HAKODATE
Hakodate, the southern gateway to Hokkaido, is a captivating port city where Japanese and Western history meet. Its unique topography, bordered by two bays, frames a city renowned for a spectacular night view.
Once one of Japan’s first international trade ports, the city boasts an exotic, retro atmosphere. It’s a place of iconic slopes, historic foreign architecture, and some of the country’s freshest seafood.
Most Popular Attractions
Iconic Views & Landmarks:
Mount Hakodate: Famous for its “million-dollar night view” of the city framed by the two bays. Accessible by ropeway or bus, it is a must-see.
Goryokaku Tower: A 107-meter-tall observation tower offering a panoramic 360-degree view, most notably of the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort.
Goryokaku Park: Japan’s first Western-style, star-shaped fortress, now a vast public park famous for its cherry blossoms and history related to the Battle of Hakodate.
Hachiman-zaka Slope: One of the most picturesque slopes in the Motomachi area, offering a stunning, straight-down view to the sea and the port.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse: A complex of beautiful, retro red brick warehouses, originally built as storehouses, now converted into a popular hub for shopping and dining along the bay.
Cape Tachimachi: A dramatic cliff-top cape offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Tsugaru Strait.
History & Foreign Influences (Motomachi District):
Motomachi District: The historic foreign residential area, characterized by its cobblestone streets, slopes, and a blend of Japanese and Western architecture.
Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward: A striking, two-story, Western-style building, designated as a National Important Cultural Property, known for its bright blue and yellow facade.
Hakodate Orthodox Church (Christos Resurrection Church): Japan’s first Russian Orthodox church, known for its distinctive white walls, green roof, and the soothing sound of its bells.
Former British Consulate of Hakodate: A beautiful colonial-era building that now operates as a museum and tearoom.
Hakodate St. John Church: A unique Christian church known for its brown, cruciform roof.
Motomachi Roman Catholic Church: An impressive church with a tall spire and a distinctive clock, one of the three historic churches on Motomachi’s slopes.
Hakodate Meijikan: A souvenir and shopping center housed in a beautiful, historic red-brick building that was once the Hakodate Post Office.
Hakodate Museum of Northern Peoples: Exhibits on the culture and life of indigenous peoples of the North, including the Ainu.
Food, Markets & Relaxation:
Hakodate Morning Market (Hakodate Asaichi): A vibrant seafood and produce market near Hakodate Station, famous for fresh seafood bowls (Kaisendon) and the chance to try squid fishing.
Daimon Yokocho: A cozy food stall village near Hakodate Station, perfect for experiencing local food and a lively atmosphere.
Yunokawa Onsen: One of Hokkaido’s three major hot spring resorts, offering a relaxing experience with several hotels and inns along the coast.
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden: Located in the Yunokawa Onsen area, known for its tropical plants and, especially in winter, the spectacle of Japanese monkeys bathing in an outdoor hot spring.
Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Mashu Maru: A former train ferry that once connected Hokkaido to Honshu, now preserved as a museum ship at Hakodate Port.
Trappistine Monastery: Japan’s first women’s monastery, known for its peaceful grounds, European-style architecture, and handmade butter candies and madeleine cookies.
Nature & Day Trips:
Onuma Quasi-National Park: A beautiful area just north of Hakodate with scenic, island-dotted lakes, forests, and views of Mount Komagatake. Popular for boat tours and outdoor activities.
Matsumae Castle: The last traditional Japanese-style castle to be built in Japan, located in the former castle town of Matsumae, famous for its cherry blossoms.
Hakodate Park: A large, comprehensive park, one of the oldest in Hokkaido, popular for cherry blossom viewing and home to a small zoo.
Activities & Experiences
Ascend Mount Hakodate for the Night View: Take the ropeway (cable car) to the summit at dusk to witness the city’s famous, sparkling night view—rated three stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan. The unique geography of the peninsula creates a spectacular, hourglass shape of light.
Explore Fort Goryokaku: Visit Japan’s first Western-style fortress, built in a magnificent star shape. Climb the adjacent Goryokaku Tower to get the best panoramic view of the fortress and its surrounding park, which is especially stunning during the cherry blossom season.
Feast at the Hakodate Morning Market (Asaichi): Get up early to explore this vibrant market near the station. Sample the famously fresh seafood, including crab, sea urchin, and salmon roe. You can even try “Ika Sōmen” (squid noodles) or try to fish for your own squid for a truly local experience.
Stroll through the Motomachi District: Wander the picturesque, sloping streets of this historic district, which was home to foreign traders. Admire the unique fusion of Japanese and Western architecture, including the Hakodate Orthodox Church and the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward.
Relax at Yunokawa Onsen: Just a short tram ride from the city center, this hot spring resort town offers numerous traditional inns (ryokans) where you can soak in a natural onsen (hot spring), often with views of the sea. There are also public footbaths (ashiyu) to rest your feet.
Shop and Dine at the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses: Explore these beautifully preserved, retro warehouses along the waterfront. Now converted into an atmospheric shopping and dining complex, they are perfect for picking up local souvenirs and enjoying the bay view.
Hike at Onuma Quasi-National Park: Take a scenic day trip about 30 minutes north of the city to explore this park’s beautiful lakes, islands, and peninsulas, which are connected by small bridges. You can rent a bike, take a sightseeing boat, or simply enjoy the easy walking trails.
Try the Local Cuisine (Beyond Seafood): Have a meal at a local branch of Lucky Pierrot, a Hakodate-born burger chain famous for its unique, eclectic decor and its signature Chinese Chicken Burger.
Tour the Trappistine Monastery: Visit this serene, European-style Roman Catholic convent. While the monastery building itself is closed to the public, you can enjoy the beautiful gardens and purchase their famous homemade cookies and butter candies.
Walk the Hachiman-Zaka Slope: Stroll down this famous, steep street in the Motomachi area. Its view, with the road seemingly descending directly into the ocean and framing a ship in the port, makes it one of the city’s most popular photo spots.
Local Tips & Transport
City Tram is Your Best Friend: Hakodate’s two tram lines are the primary and most convenient way to get around the main tourist areas, connecting Hakodate Station, the Bay Area (Red Brick Warehouses), Motomachi, Goryokaku, and Yunokawa Onsen.
Day Passes are Cost-Effective: A City Tram 1-Day Pass (600 JPY) or a combined Tram and Bus Pass is a great deal if you plan to ride three or more times in a day. You can purchase the passes at the station’s information center or on the tram itself.
IC Cards Work: Major Japanese IC cards like Suica and PASMO are generally accepted on the trams and buses (except for some airport shuttles), making payment simple.
Getting to Mount Hakodate: The ropeway is the fastest and most popular way up the mountain. Note that the road to the summit is typically closed to private vehicles in the evening to manage traffic for the night view (usually 5 PM to 10 PM), making the ropeway or a designated bus/taxi the only options at this time.
From the Airport: The Airport Express Shuttle Bus is the most affordable and direct way to get from Hakodate Airport (HKD) to the city center or Yunokawa Onsen.
Hakodate’s Port History: The city was one of Japan’s first international trade ports opened in the 1850s, leading to the distinct European flair you’ll find in the Motomachi district. Take time to look at the architecture—it’s a key part of the city’s identity.
Seafood Culture: Hakodate is renowned for its seafood. Don’t be shy about trying a Kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl) for breakfast at the Morning Market, as it’s an authentic local experience. Be aware that the seafood market is busiest and liveliest in the very early morning.
Dress for the Seasons: Located in Hokkaido, Hakodate’s climate varies widely. Summers are pleasantly mild (often the best time to visit), but winters are cold and snowy. Even in the shoulder seasons, bring warm layers, especially for the evening view atop Mount Hakodate where the temperature drops significantly.
Night View Timing: The perfect time to arrive at the Mount Hakodate observatory for the night view is generally 30 minutes after sunset, when the city lights begin to sparkle against the twilight sky. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season.
Hidden Gems:
- Cape Tachimachi: A dramatic headland walk with steep cliffs and great views of the sea and the city’s southern end.
- Daimon Yokocho: A charming, narrow alley near Hakodate Station filled with tiny, traditional food stalls (or yatai) that are perfect for a late dinner and drinks.
- Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen: A truly unique, natural open-air hot spring bath located right on the ocean shore. It can only be accessed and used during low tide, so check the tide charts before visiting.
Top Restaurants
Uni Murakami Hakodate Main Store [$40-$80] – A renowned establishment known for its creamy, high-quality sea urchin (uni) bowls, especially the “raw” uni (no preservatives), making it a must-try for this local specialty.
Hakodate Noodle Kitchen AJISAI Main Branch [$8-$15] – A long-established ramen shop, famous for its Shio Ramen (salt-based broth), which is a Hakodate specialty known for its light yet deeply flavorful kelp-based soup.
Ajidokoro Kikuyo Shokudo [$15-$30] – A pioneer of the famous Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) at the Hakodate Morning Market, established in 1956, offering a variety of fresh seafood bowls.
Asari Honten [$25-$50] – A historic restaurant in a charming old building (reconstructed after a fire) established in 1901, known for its traditional Japanese cuisine and high-quality local ingredients.
Hakodate Dining GAYA [$20-$40] – Located near the Morning Market, this polished restaurant prides itself on using only Hokkaido ingredients, featuring a variety of fresh local seafood and having live crab tanks.
Gotoken Restaurant Sekkatei [$25-$50] – A historic establishment dating back to 1879, specializing in Yoshoku (Japanese-Western fusion) cuisine like English-style curry and scallop curry in a vintage, cultural atmosphere.
Chamu [$15-$30] – A highly-regarded seafood restaurant in the Donburi Yokocho area of the Morning Market, popular with locals for its generous set meals that often include multiple small side dishes and excellent stir-fried squid.
Ooneda [$30-$60] – A well-regarded, traditional sushi restaurant that focuses on showcasing the fresh bounty of Hakodate’s waters in a classic Japanese dining atmosphere.
Menchuubo Ajisai JR Hakodate Station [$8-$15] – A convenient branch of the famous ramen shop, serving the light, classic Hakodate-style shio ramen, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Tabiji [$15-$30] – Located in the Donburi Yokocho market, this restaurant is celebrated for its signature Katsu ika odori (live squid sashimi), a local delicacy and unique experience.
Ikasei Daimonten [$20-$40] – A charming izakaya (Japanese-style pub) renowned for its emphasis on serving the absolute freshest local seafood, often in a lively, authentic atmosphere.
Daimon Yokocho [$15-$30] – Not a single restaurant, but a charming narrow alley near Hakodate Station featuring over 20 small, traditional eateries (Yatai stalls) serving local cuisine like ramen and yakitori, great for a local food crawl.
Ryotei FUMOTO [$60-$120] – A long-running, traditional Japanese cuisine restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide, offering authentic, high-end Kaiseki-style dining in a beautiful, historic setting.
Sushi-Dokoro Kihara [$40-$80] – A sushi spot praised for its fresh Hakodate ingredients and local sake selections, providing a high-quality sushi experience beyond the tourist-heavy market stalls.
Gyosanko [$25-$50] – A no-frills restaurant near Hakodate Station known for its rare and fresh seafood offerings, including the highly sought-after live squid.
L’oiseau Par Matsunaga [$70-$150] – A unique French-twist restaurant located in a detached house in a residential area, ideal for a special meal with modern, European-inspired Hakodate cuisine.
Kaiseki no Sato Kira [$40-$80] – Located on Mount Hakodate, this restaurant serves a new style of Kaiseki (traditional Japanese course cuisine) that blends creative dishes using local products with French and Italian cooking methods.
Hige [$25-$45] – A chic and refined restaurant near Goryokaku Park known for its juicy, coarsely-ground hamburgers and its original lamb burger, cooked on an open grill.
Yoshida Soup Curry Shop [$15-$30] – Serving Hokkaido’s famous soup curry, this shop offers a refreshing, customizable broth with over 20 types of toppings and varying spice levels, in a retro Showa-era atmosphere.
Teppanyaki VUE MER [$60-$120] – Located on the 8th floor of the Hakodate Kokusai Hotel, this elegant, glass-walled restaurant offers high-quality teppanyaki of local Kuroge Wagyu beef and seafood, with views of the port.
Tonpei Hakodate Ekimae [$15-$30] – A friendly spot that specializes in Okonomiyaki and other Japanese comfort foods like Negiyaki (loaded with spring onions) and delicious Karaage (fried chicken).
Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Shop [$10-$20] – Hakodate’s iconic, quirky local hamburger chain known for its unique, retro-themed decor (each shop is different) and its famous Chinese Chicken Burger.
Kaiten Sushi Kantaro [$15-$30] – The original branch of this popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant, offering fresh, top-quality Hokkaido seafood, often with a view of the seaside.
Hishii [$8-$15] – A retro-modern Japanese-themed café that offers a charming and relaxed atmosphere for coffee, tea, and sweets, perfect for a break from sightseeing.
Jolly Jellyfish [$15-$30] – An American-style restaurant and bar offering a different, fun atmosphere and a menu of Western-style food in Hakodate.
Kura Sushi [$20-$40] – A high-quality sushi experience known for its extraordinary fatty tuna and offering private rooms, indicating a step up from typical conveyor belt sushi.
Uni Senmonten Yoichiya Hakodate Asaichi Branch [$25-$50] – A highly-specialized restaurant near the Morning Market famous for its decadent ‘5 Great Sea Urchin Tasting Bowl’ and other voluminous uni-topped dishes.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bar GAGA: Located near the Goryokaku Park area, this popular spot is a well-regarded bar and dining bar, known for a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Cafe & Bar Estelado: Found close to the Hakodate Station area, this bar offers a range of drinks in a setting suitable for both a casual coffee during the day and a drink in the evening.
Sherry’s Bar: Situated near the Uoichiba Dori tram station (close to the Morning Market), it’s a classic bar known for its intimate setting and selection of drinks.
BAR VOYAGER: Located near the Shiyakusho Mae tram stop, this spot is a dedicated wine and cocktail bar, providing a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying a sophisticated beverage.
Lounge & Bar Kitakaze: Near Goryokaku Koen Mae, this establishment functions as a bar and steak house, making it a great option for an evening that combines dinner and drinks.
Cocktail Bar CONCORD 21: Found near the Chuo Byoin Mae tram stop, this long-standing bar specializes in cocktails, perfect for a classic nightcap.
MOJITO: A highly-rated bar located in the bustling area near Hakodate Station, popular among locals for its atmosphere and variety of drinks.
Bar SHARES HISHII: Situated in the Horai Cho neighborhood, this bar is known for being non-smoking and having a comfortable, clean atmosphere.
Yamaichi: A centrally located bar in the Matsukaze Cho area, which is part of Hakodate’s lively entertainment district.
cafe&bar NISHIMURA: Found in the Matsukaze Cho district, this spot serves as a cafe during the day and a relaxed bar in the evening, popular with a mix of clientele.
October28: Located near the Hakodate Eki Mae (Hakodate Station) area, this bar is a choice for those seeking a dedicated bar environment close to the city’s transport hub.
Endeavour Hakodate Ten: Situated in the Yunokawa Onsen area, this establishment is a bar and cafe offering a relaxed setting slightly away from the main city centers.
Ramen BAR ALT: Located in the Horai Cho neighborhood, this unique spot combines the experience of a bar with a focus on ramen, perfect for a late-night meal and drink.
Kemuri ga Me ni Shimiru: Near the Chuo Byoin Mae tram stop, this is a dining bar that offers pizza and a variety of drinks in a comfortable space.
Bar Big Job: A welcoming bar in the lively Hon-cho district, known for its friendly atmosphere and being a great place for mingling.
Daimon Yokocho: While not a single club, this famous food stall village near Hakodate Station transforms into a buzzing, highly social nightlife hub, with many small izakaya and mini-bars packed together, offering drinks and local cuisine.
Snack Bars (Various): The entertainment districts of Hon-cho and Matsukaze-cho are densely lined with countless “Snack Bars.” These are small, intimate venues typically run by a hostess (“Mama”) and feature conversation, karaoke, and hospitality, making them a cornerstone of local Japanese nightlife.
Dining bars in Hon-cho: The Hon-cho area, particularly near Goryokaku Park, is the city’s largest entertainment district and hosts various establishments that shift from dining bars to more lively late-night spots.
Yume Koza: Located in the Goryokaku Koen Mae area, this is another popular spot that combines the functions of a bar and a café, often drawing a crowd looking for a lively evening out.
CHINA TABLE Hokuto Sei: Found in the Horai Cho area, this unique spot mixes Chinese/Asian cuisine with a bar setting, offering a different late-night dining and drinking experience.
Nihonshu Bar Tsuruno: Located near Goryokaku Koen Mae, this venue focuses on Japanese sake (nihonshu), offering a sophisticated yet lively experience for those interested in local spirits.
Toritatsu: A lively yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) izakaya in the Kikusui Alley area near Matsukaze-cho. It’s an excellent place for drinks, good food, and a vibrant local atmosphere.
Oden no Fumoto: Located in Goryokaku Koen Mae, this is a popular izakaya focusing on oden (Japanese stew), sake, and beer, providing a cozy and warm late-night environment.
Kushiyama Kushizo: Found near Hakodate Station, this spot is an izakaya that specializes in yakitori and shochu (Japanese spirits), ideal for a casual and lively evening of local food and drink.
Mama-san Club: A well-known Snack Bar in the Matsukaze-cho/Daimon area with a nostalgic Showa-era feel, known for karaoke and friendly regulars, offering a genuine look into the local nightlife.