Hakodate Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jul)

Beautiful night view at Hakodate

As one of the world's three most beautiful night scenes, the night view of Mount Hakodate is truly worthy of the name. In the snowy snow of Hokkaido, there is a shimmering light, and there are small streets and alleys at night, and vending machines that never freeze. You must have a sprite in the place where there is snow.

Hakodate is the only mountain in Hakodate. It looks like a cow lying down, so it is also called Wagyu Mountain. There is an observatory on the top of the mountain. At night, in the middle of the sand neck, the street lights shining on the slender city street contrast with the dark sea. The oil lamp lit by the fishing boat of the inkfish is woven into a beautiful night view. The beauty of the night view of Hakodate lies in the two curved coastlines on both sides of the city. It is built in the sky and is rare in the world. From the top of the mountain, the left side is Hakodate Port, and the right side is the endless Pacific Ocean. The two sides of the sea are spread out to the distance, and you can clearly see the whole city. When the lights are shining at night, the little lights of the stars become a point of painting, showing two beautiful arcs under the night, depicting a beautiful and elegant "the world's first night scene."

Hokkaido Port City · Hakodate.

Hakodate is located on the southern edge of Hokkaido, surrounded by the sea on three sides, and is a very famous port city in Hokkaido. In winter, the white of the snow and the blue of the sea set off the serene atmosphere of Hakodate. When I first came to Hakodate, my impression was that there were very few people, apart from tourists, and even the local residents were scarce. As a result, only we were walking down the entire street, which felt very quiet and comfortable~ Wandering around with a camera, every scene is very beautiful, and every street leads to the sea at its end. Hakodate is not large, and the attractions are relatively concentrated, so one to two days is enough to explore. Mount Hakodate also boasts one of the world's three most beautiful night views (but I think Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong is more impressive, however, if you're interested, you can also go and see for yourself.

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

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

The tower is an interactive museum, telling a story of the fort and providing a great view on the surroundings. Great if you're into history. Make the time to visit the tower is you are in Hakodate. This lovely little port is graced with a number of attractions. The tower provides a 360 degree eagle-eye view of the city, including the Goryokaku Park, a beautiful and unusually shaped piece of land originally built to be a fort. The day of our visit was apparently the busiest of the year but, despite the queues, it was a lovely day and the crowds added to the ambience. Definitely worth the visit. The crowds were efficiently and effectively managed. #givethanks #givethanks

Viewing Cherry Blossoms from Goryokaku Tower: A Spectacular Sight

🏙️ Goryokaku Tower 🚩 Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan 📝 Goryokaku Tower is a symbolic observation tower in Hakodate, offering panoramic views of the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and the surrounding landscape. Ascending the tower provides a sweeping view that allows you to appreciate Hakodate's beautiful nature and history at the same time. In particular, during the spring, the sight of Goryokaku Park filled with blooming cherry blossoms is so beautiful that it attracts many visitors. Inside the tower, there are exhibits about the history of Goryokaku Fort and Hakodate, making for an even more interesting visit. If you're planning to visit Hakodate, be sure to stop by Goryokaku Tower.

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

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

Hakodate Must-Visit Course

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Reason to Visit: The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a historic building in Hakodate, where the past and present coexist in this unique location built with red bricks. Inside, there are various shops and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy both shopping and dining. It's especially great for purchasing local specialties and souvenirs, and the restaurants offer a taste of Hakodate's fresh seafood. It's the perfect place to spend a leisurely time overlooking the beautiful harbor. Downside: On weekends or public holidays, it can get quite crowded with visitors. If you prefer a quiet and relaxed visit, weekday mornings are recommended. Also, some shops may be a bit pricey, so it's wise to shop with your budget in mind.

Hakodate's Premier Indoor Shopping Destination

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Reasons to Visit: The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a museum where you can see Hakodate's rich history and culture at a glance. Through various exhibits and materials, you can learn about the development of Hakodate and important historical events. In particular, the museum building is made of red bricks, creating an antique atmosphere, and the exhibits are very interesting and educational. It is a great place to visit with family, friends, or a significant other to reflect on the historical significance of Hakodate. Downsides: As it is a popular spot, it can get quite crowded on weekends and public holidays. If you want to enjoy a leisurely visit, it is recommended to go on weekday mornings. Also, some exhibits may lack English explanations, which could be challenging for visitors who do not understand Japanese.

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.

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

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

Goryokaku Park Cherry Blossoms

Hakodate, Hokkaido, boasts two must-see sights at least once in a lifetime. The first is the million-dollar night view from Mount Hakodate, and the second is undoubtedly Goryokaku. As the cherry blossoms in Hokkaido bloom the latest in all of Japan, visiting Hakodate from late April to mid-May allows one to enjoy the most representative cherry blossom viewing spot in Hokkaido and the million-dollar night view in one trip. Goryokaku, a source of pride for the people of Hakodate, is a fortress built in 1864 in the shape of a five-pointed star. It was constructed under the orders of the Edo shogunate and is the largest European-style fort in Japan. It was the site of the famous Battle of Hakodate, the last battle between the former shogunate army and the new Meiji government forces. Due to its historical value and uniqueness, it is now listed as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles and has been designated as a Special Historic Site and a Hokkaido Heritage, attesting to its significance. Goryokaku Park evolved from a fortress and the Imperial Japanese Army's training grounds into the park it is today. With about 1,600 cherry trees planted within, the blossoming cherry trees spread along the moat and inside the fortress, densely filling the star-shaped fort and presenting a captivating scene of a cherry blossom star fortress. The design of Goryokaku, originally intended to confuse invaders, offers a unique cherry blossom viewing experience akin to being in a cherry blossom maze, making it worth a special visit. Goryokaku Park Address: 44 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido

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

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

As the name would suggest it is only open in the morning. Amazing seafood, best seafood meal we had in town.

Hakodate City is the most representative seafood market in Hokkaido. Every morning, it is the most lively place in Hakodate. In addition to the seafood that you have just picked up, you can taste the freshest seafood. Moreover, if you go to the city, there will always be shop owners. Please try to eat long-legged crab feet. They are all free~~ Don't miss the passing road~ Why is the fishing in Hakodate famous for other fishing ports? I heard that it is because Hakodate is a meeting place for the cold current, the warm current of the horse, and the three currents of the pro-tidal current. It is also a gathering place for the Beiyang fishery, and the catch is naturally rich. Restaurants in the city are generally open until 3 pm, so the students who want to eat are best to come in the morning or at noon.