Hakodate
Harbor city with a famous night view.
Why Japanese travelers love itThe night view from Mt. Hakodate is a classic, and the morning market makes a food trip of it.
Hakodate sits at Hokkaido's southern tip, on a narrow strip between two bays. That shape makes the view from Mt. Hakodate one of Japan's best known. The Motomachi slopes have old churches and Western-style buildings from its early days as an open port. Mornings start at the market with squid and crab. It is also the first stop in Hokkaido by shinkansen from Tokyo.
Best time: Late spring to autumn for clear evening views. Winter is snowy but the view still works on clear nights.
Weather
Average temperature, °C. JMA 1991–2020 normals (Hakodate (JMA)).
Top 5
- Mt. HakodateThe city lights between two bays, best just after sunset.
- Morning MarketSquid, crab and rice bowls next to the station.
- MotomachiSloping streets with churches and old consulate buildings.
- GoryokakuA star-shaped fort, seen from the tower beside it.
- Red-brick warehousesBayside shops and cafés in old storehouses.
A simple day
- Breakfast at the Morning Market.
- Visit Goryokaku and its tower.
- Walk the Motomachi slopes in the afternoon.
- Coffee at the red-brick warehouses.
- Go up Mt. Hakodate for sunset and the night view.
Where to stay
- Hakodate StationClose to the market and trains.
- Bay areaWalkable to Motomachi and the ropeway.
- Yunokawa OnsenHot-spring hotels a short tram ride away.
Getting there
Tokyo → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto: about 4h by Hayabusa shinkansen, then a short Hakodate Liner ride into town. Sapporo → Hakodate: about 3h30 by Limited Express Hokuto.
psst — skip this mistake: Getting off the shinkansen at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and thinking you are in the city. Change to the Hakodate Liner.