Hakodate is a charming and picturesque seaside city in Hokkaido that offers tasty seafood, relaxing onsens, and breathtaking night views.
Hakodate is located at the southern tip of Hokkaido. This charming and picturesque seaside city offers tasty seafood, relaxing onsens, and breathtaking night views. If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido, we recommend taking a couple of days to visit Hakodate.
Table of Contents
- Where is Hakodate?
- How to get to Hakodate?: Transportation Options and Routes
- Sightseeing in Hakodate: Must-Visit Attractions and Experiences
- 1. Hakodate Morning Market (函館朝市): Perfect for Food Lovers
- 2. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses (金森赤レンガ倉庫): Hakodate Souvenirs
- 3. Motomachi District (元町エリア): Hakodate’s Historic Architecture
- 4. Fort Goryokaku (五稜郭): A Star-Shaped Fortress
- 5. Hakodate Park
- 6. Mt. Hakodate (函館山): Panoramic Views over Hakodate
- 7. Cape Tachimachi: Views to Aomori
- 8. Hakodate Hot Springs (Onsen)
Where is Hakodate?
Hakodate (函館) is Hokkaido’s 3rd largest city, located at the island’s southern tip. It has a much longer history than Sapporo, the current capital of Hokkaido prefecture, dating back to the 1400s.
Hakodate was the first Japanese city to open its doors to foreign trade in 1854. Its international connections have had a large influence with many of the first consulates being built there. Remarkably, Hakodate has still kept much of its original charm, avoiding significant damage during World War II. While walking around the city, you’ll be able to see many well-preserved buildings and architecture from the 1800s.
Over time, Hakodate has slowly diminished in prominence compared to other Japanese cities but remains a magical destination with its unique allure. One notable attraction is one of the Three Great Night Views in Japan, which continues to attract thousands of visitors across the world.
How to get to Hakodate?: Transportation Options and Routes
If you’re planning to visit Hakodate, there are numerous transportation options and routes to get to the port city:
Car or Bus
From Sapporo, driving to Hakodate takes approximately 4 to 4 and a half hours. Hakodate is connected by the National Highways to the rest of Hokkaido and Honshu as well. However, there are toll fees that you should take into consideration. There are buses that run several times throughout the day from Sapporo to Hakodate and it takes almost 6 hours.
Train
You can hop on a train from Sapporo to Hakodate, taking the JR line (Hokuto or Super Hokuto about 3 hr 30 min each way). Alternatively, if you are coming from Tokyo or the Honshu region, you can get to Hakodate using The Hokkaido Shinkansen (bullet train), which takes around 4 hours. This arrives at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, which is approximately 20 minutes north of Hakodate. From there, you can take a local train or the JR Hakodate line to reach the city center.
Flights
If you are in Honshu or the southern regions of Japan, flying will be the most convenient option. Hakodate Airport (HKD) is connected to most major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. From Haneda Airport, it takes 80 minutes. From the airport, it is easily accessible to the city center by bus, train, or taxi.
Bus Tours
Since we were staying in Sapporo, we booked a tour package from Sapporo that included round-trip transportation. Typically tour companies in Japan provide all-inclusive package plans including round-trip bus rides, hotel stays, breakfasts and dinners inside the hotel, and a day tour. While it may not be at the top of a Japan travel list for everyone, it does provide a way to explore Hakodate without breaking the bank. These tour packages are typically very reasonably priced (all included for USD $200 – $300).
The four-hour bus ride was comfortable, allowing us to relax and enjoy Hokkaido’s scenery along the way. The bus made frequent rest stops and a lunch stop so we could stretch our legs and explore some local souvenir shops.
When we saw Mt. Komagatake along the ocean, we knew our destination was slowly approaching. If you are traveling by car, and have the time, we recommend stopping at Onuma Quasi-National Park as there are some amazing views of Mt. Komagatake, and is a great place to take a relaxing walk!
Sightseeing in Hakodate: Must-Visit Attractions and Experiences
Once you’re in Hakodate, there are a few major sightseeing spots you should not miss. Here’s a breakdown of the city’s different areas and the attractions they offer:
1. Hakodate Morning Market (函館朝市): Perfect for Food Lovers
When in Hokkaido, it’s time to eat! I consider Hokkaido the food heaven of Japan, thanks to its unique surroundings, climate, and abundant resources. From fresh seafood to dairy and vegetables, you are not spoilt for choices. Hakodate, in particular, is well known for its delicious, fresh seafood!
The Hakodate morning market is about 3 city blocks filled with dozens of vendors and restaurants. Vendors often offer you bits of food to try as you walk along the stalls. You’ll find various seafood options that may be unfamiliar but are most definitely tasty. While walking in the market, one of the vendors even let my children hold a king crab! Everything is also reasonably priced; I don’t think I’ve ever seen seafood offered at these prices in Japan.
For lunch, all the restaurants are competing for your business asking you to go in and sit down. The value is exceptional with prices I have rarely seen for seafood. For less than USD $10, you can enjoy a small bowl of seafood donburi (rice bowl) and miso soup. The freshness and price of seafood in Hokkaido are unbeatable!
Besides eating, my children also got to fish for squid and the lady at the shop cut the live squid to make sashimi for us. Just dip in soy sauce with a bit of ginger to enjoy. It was a fun (and scary – look at my baby girl’s expression!) experience for them.
2. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses (金森赤レンガ倉庫): Hakodate Souvenirs
As you finish eating your breakfast or lunch at the morning market, take a stroll along the waterfront towards Mt. Hakodate and you’ll end up at the Red Brick Warehouses, which were built in 1909.
The historic warehouses have been renovated into a vibrant shopping destination. Inside, you can find an array of gift shops, a beer hall, and various other stores. When you’re there, don’t forget to buy Royce’s Nama Chocolate, a local favorite!
If you fall in love with these soft chocolates, you can always make them at home using my Nama Chocolate and Green Tea Chocolate recipes. They taste just like ROYCE’s!
3. Motomachi District (元町エリア): Hakodate’s Historic Architecture
During the 1800s, when Hakodate opened its doors to foreign trade, merchants from around the world started to settle in the city. Today, remnants of that era can be found in the Motomachi District, where historic churches and consulates still stand, such as the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward and the Hakodate Orthodox Church. Walking through the district is like a step back in time, where you can soak in the rich history and beautiful architecture.
Within the district is Motomachi Park, which offers breathtaking views of the Hakodate Bay area, which is a must-go.
4. Fort Goryokaku (五稜郭): A Star-Shaped Fortress
Alright, it’s time to hop on the trolley and head on over to Fort Goryokaku, a 13-minute walk (1.1 km) from the nearest station. This unique star-shaped fort was built based on designs from 16th-century Europe, which strategically reduced the blind spots in gun battles. It also played a pivotal part in Japanese history as it was also the site of the Battle of Hakodate and marked the end of the Tokugawa shogunate era. The fort is now mainly known as Goryokaku Park, where you can enjoy scenic walks and also learn about its history.
Upon arriving at the fort, you’ll find the new Goryokaku Tower for the park stands alongside the old tower. The new tower is an impressive 107 meters tall, allowing you to see the entire park, as well as views around Hakodate City. Part of the floor in the tower is glass and you can see down!
5. Hakodate Park
Just at the base of Mt. Hakodate, at the southern tip is Hakodate Park. It was originally founded in 1874 but was reformed and the layout was changed in 1879, proposed by Richard Eusden, the British Consul of Hakodate. During cherry blossom season, it is one of the most popular spots in all of Hokkaido to see the ephemeral pink and white flowers.
Similar to other parts of Hakodate, you can see some Western influences throughout the park.
6. Mt. Hakodate (函館山): Panoramic Views over Hakodate
One of the highlights of Hakodate is the spectacular views that can be enjoyed from Mt. Hakodate. You can check all opening times and ropeway times (as they depend on the season) here!
The view was breathtaking, and we can now check one of Japan’s Three Great Night Views off our list. With the clear sky, you could see miles and miles away, as the city light sparkled in the night. You could see the entire harbor and the city in its entirety. We spent about 30 minutes up there enjoying the scenery before taking the cable car down. I recommend getting there just before sunset to see how the city changes into its evening atmosphere!
If you are not planning to visit, you can enjoy the cable car ride video below! Here’s the video on Mt. Hakodate Ropeway on our YouTube Channel! Enjoy!
7. Cape Tachimachi: Views to Aomori
Traveling even further south from Hakodate Park is Cape Tachimachi. After reaching the observatory, you can enjoy the stunning cliffs of Hakodate that overlook the Tsugaru Strait.
On clear days, you can enjoy beautiful views over the sea and even all the way to Shimokita Peninsula, the northernmost peninsula in Honshu Island, and even Aomori! From June to December, fishermen catch squid over the strait. In the evening you can also see some dotted lights over the sea from the fishing lamps on the boats.
8. Hakodate Hot Springs (Onsen)
Yunokawa Onsen (湯の川温泉) is a well-known onsen located on the outskirts of Hakodate City and is considered to be one of the three major hot springs in Hokkaido.
If you decide to stay in a hotel or ryokan around this area, make sure there is onsen inside the hotel as some of them do not have one. Since we were on a budget package, our hotel rooms were not in pristine condition and the hotel itself could use some update. However, the hot spring at the hotel was still very enjoyable and relaxing.
After a day of walking, time to soak and relax. My children love soaking themselves in the onsen. They change into Yukata (summer kimono) and get ready to relax in a hot bath.
We hope you enjoyed our guide for Hakodate and consider visiting this charming seaside town in Hokkaido.
Hi Nami,
May I know which tour company you booked your Hakodate tour? Would you mind sharing the information?
Thanks,
Lie
Hi Lie! My mom’s friend booked the roundtrip (bus + hotel) tickets from a catalog or something, but same/similar trips are on this hotel website (in Japanese).
http://www.takubokutei.com/
Maybe google chrome can translate to English. Hope it helps!
Hi Nami,
The city look so nice. Is the visiting area you stated all walkable, or by the tour? Is it a an English tour?
Hi Jess! I was on a bus tour from Sapporo (in Japanese) – some of the areas are walkable, but it depends on the location of the hotel. I’m sure there are lots of English tours available. 🙂
Hi Nami, your article is very informative and makes a trip to Hakodate a must.
We are 4 adults and wonder whether you can recommend the travel agent where we can take the round trip from Sapporo. We intend to go there in April 2016.
Thank you
Hi Richard! Thank you for your kind words! I don’t have a travel agent. We use a bus tour package below:
http://www.takubokutei.com/plan/4466?back=on&scr_date=
You might need to check the site next year as this plan is available up to November.
Hi Nami
I happened to encounter your blog when search for information about the Japan alpine route last evening.
Information in your blog is very useful, especially the part describing the meals. It is probably because you are hosting a “cooking” web site and is written by a Japanese with good English (that is rare!).
The photos are pretty (including the people in there)! The links are also very useful. The blog is well thought and arranged.
It would be most helpful if could you also put address of the restaurants you recommended (or not recommended).
Thank you for maintaining the blog and please keep up.
Best regards
Yeung
Hi Yeung! Welcome to my blog! I’m happy to hear you find my blog useful, and thanks so much for your kind words.
On my recent post, I usually link restaurant name with their website (if available). Sorry if I didn’t add information in my older posts. I appreciate your feedback! 🙂
planing to go hokkaido in June 2015. Read your trip & love it. Can you pls tell me than name of the tour company pls. thank you
Hi Karen! How exciting! I wasn’t sure if I could find the same package, but I just found the same one (price might be slightly different).
http://www.takubokutei.com/plan/4466?back=on&scr_date=
Currently the date is up to May. Not sure if they will continue this package in June. Please note that the link above may not work if they end this package deal. Please go to their website at http://www.takubokutei.com/.
I’d say, the hotel room and food at the hotel is just okay (for Japanese person’s standard), but I think it’s a good deal considering dinner/breakfast for 2 days are included.
Hope that helps! Have a safe and fun trip, and please let us know about your trip when you’re back. 🙂
Thank you very much. How to switch to English. Couldn’t read Japanese.
If you use Google chrome, the page will translate into English. Not perfect English, but it’s helpful. 🙂
Hello Nami! I was reading your trip to Hakodate and it looks really promising. I was checking out the link you have sent but I do not see any information of the tour. Could have it been already stopped? Do you have any other references to such tour from Sapporo to Hakodate? Thanks!
Hi Steve! I spent some time researching in Japanese and found this:
http://www.jalan.net/yad329988/plan/plan01928126/
You have to use Google chrome and translate into English to read. It includes a bus ride from Sapporo to Hakodate (22,000 yen)
Here’s also this bus ride only where it stops a few “sightseeing” spot on the way from Sapporo to Hakodate:
http://www.hakonavi.ne.jp/howto/bustour/
There’s also a train ride too. 🙂
Japan’s official tourist agency should hire you… you did an excellent job giving us all the details of Hakodate, Japan! Bookmarking this with all the other tour guide info you given about Japan for my “someday” file. 🙂
I have never heard of this city, but since I hope to go to Sapporo where my friend has moved, I’ll be very happy to use your guide post and visit Hakodate. I am so impatient to taste this super delicious seafood!
Gorgeous photos, Nami! The view is breathtaking…thank you for the sightseeing spot suggestions, the Red Brick Warehouses look pretty impressive! I love visiting old architeture and buildings…I would love to visit Hakodate, thank you for sharing this! Your kids are so adorable by the way!
Great pictures! That night view is beautiful! I need to make it to Hokkaido before I leave Japan. It’s one of my top 3 places I still need to visit. Did you book the tour while you were in Japan? That sounds like a great deal for a hotel, transportation, and food!
Hi Mallory! Yes you need to make it to Hokkaido, at least visit Sapporo and eat fresh seafood there. You can’t compare the price and freshness from the mainland of Japan. I did book the Japanese tour. I think it was 野口観光 (Noguchi Tourism) and there was a special going on that time. I’d say hotel and food was so so, but considering it was all inclusive, I think it was a great deal! 🙂
I enjoyed your story about Hakodate. I last visited Sapporo in 1981 (OMG…34 years ago!), but never was able to visit Hakodate. I can see how much I missed; I enjoyed reading about the various places you visited. Yes, your children are so sweet in their yukata!
Hi Sumi! Thank you so much for reading my post. 🙂 It takes a bit of time to travel to Hakodate from Sapporo, so this trip was my second trip, and it took me almost 20 years since my first visit! Thank you for your kind words about my kids. 🙂
I love your recipes, but your travel posts are incredible! Thank you for putting this guide together. I can’t wait to read more.
Hi,
Ive been following your blog for a while. love your easy recipes and enjoying your posts about trip to japan.
This september I plan to visit japan and was thinking of visiting both Sapporo and hakodate. Was wondering how many days I should stay in these cities also including a day trip from sapporo to otaru. I have about a week for these places will that be enough?
thankyou for your time.
Hi Annie! Thanks so much for following my blog! 1 week is definitely enough to visit these 3 cities, of course it all depends on what you do there, but in general you have good amount of time. I never stayed in Otaru and visited as a day trip. Hope you will have a wonderful trip there! And eat lots of good food!!! 🙂
I love when you share your travel guides :)Hakodate looks beautiful and the seafood looks amazing! Your little ones are so so cute: ) I can’t wait to visit someday when the kids are older and will definitely refer to all of your guides 🙂
Another wonderful travel log! Thank you! Great pics!
Nami,I love your travel posts about Japan,they are informative and make me want to go back visiting Japan as soon as I can!I didn’t know much about Hokkaido and these beautiful pictures of Hakodate let me wonder why I didn’t visit it already! Thank you for always being so inspiring! 🙂
Thank you so much, Barbara! Unless you have extra travel days, it’s kind of hard to plan a trip to Hokkaido as it’s a bit far. I hope you get to visit there some day. I can just keep traveling in Hokkaido as there are so many things to see and eat! 🙂