Top Attractions in Hakodate for Sightseeing
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Located on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate is one of Japan’s most scenic and culturally rich port cities, offering a unique mix of historical charm, stunning nature, and mouthwatering local cuisine. It’s a popular stop for travelers exploring Hokkaido tourism and a must-see destination on any Hokkaido travel itinerary. One of the most iconic things to do in Hakodate is visit Mount Hakodate, where the night view from the summit is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. The panoramic cityscape sparkling along the coastline is truly unforgettable. Another highlight is Goryokaku, a star-shaped fort surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring and brilliant foliage in autumn. You can enjoy the view from the Goryokaku Tower or take a stroll through the park’s peaceful paths. Hakodate’s historical influence from Western and Japanese cultures blends beautifully in the Motomachi district, where you’ll find charming churches, Western-style houses, and traditional Japanese homes side by side. Food lovers will find plenty to savor here. Start your morning at the famous Hakodate Morning Market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood like uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), and the city’s signature squid dishes. Don’t miss Hakodate shio ramen, a clear, salty noodle soup unique to this area. Accessible by shinkansen from Tokyo or via a short flight from major cities, Hakodate is easy to reach and full of local charm. Whether you’re here for the seasonal beauty, historical architecture, or local food culture, Hakodate offers a travel experience that’s both relaxing and full of discovery.
Recommended Local Products and Traditional Crafts in Hakodate
Hakodate Salt Ramen
When exploring Hokkaido food culture during your Hakodate travel, one dish you shouldn’t miss is Hakodate Salt Ramen. This local specialty stands out for its clear, golden broth seasoned with simple yet flavorful sea salt. Unlike richer miso or soy-based ramen found in other parts of Japan, Hakodate Salt Ramen is known for its light, clean taste that highlights the delicate flavors of the soup and fresh noodles. Rooted in Hakodate’s long history as a port town, this ramen reflects the city’s connection to the sea. The broth often features seafood-based stocks—such as kelp and dried fish—creating a depth of flavor that is both comforting and refined. Toppings usually include sliced pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions, with seasonal variations found in local shops. Loved by locals for generations, Hakodate Salt Ramen isn’t just a meal—it’s a part of the city’s identity. Many ramen shops in Hakodate serve their own take on this dish, making it a delicious way to experience the area’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or just curious about local specialties in Hokkaido, this bowl offers a warm welcome to the flavors of northern Japan.
Explore Hakodate: Top Spots and Must-Know Topic
Mt. Hakodate Ropeway
Mt. Hakodate Observatory is a popular tourist spot located at the 334-meter summit of Mt. Hakodate in Hakodate, Hokkaido, famous for its panoramic views of the city and the sea. At night, the cityscape twinkles like a scattering of jewels, a beauty so renowned it has been called one of the “world’s top three night views.” From the observatory, you can see the city of Hakodate, the Tsugaru Strait, and Hakodate Bay, and on a clear day, even the Shimokita Peninsula. The view changes dramatically from day to night and with the seasons. Spring brings cherry blossoms, autumn offers vibrant fall foliage, and winter transforms the city into a snowy wonderland, providing a unique experience with each visit. You can get to the observatory via the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway, a mountain bus, taxi, or your own car (with night-time traffic restrictions). Access is easy for first-time visitors, as the ropeway’s base station is just a 10-minute walk from the Jujigai streetcar stop.
Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku Park is a historic park in Hakodate that’s a staple of local sightseeing, known for its iconic star-shaped fortress. Built in the late Edo period, it’s famous as Japan’s first Western-style fortress. Today, you can get a stunning panoramic view of its unique star shape from Goryokaku Tower. In spring, the park is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot, with approximately 1,500 cherry trees in full bloom, drawing many visitors. Inside the park, you can also see a replica of the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office, where you can learn about the history and culture of the city. The park’s ever-changing scenery throughout the four seasons makes it an ideal location for a relaxing stroll or photography. Blending history and nature, Goryokaku Park is a beloved Hakodate attraction that offers a concentrated look at the city’s key highlights.
Goryokaku Tower
Goryokaku Tower is a classic Hakodate sightseeing spot that offers a comprehensive view of the city’s history and landscape. From a height of about 107 meters, you can get a stunning view of the star-shaped Goryokaku fortress. The scenery is particularly captivating during the spring cherry blossom season and in winter when the landscape is covered in snow, making it one of Hakodate’s top highlights. Inside the tower, you’ll find extensive exhibits on the history of the Bakumatsu period (the final years of the Edo era), including materials related to historical figures like Toshizo Hijikata, making it a great destination for history buffs. The area around the tower also features cafes and souvenir shops, so you can enjoy both a relaxing stroll and delicious food. Goryokaku Tower is a must-visit Hakodate attraction, packed with appeal that can be enjoyed in any season.
Hakodate Morning Market
Hakodate Morning Market is a popular sightseeing spot located just a short walk from Hakodate Station in the center of Hakodate, Hokkaido. The market buzzes with energy from early morning, with stalls selling a wide variety of fresh seafood and local farm produce, allowing visitors to savor the unique flavors of Hokkaido. The seafood bowls and the thrilling live squid-fishing experience are particularly famous as quintessential Hakodate gourmet experiences, loved by both tourists and locals. With different seasonal seafood available throughout the year, every visit offers a new delight. As a place where you can experience the best of Hakodate’s food culture all at once, the market attracts a large number of visitors.
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Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses
The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses are a group of historic buildings located in the bay area of Hakodate. They are a beloved sightseeing spot, with the renovated red brick warehouses from the Meiji era now housing a collection of souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s an ideal place to find delicious Hakodate food and pick out gifts. One of the main attractions is the romantic atmosphere at night when the buildings are illuminated, creating a beautiful scene along the waterfront. The surrounding area is also full of sights, including a tourist boat pier and streets with a distinctly foreign feel. The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses are a popular destination that brings together history and modernity, and they can be enjoyed by all ages.
Motomachi Area (Churches)
The Motomachi district in Hakodate is a popular sightseeing spot known for its exotic, foreign-influenced streets. This hilly area is dotted with historic churches built during the Meiji period, including the Hakodate Orthodox Church, the Catholic Motomachi Church, and the St. John’s Church. The unique landscape, where Western architecture blends with traditional Japanese scenery, is a particularly popular and photogenic highlight of Hakodate. The ever-changing streetscape throughout the seasons and the magical sight of the churches lit up at dusk captivate many visitors. The area is also home to various cafes and souvenir shops, allowing you to immerse yourself in Hakodate’s culture and history as you stroll. The Motomachi district is a highly recommended spot for those who want to take their time and fully appreciate Hakodate’s unique charm.
Hakodate Orthodox Church
The Hakodate Orthodox Church is a historic building located in Hakodate’s Motomachi district and is a must-see spot for sightseeing in the city. The Byzantine-style building, with its striking white walls and green roof, is known as one of the oldest Russian Orthodox churches in Japan. Inside, the solemn icons (religious paintings) and flickering candlelight create a tranquil space for prayer, offering an atmosphere rich with foreign charm. The sound of the church bells has been selected as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan” and is considered one of Hakodate’s highlights. The surrounding area is dotted with Western-style buildings like Motomachi Park and the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, making it a perfect spot for a stroll to experience Hakodate’s history and culture.
Yunokawa Hot Spring
Yunokawa Onsen is a historic hot spring resort that represents Hakodate City. It’s a popular sightseeing spot known for its picturesque seaside views and abundant hot water. This area has been a beloved destination for therapeutic bathing since the Edo period. Many inns and hotels offer the gentle, slightly alkaline waters, and the onsen is cherished by both tourists and locals. The contrast between the steam and the snowy landscape in winter is a particularly popular sight in Hakodate. At night, the illuminated coastline creates a magical atmosphere. Since you can also enjoy fresh seafood—a classic Hakodate gourmet experience—Yunokawa Onsen is an excellent base for sightseeing in Hakodate. It offers a luxurious experience where you can enjoy both relaxation and delicious food.
Hachimanzaka Slope
Hachiman-zaka Slope is a charming, atmospheric hill located in Hakodate’s Motomachi district and is a classic sightseeing spot in the city. The view of Hakodate Port from the top is especially beautiful on a clear day, so much so that it has frequently been used as a filming location for movies and commercials. The cobblestone path and the foreign-style buildings create a nostalgic streetscape that is a pleasure to stroll through. The scenery changes with each season, from the cherry trees in spring to the beautiful snowscapes in winter. This area is packed with Hakodate’s best sights, and you can also enjoy local cuisine at nearby cafes and bakeries, making it a perfect spot to savor both sightseeing and food. It’s a must-visit among Hakodate’s many tourist attractions.
Trappistine Convent
The Trappistine Convent is a well-known tourist spot in Hakodate, recognized as Japan’s first women’s monastery. It is a place of solemnity and features a beautiful garden. Founded in the Meiji era by French nuns, it continues to be a peaceful and active monastery. The heavy, stone-built architecture and the statue of the Virgin Mary on the grounds are striking, offering visitors a moment of calm reflection. The gift shop sells handmade treats by the nuns, such as cookies and butter candy, which are popular Hakodate souvenirs with a simple, gentle flavor. As one of Hakodate’s highlights, the convent is a popular destination for those interested in history and spiritual culture, making it an essential part of any Hakodate sightseeing itinerary.
List of Local Products and Traditional Crafts from Hakodate
Sliced Squid Sashimi・Squid Somen
Hakodate is known nationwide as a top producer of squid. Fresh squid sashimi and “ika somen” (squid somen noodles) are a prime example of Hakodate’s famous local cuisine. At the morning market, you can even see live squid being prepared on the spot, a special attraction where you can enjoy transparent, fresh sashimi. Ika somen is a regional dish of thinly sliced squid that resembles noodles and is a local favorite. When sightseeing in Hakodate, you can find many restaurants that serve fresh seafood, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavors of this port city. Squid sashimi and ika somen are must-try dishes when you visit Hakodate’s tourist spots.
Trappist Butter and Cookies
トラピストクッキーを開封してみた！中身はどうなってる？ Trappist cookies/おみやチャンネル
Trappistine Cookies from the Trappist Monastery in Hakodate are fragrant baked goods made with high-quality Hokkaido butter. Known for their simple, gentle sweetness, these cookies have been a beloved local treat for many years. You can buy freshly baked cookies at the shop on the monastery grounds, making them a perfect souvenir. When sightseeing in Hakodate, this quiet location is a unique highlight, offering a different experience from famous spots like Goryokaku and the night view. As you walk along the beautiful tree-lined path, be sure to experience the charm of this historic monastery and its traditional sweets.
Hakodate Wine
Hakodate Wine is a local wine brewed in Hakodate City, Hokkaido, and its winery is a notable spot to visit during a sightseeing trip to Hakodate. The wine is carefully crafted using Hokkaido-grown grapes and takes advantage of the cool climate, resulting in a flavor characterized by refreshing acidity and rich fruitiness. With a wide variety of red, white, and rosé options, the winery offers tastings and tours. It is highly regarded as a part of Hakodate’s food culture and pairs exceptionally well with local cuisine. This fascinating wine allows you to simultaneously experience Hakodate’s unique culture and flavors.