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Overview
Hakodate combines port history, European-influenced buildings, seafood, and a mountain night view with easy streetcar-based sightseeing. Fort Goryokaku, red-brick warehouses, hot springs, and seasonal festivals give the city strong appeal across the year.
Food · Architecture · History · Transit Hub · Mountains
Did you know?
- A mountain viewpoint pairs harbor lights with a city spread below.
- The city was capital of the short-lived Republic of Ezo.
- Squid appears as shio ramen, rice-stuffed ika-meshi, and live odori-don.
Why go?
Hakodate is a port city in southern Hokkaido, separated from Honshu by the Tsugaru Strait. It's a hidden gem of Japanese tourism, with European-influenced architecture, fresh squid, and the famous Mount Hakodate night view. The city was capital of the short-lived Republic of Ezo and still has historical sites like Fort Goryokaku.
Getting in
Hakodate Airport (HKD) has direct flights from Sapporo, Tokyo-Haneda, Nagoya, Osaka, and Taipei. The Hokkaido Shinkansen connects to Shin Aomori, and local trains run to nearby towns. Ferry service from Aomori is also available.
Getting around
Hakodate has two streetcar lines (Routes 2 and 5) and an extensive bus network. Day passes cost ¥600 for streetcar only, ¥800 for bus only, ¥1,000 for both. IC cards are accepted; cash exact change needed. Streetcar-only paper passes can be purchased from the driver.
When to go
Spring (late April/early May) for cherry blossoms at Goryokaku and Matsumae. Summer (August) for the Port Festival with squid dance. Winter offers snow-covered scenery and Christmas Fantasy. Autumn has colorful foliage. Avoid peak cherry blossom crowds if possible.
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget hostels like HakoBA (from ¥2,000 dorm) and minshuku to business hotels (Toyoko Inn ¥5,000-6,000) and mid-range hotels near the station. Most are within walking distance of transport and attractions.
Food and drink
Hakodate's signature dish is squid: Hakodate shio ramen (squid stock), ika-meshi (rice-stuffed squid), and odori-don (live squid on rice). Try Lucky Pierrot hamburgers for a local chain. Drinking areas: Daimon near station and Goryokaku's Hon-Cho.
Things to do
Key attractions: Mount Hakodate for night view (ropeway ¥780/1280 one-way/return), Goryokaku star fort and tower (¥900), Motomachi historic district with churches and consulates, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses for shopping and ambiance. Seasonal events include Port Festival (August) and Christmas Fantasy (December). Relax at Yachigashira Hot Springs (¥420) or free foot bath at Yunokawa.
Safety
Hakodate is very safe, but in winter watch for black ice on sidewalks. Petty crime is rare; occasional scam where someone asks for cash—direct them to the police box near the station.
Day trips
Lake Onuma (quasi-national park, half hour by express train), Matsumae (castle and cherry blossoms, 1.5 hour drive), Esan (azalea festival, 45 min drive). All reachable from Hakodate.
Go next
Further destinations include Esashi, Hokuto, Kikonai, Shiriuchi, Imabetsu, Aomori, Tomakomai, Otaru, and Sapporo, all accessible by train or car.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Sleep
Comfort Hotel Hakodate
A business hotel conveniently located next to the train station. Rooms are small but clean, and the price includes breakfast.
Price when recorded: ¥5000 for a double room
Sleep
HakoBA Hakodate
A hotel that is south of the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. Offers a range of different accommodation from hostel style shared dormitories to individual rooms in a historic bank building. Family rooms that sleep up to 6 are also available. Within walking distance to many attractions near Motomachi, including the ropeway station. Good for travelers on a budget or those traveling in a large group.
Price when recorded: From ¥2000 up to ¥12,000 a night
Sleep
Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
Pricey, but worth it if you can get a room with a view of the bay. Nice location not far from the station and near the red brick warehouse area and not far from the old part of town. Called the "Kokusai" (international) hotel, but nothing particularly international about it apart from the name.
Price when recorded: ¥6,000-45,000
Sleep
Kingyo
Elegantly styled drinking establishment. "Nomi-ho Dai" more than 3 people; All you can drink 1½ hours- ¥3500 p/p.
Sleep
Minshuku Sumitomo
Five blocks (or street lights) straight on from Hakodate station, or take the bus to Omori-cho. Rooms are typical Japanese 15-tatami Spartan minshuku-style, bathroom included. In 2007, management did not speak English.
Sleep
Oyado Aozora Inn
A 2-minute walk from the Hakodate station. It is a cozy inn with clean tatami rooms run by an English speaking Japanese lady. Laundry available and the internet in the lounge area is free.
Sleep
Pension Puppy Tail
When entering, you might feel like time stood still for the last 50 years. The furniture apart from the TV, AC and smart toilet seat looks old, but is still in good shape and functional. They offer Japanese- and Western-style rooms, many with a shared bathroom, for a reasonable price. English is spoken pretty well.
Sleep
Premier Hotel Cabin President Hakodate
Formerly "Four Points by Sheraton". The rooms are small but the location is excellent. The bar on the 13th floor has nice views and can do you a decent martini.
Before you go
Food
Signature dishes: squid shio ramen, ika-meshi, odori-don. Lucky Pierrot burger chain exclusive to Hakodate.
Money
IC card (ICAS nimoca) offers ¥160 discount on transfers, but cash is widely used. Streetcar requires exact change. Day pass: ¥600-1,000.
Safety
Very low crime; occasional scam involving a foreigner asking for cash. Police box near station.
Transport
Streetcar routes 2 and 5 cover most attractions. Day pass highly recommended. Buses go to further areas.
Weather
Winter can be icy with black ice. Spring and autumn are mild. Summer is warm.