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Things to Do in Hakodate, Japan

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When to visit

NOT BUSYJan-3°5d rain
NOT BUSYFeb-4°6d rain
MODERATEMar1°7d rain
MODERATEApr8°8d rain
MODERATEMay14°7d rainBEST
MODERATEJun17°11d rainBEST
BUSYJul21°12d rain
VERY BUSYAug23°13d rain
BUSYSep19°10d rainBEST
MODERATEOct13°7d rainBEST
NOT BUSYNov6°6d rain
NOT BUSYDec0°5d rain

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Scroll down for a list of most popular attractions and select them, if you want to include them in the itinerary preparation!

Most popular attractions in Hakodate, Japan

Mount Hakodate

1. Mount Hakodate

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.6 (3,139)
Mountain PeakNatural FeatureEstablishment

Unparalleled panoramic views await at the summit. Experience a breathtaking cityscape sparkled with twinkling lights and oceanic horizons.

Hakodate Morning Market

2. Hakodate Morning Market

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.1 (1,809)
MarketFoodPoint of InterestEstablishment

Dive into a lively market bursting with fresh seafood and local treats. Experience bustling stalls and vibrant flavors that wake up your taste buds.

Hakodate Ropeway

3. Hakodate Ropeway

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.4 (119)
Tourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Experience breathtaking city and bay views from above. Ride a spacious cable car to a cozy lookout with stunning night panoramas.

Our #1 travel tip

Have you heard of free walking tours?

After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Hakodate, Japan, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses

4. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.1 (15,858)
Shopping MallTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Experience a lively waterfront full of culture and delicious local flavors. Wander through beautifully preserved brick warehouses with shops and eateries packed inside.

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

5. Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

Official website, directions, tips & more
3.8 (3,578)
Botanical GardenTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Discover a tropical oasis in the north with exotic plants and playful hot spring monkeys. Experience nature's warmth amidst the cool surroundings.

Hakodate Bay Area

6. Hakodate Bay Area

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.5 (16,651)
Observation DeckPoint of InterestEstablishment

Experience vibrant bayfront energy and historic charm. Stroll by old warehouses, enjoy fresh seafood, and soak in magical night lights.

Trappistine Monastery

7. Trappistine Monastery

Official website, directions, tips & more
4.1 (3,134)
Tourist AttractionChurchPlace of WorshipPoint of InterestAssociation Or Organization

Step into a serene world of prayer and nature. Experience the peaceful vibe and taste divine homemade treats.

8. Yunokawa Onsen

Official website, directions, tips & more
Colloquial AreaPolitical

Experience soothing hot springs by the sea. Watch snow monkeys bathe and feel the magic of mineral-rich waters rejuvenate you.

Additional popular things to do in Hakodate, Japan

Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Shiroi Koibito

Shiroi Koibito

Shiroi Koibito is a famous white chocolate and langue de chat cookie, originally from Hokkaido, loved by many in Hakodate for its creamy texture and delicate flavor.

Sata Andagi

Sata Andagi

Sata Andagi are Okinawan deep-fried sweet dough balls popular in Hakodate, known for their crispy exterior and soft, sweet inside.

Kasutera

Kasutera

Kasutera is a traditional Japanese sponge cake introduced by Portuguese merchants, cherished in Hakodate for its moist texture and sweet honey flavor.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Hakodate Shio Ramen

Hakodate Shio Ramen

Hakodate Shio Ramen is famous for its clear, salty broth that highlights the fresh seafood and local ingredients of the region.

Uni Don

Uni Don

Uni Don is a bowl of rice topped with fresh sea urchin, reflecting Hakodate's rich seafood heritage and ocean bounty.

Ishikari Nabe

Ishikari Nabe

Ishikari Nabe is a salmon hot pot stew with miso broth, named after the Ishikari River, combining hearty flavors from local fish and vegetables.

Traditional Beverages

Sake

Sake

Hakodate's sake is renowned for its smooth, clean taste derived from local high-quality rice and pure water sources.

Amazake

Amazake

Amazake is a traditional sweet fermented rice drink, enjoyed warm in winter months, known for its mild sweetness and energy-boosting properties.

Hokkaido Milk Tea

Hokkaido Milk Tea

Hokkaido Milk Tea is popular in Hakodate, made with rich, creamy Hokkaido milk, and prized for its smooth, luxurious flavor.

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Most popular day trips

Onuma Quasi-National Park

25 km 30 min by train

A scenic park with volcanic lakes and trails for hiking and cycling.

Matsumae Castle

50 km 1h 20min by train and bus

Historic castle town with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.

Noboribetsu

105 km 2h by train

Famous hot spring area with Jigokudani Hell Valley geothermal crater.

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Getting there

Train stations

Hakodate Station

JR Hokkaido, Limited Express Hokuto

Take the Limousine Bus from Hakodate Airport to the city center for a convenient transfer.

Find flights to Hakodate, Japan

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The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.

Useful information for Hakodate, Japan

Shopping locationsHakodate Asaichi Market, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Motomachi, Tenmonkan
Nightlife locationsYachigashira Shopping Street, Goryokaku Tower area, Bay Area
Popular casual restaurantsUni Murakami, Lucky Pierrot, Ajisai Ramen
Popular fancy restaurantsLa Cueva, Trattoria Pirata, Goryokaku View Restaurant
Popular coffee shopsCafe Tanuki, Coffee Culture Hakodate, Beans Bonsai Cat
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appJapanTaxi, LINE Taxi, S.RIDE
Taxi price / km$2.5
Tourists / year2500000
Population260000
Mobile internet speed80 Mbps
Unemployment percentage2.5 %
Poverty percentage15.7 %
Average income / month$3000
Average cost of living / month$1500
Hotel price / night from$60
Beer price from$5
Coffee price from$3
Street food price from$4
Restaurant meal price from$12
Local currencyJPY
Power plug typesA, B, C, F
ReligionsShinto, Buddhism
Spoken languagesJapanese, English
EthnicitiesJapanese
Political orientationcentrist
Population density1700 /km²
Geographical area677 km²
Possible natural disastersearthquake, tsunami, typhoon, snowstorm
Locations for a nice walkMount Hakodate, Hakodate Bay Area, Motomachi Historic District, Goryokaku Park
Public transportationsHakodate Tram, JR Hakodate Line, buses
AirlinesJapan Airlines, ANA, Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan
Suggested vaccinationsRoutine vaccines, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A, Influenza
Architecture typeJapanese traditional, Western influenced, Modern
Average beer consumption per person / year34 l
Average wine consumption per person / year3.2 l
Tipping cultureNot customary
Coworking / day$15
Airbnb / month$800
1BR rent / month$600
Gym / month$35
Daily budget (backpacker)$40
Daily budget (mid-range)$80

Overview for Hakodate, Japan

English proficiencyAverage
Traffic safetyGood
Friendly to foreignersAverage
Freedom of speechGood
Public transportationGood
HealthcareVery good
EducationVery good
Power grid reliabilityVery good
Crime safetyGood
WalkabilityGood
NightlifeAverage
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyAverage
Startup sceneBad
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessVery good
Nature accessGood
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