Goryōkaku Park

If you look at Fort Goryokaku from right above, you’ll see it is shaped like a pentagram. It is the first western style castle and where the last samurais fought the new government army 150 years ago. Today it exists as a park. It’s open from 5am and entrance is free (too generous)! When spring […]

Hakodate Asaichi (Morning Market)

As the largest seafood market in Hokkaido, vegetables, fruits, sweets and dried seafood are also sold in the 250 store market. In other words, it’s the “wonderland of food” that has every imaginable Hokkaido food. Its liveliness is contagious and fun to walk around. Sure you can try a bite from various stores selling squid […]

Restaurant Genova ( at the Summit station of the ropeway)

At the summit station of the ropeway there is a restaurant called “Genova” on the 2nd floor and a lounge (Legato) on the 3rd floor. You can have dinner while taking in the evening view, or drink some tea and relax. If you make a dinner reservation at Restaurant Genova, with 2 or more people, […]

Hakodate St. John’s Church

An Anglican Church built in 1874. The church had burned down several times due to fire; the current church you see now was built in 1979. What’s interesting is from wherever you look you see a cross.

Ajisai Main Shop

Mt. Hakodate

The view from Mt. Hakodate is simply magnificent; so much so that it received the highest accolade – 3 stars – from global travel guide book Michelin Green Guide Japan.

Sabo Kikuizumi (Japanese Cafe)

Originally built as a villa 100 years ago for a  sake wholesaler. The exterior and interior both have a nice retro ambience. Sit on tatami mats in their Japanese room, or be entertained by the view of the sea sitting on western seats. Various kinds of sweets, tea, and coffee and even a food menu […]

Former Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

A colonial style building built in 1910 as a public hall. The 1st floor isn’t all that impressive. The 2nd floor, on the other hand, has a massive hall that is worth seeing. From the balcony of the 2nd floor, visitors can see a beautiful view of Hakodate Bay.

Jiyoken

Motomachi Park

A park – full of verdant greenery stylistically similar to a garden – which also offers an unobstructed view of Hakodate harbor. The building that stands on the site is the former Hokkaido Prefectural Office, built over 100 years ago.

Goryōkaku Tower

Standing 107 meters tall, the tower is located inside Goryōkaku Park near the entrance. The view of Goryōkaku from the observation deck is fabulous. You must climb up. You can also see the city of Hakodate, the sea, and mountains.

Yunohana Hotel

A total of 5 baths including cedar and rock bath are located on the 1st floor; the open air bath is on the 2nd floor. Both are right next to the sea boasting great views.

Hakodate Airport

Currently only has flights to/from Taiwan (Taipei). 

Tea Lounge Legato (at the Summit station of the ropeway)

At the summit station of the ropeway there is a restaurant called “Genova” on the 2nd floor and a lounge (Legato) on the 3rd floor. You can have dinner while taking in the evening view, or drink some tea and relax. If you make a dinner reservation at Restaurant Genova, with 2 or more people, […]

Yumoto Takubokutei

On the 11th floor is the the large bath “Unkai” , boasting a spectacular night view of Hakodate City through the 30 meter glass window. The open air bath “Isaribi” has a sense of space and quite nice too.

Yumoto Isaribikan

This place has a large cypress bath and an open air rock bath with a nice ocean view. Enjoy it at the low cost of ¥500.

Former British Consulate of Hakodate

Established as the British Consulate of Hakodate from 1859 to 1934. Today, the rooms of the consulate serve as exhibits re-creating what it was like during operation, as well as the history of Hakodate Port. A charming tea room can be found in the former consulate too.

Motomachi Roman Catholic Church

This Catholic Church was built in 1859, but after a fire it was rebuilt – to what you see today – in 1924 as a gothic church. The gorgeous altar in the cathedral was a gift from the Pope himself.

Hakodate Orthodox Church

Built in 1860, the Hakodate Orthodox Church was the first Russian Orthodox Church in Japan. Its white walls and green roof contrast beautifully. It’s also famous for its booming bell chime before service.

Hachiman-zaka

The picturesque scene of the tree lined hill stretching out to the sea is often used in movies and commercials. A major newspaper even ranked it the No.1 hill in Japan.

Daimon Yokocho Hakodate Hikari no Yatai (Food Stall)

A food stall village in Daimon district located in front of Hakodate Station. Bar eateries, yakitori, Japanese mutton, ramen, and several other kinds of restaurants – 26 in all – congregate. Most open from night, but there are a few open for lunch.

Hakodate Magistrate’s Office

Located within Goryōkaku Park, the former Magistrate’s Office was restored completely in 2010. Recommended to those who are interested in history and Japanese architecture

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

A throng of red brick warehouse buildings made over 100 years ago face the bay.  Now, they exist as commercial complexes. Inside you will find around 40 shops, sweets vendors, and restaurants.