Located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate was one of the first Japanese ports to open to international trade in the 19th century.
This historic city offers a unique blend of Japanese tradition and Western influence, featuring nostalgic red-brick architecture, world-class night views, and the freshest seafood from the cold northern waters. Whether you’re a foodie or a history buff, Hakodate is a must-visit destination on your Hokkaido itinerary.
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Essential Travel Guide: Hakodate
Best Time to Visit: While Hakodate is stunning year-round, Winter (December to February) is the most magical season. The city transforms into a winter wonderland, with historic churches and warehouses illuminated against the pristine white snow.
What to Wear & Packing Tips:
- Spring (March–May): Still chilly. Bring a warm coat and layers.
- Summer (June–August): Pleasant and cool. A light jacket is recommended for breezy evenings by the sea.
- Autumn (September–November): Crisp air. A jacket or light coat is necessary.
- Winter (December–February): Heavy winter gear is vital. Pack a down jacket, thermal layers (UNIQLO HEATECH is a local favorite), and waterproof boots with strong grip.
Getting There & Around:
- By Air: 90-minute flight to Hakodate Airport (HKD) from Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya.
- Getting Around: The city is compact and easy to navigate. The nostalgic streetcars (trams) cover most major sightseeing spots. Walking is also highly recommended in the historic Motomachi area.
Top 8 Must-Visit Spots in Hakodate
1. Mt. Hakodate Ropeway (Million Dollar Night View)
Ranked as one of the “Top 3 Night Views in Japan,” this is the city’s crown jewel. As the gondola ascends, the iconic “waist-like” shape of the city lights up between two sparkling bays. It is truly one of the most romantic sights in the world.
📸 Photo Tip: Head to the rooftop observatory during the “Blue Hour” (just after sunset). The deep blue sky creates a stunning contrast with the warm orange glow of the city lights.
Address：19-7 Motomachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Access：10-minute walk from “Jujigai” tram stop to the Ropeway Mountain Base Station.
Price Guide：Round trip: Approx. 1,800 JPY / One way: Approx. 1,200 JPY
Hours：10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Ends at 9:00 PM in Winter)
2. Goryokaku Park & Tower
Behold a massive, perfectly star-shaped Western-style fort built in 1866. From the 90m high observation deck, you can see the star change with the seasons: pink with 1,600 cherry blossoms in spring, and a glowing white crystal in winter.
📸 Photo Tip: Visit the “See-through Floor” in the tower for a thrilling shot straight down into the fortress grounds.
URL: https://www.goryokaku-tower.co.jp/en/
Address: 43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Access: 15-minute walk from “Goryokaku-koen-mae” tram stop.
3. Hachiman-zaka Slope
Famous as the “Most Beautiful Slope in Japan,” this cobblestone street leads straight down to the sea. The view of the harbor with the historic Mashu-maru ship in the background is the quintessential Hakodate postcard shot.
📸 Photo Tip: Shoot from the very top of the hill. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the symmetry of the trees lining the street. Please be careful of traffic!
Address: Motomachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Access: 1-minute walk from “Suehiro-cho” tram stop.
4. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
A symbol of Hakodate’s port history, these 19th-century warehouses have been converted into a chic shopping and dining complex. At night, the warm orange lamps reflecting on the canal create a nostalgic atmosphere perfect for a stroll.
📸 Photo Tip: The “Shichizai Bridge” offers the best angle to capture the warehouses, the canal, and Mt. Hakodate in a single frame.
URL: https://hakodate-kanemori.com/en
Address: 14-12 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Access: 5-minute walk from “Jujigai” tram stop.
5. Hakodate Morning Market (Asaichi)
Experience the energy of Hakodate’s food scene. With over 250 stalls, you can try “Squid Fishing” (eat it fresh right after you catch it!) or indulge in a “Kaisen-don” (seafood bowl) overflowing with premium sea urchin and salmon roe.
📸 Photo Tip: Capture the moment you catch your squid, or take a macro shot of your colorful seafood bowl—these are always high-engagement shots for social media.
URL: http://www.hakodate-asaichi.com/
Address: 11-12 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Access: 1-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station.
Hours: 5:00 AM (6:00 AM in Winter) – 2:00 PM
6. Old Public Hall of Hakodate District
Completed in 1910, this colonial-style building stands out with its striking yellow and soft blue exterior. It’s a masterpiece of Western-style architecture where you can rent period costumes (dresses and tuxedos) for a historic photoshoot.
📸 Photo Tip: The 2nd-floor balcony provides a regal backdrop with grand pillars and a panoramic view of Hakodate Bay.
URL: https://hakodate-kokaido.jp/
Address: 11-13 Motomachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Access: 7-minute walk from “Suehiro-cho” tram stop.
7. Hakodate Orthodox Church
Japan’s first Russian Orthodox church, famous for its white walls and green copper roofs. The beautiful sound of its bells has earned it the nickname “Gangan-dera” (Ding-Dong Temple) and is recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 soundscapes.
📸 Photo Tip: Walk up the “Chacha-nobori” slope nearby. From the middle of the hill, you can get a rare shot showing both the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Motomachi Church together.
URL: https://www.orthodox-hakodate.jp/
Address: 3-13 Motomachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Access: 10-minute walk from “Jujigai” tram stop.
8. Yunokawa Onsen (Hot Springs)
Discovered in 1653, this is one of Hokkaido’s oldest and most prestigious hot spring districts. Located just 5 minutes from the airport, it’s the perfect place to soak in an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. In winter, don’t miss the “Snow Monkeys” soaking in the hot springs at the nearby Tropical Botanical Garden.
📸 Photo Tip: Visit the free “Yumeguri-butai” footbath in the center of town. Capture a shot of your feet in the warm water with the nostalgic streetcar passing by in the background.
URL: https://hakodate-yunokawa.jp/en/
Address: Yunokawa-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Access: Short walk from “Yunokawa-onsen” tram stop.
Food, Shopping & Stay
【Must-Eat】Lucky Pierrot (Hakodate Station Branch)
Voted Japan’s #1 local burger chain. Their “Chinese Chicken Burger” is legendary. Each shop has a wild, unique interior—the station branch features a theme inspired by the painter Henri Matisse.
URL: http://luckypierrot.jp/en/
Address: 2nd floor, 8-8 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
【Recommended Stay】La Vista Hakodate Bay
Famous for having one of the best hotel breakfasts in Japan. You can create your own seafood bowl with unlimited ikura (salmon roe). The rooms feature a classic “Taisho Roman” aesthetic.
URL: https://www.hotespa.net/hotels/lahakodate/
Address: 12-6 Toyokawa-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
【Recommended Stay】Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari
This resort features an incredible Infinity Rooftop Bath. It feels as if you are soaking directly in the ocean. At night, you can see the mysterious fishing fires (Isaribi) on the horizon.
URL: https://www.hewitt-resort.com/hakodate-yunokawa/en/
⚠️ Note on Tattoos: Most Japanese Onsens (hot springs) have restrictions on tattoos. While some hotels provide cover stickers, others may decline entry. If you have large tattoos, we strongly recommend contacting the hotel in advance or booking a room with a private bath.
💡 Pro Tips for International Travelers
- Winter Safety: Roads in winter can be deceptive. “Black Ice” makes the ground extremely slippery. We recommend buying “Slip-on Shoe Spikes” at any local convenience store (7-Eleven/Lawson) for around 1,000 JPY.
- Night View Crowds: To get the best spot on Mt. Hakodate without the stress, arrive at the summit 30–60 minutes before sunset.
- Using the Tram: Enter through the back door and exit through the front. You can use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo. If you don’t have one, take a paper ticket (Seiriken) when you enter.
Summary: With its exotic cityscapes, world-class seafood, and soul-stirring night views, Hakodate is a highlight of any Japan trip. After exploring the city, consider taking the ferry across the Tsugaru Strait to Aomori to continue your journey through northern Japan.
