. Hakodate Observatory and Goryokaku. Next time I’ll check the fish market and Museum of Northern Peoples.

Hakodate - Eat, Walk, Repeat.

Featured food: Uni Muramaki's Nishiki Don, Grilled Squid Snack from Morning Market (very good souvenir but with short shelf life), fresh oysters at Hakodate Seafood Market and Chinese Chicken Burger at Lucky Pierrot. Featured locations: Hakodate Morning Market, Seafood Market, Russian Orthodox Church, Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, Goryokaku Park, Hakodate Park and Red Bricks Warehouses. #hokkaido #hakodate #unimuramaki #goryokaku #sakura #luckypierrot #redbrickwarehouses #hakodatepark

A Day in Hokodate!!

A day in hokkodate!! When I planned for my Japan trip , I skip Okinawa and Hokkaido. Due to time constraint and I am sure that I need to explore those two area separately in different seasons . Since I am in Aomori, I am thinking of doing day trip to hokkodate, just one hour Shinkansen ride from shin- Aomori. Took Shinkansen from shin Aomori to Shin- hokkodate and then took hokkodate liner from the station , it took additional 20 mins to hokkodate, and all was cover by my JR pass . Once I reach there , I went to tourist information Center and check it out what to do and where to go . And the best option to explore the town is by tram . They have 2 and 5 ,depend on what is your preference. I would recommend you to buy one day ticket -600¥, if you use your IC card 230 per one trip . Tram station is just outside train station, and first , I went to Goryokaku Tower , where you can see the famous star shape and lots and lots of cherry were blooms . Up to the tower and check it out for the view , then came down and walk around the park where there is full of Sakura . Such a beautiful place indeed!! From then , have my lunch at nearby sushi restaurant and continue to Cape Tachomachi - beautiful scenic spot of hokkodate and end of the map 🤭🤭actually, I just walked anyhow ( actually 20mins it hill up and 20 mins of hill down 😝). From then , walk down to hokkodate Bay Area and explore the old red warehouses of trading area ( now is souvenirs shops and some food around ) , then walk towards hokkodate rope way to enjoy the whole area from bird eye view . But along the way, I stop by at one cute cafe , called little cafe , I have my very best drip coffee and home made mochi ( the softest and finest ever ) to enjoy my coffee break . Finally, went up to mount hokkodate by rope way and enjoy the whole area view , walked back to tram station and took a train back to Aomori . Such a beautiful and charming place to explore . Wish I can come back again in near future !! See you all on the other side of the world 🌎!! #solotravel #naturelover #Japan

Hokkaido 8 days plan during Winter - Part 1

Day 1 - New Chitose → Hakodate Day 2 - Hakodate Day 3 - Hakodate → Noboribetsu Day 4 - Noboribetsu → Sapporo** → Yoichi →Otaru Day 5 - Sapporo Day 6 - Sapporo - Asahikawa - Bie (Joined tour) Day 7 - Sapporo Day 8 - New Chitose We bought Hokkaido Pass (you get to use the trains for to travel across Hokkaido), Hotels are near to the train station, here we pick: (trying to stay at the same hotel possible, and we pick those provide breakfast as well) 1. Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate 2. Noboribetsu Sekisui Tei 3. Hotel Mercure Sapporo 4. Chitose Station Hotel Day 1: After arrived at the airport. We have a quick meal at the family mart and headed to Hakodate. 9:45am JR TRAIN to Sapporo → Hakodate stations 4 hours journey. - Checked in Hotel, late lunch at Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Shop ラッキーピエロ ベイエリア本店 and walked to Motomachi Park 元町公園, Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward 旧函館区公会堂 (CLOSED, but see outside), Hachiman-saka Slope 八幡坂 (the slope see the view to the sea), Higashi Honganji Temple, Hakodate Russian Orthodox Church (use google maps, is walkable) - then to go up to Mt. Hakodate Observation Deck 函館山展望台 (Hakodate Night View) - round trip (Adults - 1280, Child - 640) Day 2 - - Visit the Hakodate Asaichi (Morning Market) 函館朝市 (Brunch/Breakfast) - i had a bowl of raw fish rice! too early for my stomach :P - walk to Ferry Memorial Ship Mashu-maru Museum 0900-1600 函館市青函連絡船記念館摩周丸 (Adults - 500, Child - 250) - Visit Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse - see the shops - Tram to Goryōkaku 特別史跡五稜郭跡 (Adults - 900, Child - 450) - we waited from late after to evening, just to see the sunset :) - Tram to Hakodate BeerHall, Japan, 〒040-0053 Hokkaido, Hakodate, 末広町14番12号 for dinner #celebratewithtrip

#*hakodate🥰

try to visit this place,a very relaxing,refreshing..nice ambience,,a lot of sea foods that you wanna eat,one of my favorite here is the burger of lucky pierro🥰❤️wanna go back to eat more😊😊and at night you can watch the whole town at the top where you can experience the night view🥰☺️

Well equipped. Bathrooms, essentials in the shop (I picked up some sunscreen there), expensive, but given the services it makes sense. If you’re an experienced hiker, I recommend doing the ropeway to ropeway through hike. Just be sure to check the websites for the last time the ropeway a run!#境外遊 #awesomepic

Picturesque Garden in Hokkaido

#celebratewithtrip This is Onuma Koen located at JR Onuma Koen station, Hokkaido Prefecture. It takes around 45 mins to travel from Hakodate station. The scenery is really beautiful and serene. You can try to spot for golden beetles around the park 🫣 It is really peaceful and air is really fresh~ During winter season, the lake at the park freezes. You can even go ice fishing and snowmobiling on ice!

Hakodate Bay Gourmet Club

#celebratewithtrip We simply loved the whole experience. The food was good, the staff was helpful, accommodating, friendly and eager. Sashimi was nice and fresh. Conveniently located around old brick warehouse shopping area in the Bay. Good choices of food. #hakodate #japan #hokkaido #2015 #friendstrip

Hakodate Morning Market Ekini Market

#celebratewithtrip The Hakodate morning fresh market sells fresh and dried seafood. There was also an activity that they caught a living squid, and a chef prepared it and eat it sashimi style immediately. We can see the squid still moving. One of a must place when you come to Hakodate. We enjoyed our breakfast here. #hakodate #hokkaido #2015 #friendstrip #japan

Goryokaku Park

#celebratewithtrip A lovely and huge park with beautiful landscape and a serene lake. Goryokaku park is famous for the iconic star-shaped fort constructed in 1855. Great big park in the shape of a five pointed star that is surrounded by a moat. It’s nice to take a walk around this park, fresh atmosphere, so many trees. #hokkaido #friendstrip #japan #2015

Hakodate Bay

#celebratewithtrip Not only is Hakodate’s bay area packed with historic buildings and sights — it is one of Japan’s oldest ports and is now a stop for shopping, dining, museums and even a cruise. Lovely place, the famous Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses that have become a symbol of the city. We enjoyed shopping and dine in here. #hokkaidotravel #friendstrip #hakodate #2015

The View From Above, Goryokaku Tower

Another place to visit when you are at the Goryokaku Fort you have to visit the Goryokaku Tower which is a 90 metre Tower overlooking the entire Fort. The entrance fee includes admission into the Tower, but the queue might be long to go up into the Tower but its worth the wait. The price admission may be expensive but it gets cheaper if you go with 30 people or more and the view above is breathtaking where you will be able to get a view of the pentagonal park and at the far end you be able to see the mount hakodate(provided weather is clear). This view is exceptionally beautiful especially in spring and also in winter where everything is blanketed in white snow. #celebratewithtrip #hakodate #view #scenic #goryokaku #viewfromabove

Kor-yu Ji temple A hidden temple located at Hakodate which surrounded by cemeteries of many ethnics . Facing the sea which made this temple special and the serenity feel of if, made it even greater. Free for visit. One can reach via tram but the walk is taking a while. Not to worry as you will see old Japanese houses around. Even the cemeteries around are impressive and well kept.#bucketlistreboot

Hakodate station Basically is the centre and one stop centre for the buses , trams. Hakodate morning market is really near the station . Taking train from Sapporo to Hakodate really gave me a good view and experience. Please do try that and do with train pass please #bucketlistreboot

first place of entering hokkaido Really it’s the name of the place. There is an anchor buried on the ground to indicate the moment. The location of the anchor is near tram station suehirocho , along the sea and near by Maritime self defence force base and Hakodate City Musuem of Northern People.#bucketlistreboot

Air condition seafood market , next to the sea. I believe the seafood is delivery alive and process/ packaged right here. This is not the normal conventional market , but a higher grade seafood. Can also get souvenirs and cakes from the same market , well, not made from seafood of course #bucketlistreboot

Hakodate morning market . Morning means it starts as early as 5am and some stalls closes after 1pm or whenever finishes selling. Located few streets away from the Hakodate train station , has variety of food offers, of course the most popular seafood meals. Start your day with a domburi breakfast (cooked rice with another type of food on top) spoilt with the options that you can combine with in morning market square. There are many stalls which features stalls with fresh seafood , vegetables and fruits. #bucketlistreboot

The sea is very beautiful at hakodate

Hakodate Hachiman Shrine 12 minutes by tram to the "Yachigashira" tram stop 8 minutes on foot to the Shrine. Note that you must climbs stairs before reaching. It is also near Hakodate Park. This shrine stands in a quiet, bracing environment surrounded by the forest of Mt. Hakodate. The entrance is free and it’s open 24 hours so one can go at night . I understand that during festivals or new year , there are grand celebration with horse riding or carrying of altar. Short introduction of Hachiman: In Japanese religion, Yahata , Shinto and later commonly known as Hachiman incorporating elements from both Shinto and Buddhism..#bucketlistreboot

HokkaidoSakamoto Ryoma Museum #bucketlistreboot Statue of samurai Ryoma is located outside and it’s a must passed by place if one is travelling to Hakodate park or taking tram. Can’t stop but to stop by . Near the statue there is a place for prayer for good luck. As I don’t know where can I get the item for good luck wishing, I hang my own paper. The place actually introduce more of the person and wants his aims . Can’t understand Kanji so just appreciating the sword and photo taking around the place To get there you can take tram and stop at station Jujigai. Basically I stopped at most of the tram stations to visit interesting around there .

Cape Tachimachi , Hakodate. Cape Tachimachi has beautiful views over the Tsugaru Strait. There is a small lookout point with equally stunning views down the coast. This cape is part of Hanamasu Park. Before reaching the cape, you need to pass by cemetery. That’s the only entrance and it’s free of charge. When I went I am the only person there . it’s a waste as I find that this place is really peaceful and beautiful. Windy is for sure. The station is Yachigashira tram station (seven stops from Hakodate tram station). From here it is 26 minute walk (winter walking) #bucketlistreboot #greentravel . Hakodate transport - tram is the key transport.

Beautiful night view at Hakodate

Good place for travel- hakodate. Nice place and hope the Covid-19 can be over soon. Every one can be safe and healthy, return the life before

Discover Hakodate - Japan’s underrated gem

Hakodate in southern Hokkaido is one of the best underrated gems in Japan. It’s much less hotter than the mainland Japan in the midst of the scorching summer heat. Hakodate has a number of fun activities, including the ropeway to Hakodate mountain for a scenic night view of the town. It offers truly fresh seafood. One of the local specialties is a squid sashimi - a must try for seafood lovers. As a Mongolian, it was great to discover another Hakodate specialty cuisine was so called Chinggis Khaan - lamb sautéed with onion and scallions. Of course, I had to try it and lemme tell you, I like it. There’s a morning market by the Hakodate station that sells local produce and fresh catch of the day. Check that out as well. #bucketlistreboot

1 Day of Exploring Hakodate

1. Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden Address - 3 Chome-1-15 Yunokawacho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 042-0932 Highlights - Lowkey botanical garden but with an outside onsen where monkeys are bathing! Rating - 4.4 2. Goryōkaku Tower Address - 43-9 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001 Highlights - 107-m tower that overlooks the infamous star-shaped fort The views are very dramatic and it is one of the must see attractions at Hakodate and overall in Hokkaido Rating - 4.8 3. Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Address - 19-7, Motomachi, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido 040-0054 Japan Highlights - Rated to be one of the most beautiful views of Japan Located on the top of a mountain that overlooks the Hakodate peninsula Rating - 4.7

Cafe Le Havre

[Cafe Le Havre] (@ cafe_le_havre.mtmc) * Limited time offer -------- ・ Basque-style cheese cake ・ Chocolate mint scone * Limited time (unknown period) ・ Cafe latte (Ice) -------- Yokohama / Motomachi From Motomachi Shopping Street Located on a street The world's first container / steel mixed building Cafe on the 4th floor At a cafe I've always been interested in The other day, a blue lump suddenly appeared on an Instagram post I was worried about it being uploaded, so First visit while I went nearby Inside the store is a picture of a child wearing a sailor suit There is also a blue container (like Mitarai) Port town-like atmosphere Also, the terrace seats Maybe because there are many people with dogs in Motomachi There is a dog salon in the same building Maybe because it's in Pets were allowed Impressions of what I received this time [Chocolate mint scone] A blue scone that has a great impact from the appearance The moment I brought it to my mouth, mysteriously I felt a little cold It's not grassy and is common in sweets Taste close to chocolate mint A type that does not take strong moisture in the mouth It was a very good impression After rebaking and warming I don't care what it looks like ~ [Basque-style cheese cake] This is really delicious! Cookie dough (tart dough?) On the base It is laid out and is rare for Basque Apareil The taste of cheese is stronger than the sweetness, It feels good to eat cheese! The mouthfeel is baked A little creamy softness The body is toro and the base is crispy So I enjoyed the difference in texture And because the cheese tastes good Perfectly compatible with pink rock salt for taste change! By the way, chocolate mint troll cake will be available soon It seems that it will be released, so Revisit confirmed lol

As part of our Hakodate trip, we just drop in at this shopping warehouse to have a browse. The usual offerings of fashions, clothes, gift items and many more. But there was one store that caught my attention, it’s the samurai or ninja shop with quite a varied display of items though not as expensive as those in bigger cities like Tokyo. This is a shopping area based on several old warehouses at the seafront. The shops sell a large variety of goods, targeted mainly at overseas tourists. If you are looking for some special souvenirs to bring home, this is the place to shop. There are a few eating outlets, and quite crowded. Unlike shops in the city centre, the place opens into late at night. There is also a pier, where visitors can take a cruise of the bay, day or night. #givethanks #givethanks