Hakodate Park

Cherry blossoms are the whispers of spring. In Hakodate, each petal is touched by sea mist and morning light. This port city blends Western influences and Eastern charm into the cherry blossoms, weaving a pale pink and white scroll. On the first day, head to Goryokaku, a star-shaped fortress surrounded by thousands of Somei Yoshino cherry trees. Ascend the tower for a panoramic view, and the fortress transforms into a medal falling into a pink sea of clouds. Fallen petals float on the moat, and visitors stroll slowly along the wooden bridge with umbrellas. Turn a corner to encounter a girl in a kimono, her sleeves and the drooping branches swaying in the breeze, and the essence of spring flows from the folds. The next morning, sunlight spills over Mount Hakodate. Hike to Hakodate Park, where century-old weeping cherry trees spread out their massive floral domes. The bark is cracked like an old man's hand, holding up a tree full of youthful beauty. In the afternoon, a streetcar clangs along Motomachi Slope, and at the end of Hachiman Slope, the cherry blossoms meet the sea. In the evening, take the cable car up the mountain. As dusk falls, millions of lights gradually light up, and the night cherry blossoms float semi-transparently in the halo of colored lights, like a beaded curtain hanging from the heavenly market. On the third day, head to Yukura Shrine. The stone steps of the approach are covered with a pale red hue. The sound of an ancient bell startles the birds, and the petals shaken off as they flap their wings scatter into the morning incense smoke. In the afternoon, stroll through the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. The scent of the sea mixes with the sweetness of cherry blossoms, seeping into the brick cracks. Find a cafe to sit down, and outside the glass window, the shadows of the flowers are mottled. A salted cherry blossom floats in the latte in your cup. Three days is short, but enough to engrave the spring of Hakodate into your memory. The cherry blossoms here are not as bright as those in Kyoto, but they have a unique clarity that has been washed by the sea breeze. When the last petal falls into the Tsugaru Strait, the reflections of the star-shaped castle, the light spots at the end of the slope, and the whispers of the night cherry blossoms and lights will eventually transform into a gentle itch in your heart when the spring breeze rises again in some year.

Traveling from Central Hokkaido to Hakodate, this two-day journey is all about exploring Hakodate! This time, the focus is on food! 🍴 - Lucky Pierrot Chinese Chicken Burger, Vanilla Shake - Hasegawa Store Yakitori Bento - Shibata Shoten (Mori Town) Squid Rice In addition to these three must-try gourmet spots: - THE DANSHAKU LOUNGE (Nanae Town) Baron Fried Potatoes, Baron Croquettes - Hakodate Free Market Seafood Bowl - Ika Sei I indulged in all these delicious treats 😋😋😋 Although the cherry blossoms at Goryokaku Park were mostly past their peak, the scattered petals created a beautiful pink carpet-like scenery! Stayed overnight at La'gent Stay Hakodate 🏨 The location is excellent, right next to Hakodate Station and within the Hakoviva commercial facility, making dining convenient! The large public bath includes a sauna, and the clean, comfortable rooms allowed for a relaxing evening with drinks. I’d love to stay here again! On the way back, I took a slight detour to Kaminokuni Town! From the roadside station Monju, descending "Kami no Michi" revealed breathtaking views! The emerald green sea was stunningly beautiful and truly rejuvenated my soul ❤️🔥

【Accommodation】 I stayed at "OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts," which opened on July 6, 2024. It was a room-only stay. Although I traveled alone, I stayed in a spacious twin room. The room provided comfortable loungewear with separate top and bottom pieces, disposable slippers, and a small bag to carry items to the bath. Accommodation: OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts Room Type: Superior Twin Room Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station ◾️ Large Public Bath "Amber-Colored Hot Spring" Spring Quality: Sodium chloride strong saline spring, pH 6.8 The public bath features natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source! It also includes a sauna, steam sauna, and cold bath. The hot spring water is rich in iron, giving it a reddish-brown color, and it warmed me to the core. The bath is open until 1:00 AM, so even late returns are no problem. Towels are provided near the bath, so you don’t need to bring them from your room, which is very convenient. After bathing, I enjoyed a delicious corn tea. On the way to the public bath, there’s the OMO Base (post-bath lounge), where you can relax and enjoy light snacks in various rest areas. ◾️ 24-Hour Lockers Lockers are available next to the entrance on the first floor, allowing you to store your luggage before check-in or after check-out. They use a 4-digit dial lock system and come in sizes S/M/L, accommodating items like carry-on cases or handbags. ◾️ Shared Bicycles Right outside the entrance, there’s a shared bicycle stand, which was convenient for quick trips. You may need to download and register with the HELLO CYCLING app to use them. ◾️ Smart Laundry I used the laundry facilities on the 6th floor. There are three washing machines and dryers, and they clean without the need for detergent! The results were excellent. The same area also has a microwave, water dispenser, ice machine, and vending machines. The room provides a bottle for drinking water, which can be filled at the water dispenser. However, the room only had four hangers, so drying items that couldn’t go in the dryer required some creativity. Although I didn’t use them this time, guests can enjoy free guided tours and shuttle buses provided by OMO Rangers, making it easy to fully explore Hakodate. 【Nearby Attractions】 ◾️ Sushi Masa A sushi restaurant located in the Free Market that’s a must-visit in Hakodate. While they offer set menus, I always order my favorites à la carte. This time, I indulged in 19 pieces! Everything was delicious, but I especially loved the fresh herring, chun-chun, crab, and striped shrimp. Complimentary soup was a nice touch, and the rich shrimp soup was delightful. During Golden Week, I wrote my name on the waiting list at 7:15 AM and was the sixth group (the restaurant opens at 9:30 AM). You can start signing up around 7:00 AM. With only five seats available, I was seated around 11:15 AM (about the third round). ◾️ Ram Kichi Highly recommend the salted lamb. The restaurant isn’t very spacious, so reservations are essential. ◾️ Sakai Fish Shop I purchased three packs: black rockfish, octopus legs, and hairy shellfish. They were incredibly delicious! I bought soy sauce at a supermarket to enjoy them. ◾️ Miyazaki Koi Shop Finally tried the long-awaited koi sashimi (small portion). It was delicious. They also offer koi soup as a complimentary service, but I couldn’t prepare it this time, so I only had the sashimi. ◾️ Soba Restaurant Maru Minami For lunch, I visited a nearby soba restaurant. It was a windy and chilly day in the port town, so I chose the warm "kakitama soba." The thick soup with ginger and egg was a perfect match, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. ◾️ Numa no Ya I chose "soy sauce and sesame" flavors. I particularly liked the sesame. Alternating between the two flavors, I finished them in no time. The packaging represents Lake Onuma and Lake Konuma, and the dumplings are not skewered to resemble floating islands on the lake surface. ◾️ Yachigashira Onsen This hot spring features natural water flowing directly from the source, rich in iron and reddish-brown in color. The indoor baths are divided into high temperature (43.5°C), medium temperature (42.0°C), and bubble bath (40°C), allowing you to choose based on your preference or mood. There’s also an outdoor bath, sauna, and cold bath. Note that towels, shampoo, and body soap are not provided, so bring your own. It’s a pleasant walk from the Bay Area or a short distance from the Yachigashira tram stop. I walked there and took the tram back. The dining area is known for its delicious tempura rice bowls, so I plan to visit with an empty stomach next time. ◾️ Times Car Share There are several Times Car Share stations nearby. I used one to visit the Onuma area. ◾️ MaxValu (Aeon) There’s a MaxValu supermarket behind the hotel, which was very convenient for small purchases like drinks and soy sauce. ◾️ Cherry Blossoms The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and Hakodate Park, Shiryokaku, and Goryokaku were all stunning. ◾️ A Second Chance at Asari Main Store I tried to make a lunch reservation by phone 2–3 weeks in advance, but it was fully booked. The store also has a butcher shop, so I visited around noon hoping to buy croquettes, but they were sold out. Apparently, they can sell out within 30 minutes of opening on busy days. Now I have another reason to return to Hakodate.

#cherryblossom25 In addition to cherry blossom viewing, Hakodate offers a rich variety of historical and cultural attractions, truly amazing. You can visit Mount Hakodate for a panoramic view of the city or enjoy fresh seafood and experiencing the unique charm of the city. If you really love cherry blossoms, Hakodate is undoubtedly an ideal destination, offering beautiful natural scenery and a rich tourism experience.

#cherryblossom25 As one of Japan's northernmost major cities, Hakodate's sakura season arrives late but breathtakingly! In early May when Honshu enters early summer, this port town finally blooms pink. Hakodate Park, Goryokaku Fort, and Motomachi slopes transform into dreamy pink canvases, contrasting beautifully with Mount Hakodate and the Tsugaru Strait's deep blue.

#cityplaybook #localguides #familytrip Nestled at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate is a captivating port city renowned for its panoramic night views, rich history, and delectable seafood. With its blend of Western and Japanese influences, Hakodate offers travelers a unique glimpse into Japan's diverse cultural tapestry. Top Attractions & Experiences: Mount Hakodate (Hakodateyama): Ascend via the Hakodate Ropeway to witness one of Japan's most celebrated nightscapes, where city lights shimmer between two bays. Goryokaku Park & Tower: Explore this star-shaped fort, a symbol of Japan's modernization, and ascend the adjacent tower for a bird's-eye view of its unique design. Motomachi District: Stroll through this historic neighborhood, home to Western-style buildings like the Hakodate Orthodox Church and the Old Public Hall, reflecting the city's international past. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses: Once bustling trade centers, these renovated warehouses now house chic boutiques, eateries, and event spaces, blending history with modernity. Hakodate Morning Market (Asaichi): Dive into a seafood lover's paradise, sampling fresh catches like uni (sea urchin), crab, and the famed "dancing squid" that reacts to soy sauce. Cultural Highlights: Yunokawa Onsen: Relax in one of Hokkaido's premier hot springs, known for its therapeutic waters and the unique sight of snow monkeys bathing during winter months. Hakodate Jōmon Culture Center: Delve into prehistoric Japan by viewing artifacts from the Jōmon period, including the "Hollow Dogū," Hokkaido's only National Treasure. Hakodate Park: Established in 1879, this Western-style park offers serene landscapes, a small zoo, and is a favored spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. Outdoor Adventures: Onuma Quasi-National Park: Just a short trip from the city, this park boasts picturesque lakes dotted with islands, ideal for hiking, cycling, and nature photography. Kōsetsu-en Garden: Experience a harmonious blend of Japanese and Western garden designs in this tranquil setting, designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. Culinary Delights: Shio Ramen: Savor Hakodate's signature salt-based ramen, characterized by its clear broth and delicate flavors. Seafood Donburi: Indulge in rice bowls topped with an array of fresh seafood, a staple in local eateries and the morning market. Visitor Information: Location: Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to May) for cherry blossoms; Summer (June to August) for festivals; Winter (December to February) for snowy landscapes and hot springs. #Hakodate #ExploreHakodate #MountHakodate #GoryokakuPark #YunokawaOnsen #HakodateCuisine #HokkaidoTravel #JapanDestinations

#cherryblossom25 Hakodate Park offer picturesque scenes that blend nature with history. The cool, crisp air and peaceful atmosphere make cherry blossom viewing in Hakodate a serene and unforgettable experience. Hakodate, a historic port city in southern Hokkaido, is one of the earliest places in the region to welcome cherry blossoms each spring especially Hakodate Park.

#cherryblossom25 The cherry blossoms in Hakodate are truly beautiful, especially when spring arrives. Hakodate, a city in Hokkaido, becomes one of the most anticipated places for both locals and tourists when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The cherry blossoms in Hakodate are mainly found in places like Onuma Park and Goryokaku Park. If you have the opportunity to visit Hakodate during cherry blossom season, you can not only enjoy the beautiful flowers but also taste fresh seafood and experience the hot spring culture—it's truly a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds!

Last June and September, I visited Hakodate, but the cherry trees were already covered in green leaves, leaving me with a slight sense of regret. This year, I decided to visit during the cherry blossom season, and it was truly worth it! From the weeping cherry blossoms at Hokkeji Temple, the cherry blossom-lined paths along the Ono River, Trappistine Monastery, Kosetsuen Garden, and Hakodate Park (night blossoms!), to Goryokaku Park and Sakuragaoka Street, I took over 500 photos in total. Although it was tiring for my partner and a bit exhausting for me as well, it was an unforgettable experience!

#cherryblossom25 Hakodate, a historic port city in southern Hokkaido, is one of the earliest places in the region to welcome cherry blossoms each spring. From late April to early May, the city transforms into a sea of soft pink petals, attracting visitors from near and far. Famous viewing spots like Hakodate Park, with its unique and beautiful cherry blossoms.

#cherryblossom25 Hakodate is located in the southern part of Hokkaido, which is one of the first cities in the region where cherry blossoms bloom each year. From late April to early May, the city bursts into color as the cherry trees bloom, cherry blossoms drawing in crowds of visitors. The main variety is the Somei Yoshino cherry, with a bloom period of about one week. The mild spring weather makes it perfect for flower viewing.

#cherryblossom25 Hakodate Park is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing locations in the city, with many cherry trees planted throughout the park. It becomes a lively hub during cherry blossoms season.Many visitors describe Hakodate’s cherry blossom season as a time that brings warmth and hope and when you are walking beneath the fluttering petals, you will feel like stepping into a dream. Sharing the moment with friends or family, while enjoying Hokkaido’s delicious local cuisine, makes for unforgettable and happy memories.