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Things to Do in Hakodate, Japan
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Hakodate, Japan
Things to do in Hakodate, Japan include riding the Hakodate Ropeway to Mount Hakodate's summit for a panoramic night view stretching over 360 degrees. At the Hakodate Morning Market, sample fresh seafood just steps from the sea. Explore Goryokaku Fort, a star-shaped fortress with historical exhibits and scenic walking paths.
1. Mount Hakodate
Unparalleled panoramic views await at the summit. Experience a breathtaking cityscape sparkled with twinkling lights and oceanic horizons.
Quick facts: A volcanic mountain rising 334 meters above sea level offers one of the most stunning cityscape views in Japan. The summit is reachable by trams, cable cars, or a hiking trail popular for sunrise and night views.
Highlights: At night, the city lights spread below resemble a glowing carpet, often called one of the world's top three night views. On clear days, panoramic vistas include the Tsugaru Strait and nearby islands, creating an unforgettable natural and urban blend.
2. Hakodate Morning Market
Dive into a lively market bursting with fresh seafood and local treats. Experience bustling stalls and vibrant flavors that wake up your taste buds.
Quick facts: This spot features over 250 stalls packed with fresh seafood, veggies, and local crafts. You can snag some of Japan's freshest crab and sea urchin right off the boat almost any day of the year.
Highlights: Vendors here compete to prepare the freshest seafood rice bowls topped with catch from the nearby Sea of Japan, cooked right in front of you. Early morning buzz fills the air as locals and tourists sample delicacies like squid sashimi with soy sauce made on the spot.
3. Hakodate Ropeway
Experience breathtaking city and bay views from above. Ride a spacious cable car to a cozy lookout with stunning night panoramas.
Quick facts: The aerial tramway ascends 334 meters to offer an outstanding view of the cityscape below and the surrounding bay. Each cable car can hold up to 124 passengers, making it efficient during peak tourist seasons.
Highlights: The panoramic night views are often called one of the best in Japan, with the city lights resembling a sea of twinkling stars. The top station has lazy benches and wide windows, providing a cozy spot to soak in the illuminated scenery without crowds.
4. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses
Experience a lively waterfront full of culture and delicious local flavors. Wander through beautifully preserved brick warehouses with shops and eateries packed inside.
Quick facts: A cluster of vermilion brick buildings stands as a nostalgic reminder of historic trade and shipping days along the waterfront. Hundreds of shops, cafes, and museums fill the warehouses, blending history with modern local culture.
Highlights: The warehouses light up with vibrant lanterns during summer festivals, transforming the entire area into a fairy-tale scene against the harbor backdrop. Shoppers can find handcrafted Hakodate glass and seafood delicacies, engaging senses beyond sight with taste and touch.
5. Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
Discover a tropical oasis in the north with exotic plants and playful hot spring monkeys. Experience nature's warmth amidst the cool surroundings.
Quick facts: The garden houses over 2,000 tropical plants despite its northern location, creating a lush oasis in chilly Hakodate. Curious monkeys roam around soaking in the warm springs, a rare sight for a botanical garden.
Highlights: Visitors can watch Japanese macaques enjoy natural hot springs, a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary. The tropical plants thrive thanks to volcanic steam heating, blending exotic flora with animal antics.
6. Hakodate Bay Area
Experience vibrant bayfront energy and historic charm. Stroll by old warehouses, enjoy fresh seafood, and soak in magical night lights.
Quick facts: The harbor buzzes with life as fishermen unload fresh seafood each morning, giving the air a distinct salty aroma. Historic brick warehouses stand shoulder to shoulder, now reborn as trendy shops and cozy cafes, blending old charm with modern delights.
Highlights: Colorful night illuminations bathe the waterfront in a dreamy glow, reflecting off the calm bay and creating postcard-perfect views. Savoring grilled squid under the shimmering lights feels like stepping into a lively seaside festival where locals gather with joy.
7. Trappistine Monastery
Step into a serene world of prayer and nature. Experience the peaceful vibe and taste divine homemade treats.
Quick facts: Quiet stillness fills a place where monks live by the rhythm of prayer and work. The aroma of handmade butter cookies wafts gently, carrying the scent of tradition.
Highlights: The tranquil garden blooms with seasonal flowers tended by the sisters, revealing a vibrant display even in cool seasons. Visitors can observe the serene daily routines of the nuns, offering a rare glimpse into monastic life.
8. Yunokawa Onsen
Experience soothing hot springs by the sea. Watch snow monkeys bathe and feel the magic of mineral-rich waters rejuvenate you.
Quick facts: Yunokawa Onsen features naturally hot spring waters that maintain a comfortable temperature year-round, making it perfect even in winter. The area is famous for its snow monkeys who often soak in the warm waters alongside visitors, a rare and delightful sight.
Highlights: Guests can relax in outdoor baths while watching Jimpu Bay's waves shimmer under the sunset, a blend of sea breeze and mineral-rich steam that refreshes both body and soul. Local lore says the waters have healing powers so potent that samurai once traveled great distances to bathe here.
9. Hakodate City Museum of Literature
Dive into Japan's literary past through original manuscripts and serene garden strolls. Experience the quiet charm and rich stories that shaped Hakodate's cultural fabric.
Quick facts: Discover a treasure trove of manuscripts and memorabilia from famous writers linked to Hakodate. The museum beautifully merges historical architecture with modern exhibition design, creating a unique literary atmosphere.
Highlights: Explore the original handwritten drafts of works by renowned authors like Ishikawa Takuboku right up close, offering a tactile connection to literary history. The museum's tranquil garden features seasonal flowers that inspired local poets, a serene spot often overlooked by visitors.
Where to Stay in Hakodate, Japan
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
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 are Okinawan deep-fried sweet dough balls popular in Hakodate, known for their crispy exterior and soft, sweet inside.
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 is famous for its clear, salty broth that highlights the fresh seafood and local ingredients of the region.
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 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
Hakodate's sake is renowned for its smooth, clean taste derived from local high-quality rice and pure water sources.
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 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
A scenic park with volcanic lakes and trails for hiking and cycling.
Matsumae Castle
Historic castle town with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
Noboribetsu
Famous hot spring area with Jigokudani Hell Valley geothermal crater.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
JR Hokkaido, Limited Express Hokuto
Take the Limousine Bus from Hakodate Airport to the city center for a convenient transfer.
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Comments (9)
Pro tip: take the Hakodate Tram 1-day pass for easy travel, much cheaper than taxis and saves a lot of walking.
City feels very safe and relaxed, great spot if you want a less touristy vibe compared to Sapporo or Tokyo.
Avoid dining right on the main street at night, try a small izakaya alley nearby for better prices and tastier local dishes.
Loved wandering the historic Red Brick Warehouses area, but some shops felt overpriced for what they offered.
Weather was colder than expected for April but the night views from Mount Hakodate made up for it.