The 10 Best Things to do in Hakodate, Hokkaido

May 18, 2021 Layne Dawes

Even if you can't be in Hakodate to see the cherry blossoms in May, you'll fall in love with the sunset views from Mount Hakodate. Surrounded by the ocean, it's no wonder Hakodate is known for fresh seafood. If you're up early, have domburi for breakfast at a restaurant in the Morning Market by Hakodate Station.
Restaurants in Hakodate

1. Motomachi

Motomachi, Hakodate 040-0054 Hokkaido http://www.hakobura.jp/machi/course01.html
Excellent
38%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 563 reviews

Motomachi

Many foreign traders settled in this neighborhood in the mid 1800s, which still contains a number of foreign buildings, including the Russian Orthodox Church and the Chinese Memorial Hall.

Reviewed By SiaufengL - Tawau, Malaysia

Love the scenery there and also the building. Is a must to go if you are at Hakodate! After visiting the morning market, you may continue with the Red Brick Warehouse, where you can see the old warehouse although it has been refurbished. You also can buy lots of souvenirs here and taste delicious desserts here. About 10 minutes walk, you will find the slopes streets at Motomachi. You can take the city tram to the last stop and walk to Motomachi, you can see each slopes with different views.

2. Mount Hakodate

Hakodate 040-0000 Hokkaido +81 138-22-6799 https://www.hakobura.jp/nightview/post-156.html
Excellent
52%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,650 reviews

Mount Hakodate

Reviewed By nikols195

So happy to have a chance to visit the observatory at Hakodate-yama. The bright lights look beautiful surrounded by the jet black ocean. If the nights are clear, you can see as far as the lights stretch and can enjoy the view. It is the perfect opportunity for inta-lovers looking to get that iconic shot to share on social media or with friends and family! The view is amazing, but you might need to wait awhile as there are lots of tourists up there. There are two observation decks on the 2nd and 3rd floor – one indoor and one outdoor. The highest floor is overwhelmingly crowded just before the sunset, but on the second floor you can find the door that leads to the lower observatory deck that goes unnoticed. Getting up the mountain is very easy. You can access it by the Mount Hakodate Ropeway that offer a great view while going up the mountain.There are several facilities of the ropeway station at the peak, including a tea lounge, restaurant, and gift store.

3. Hakodate Morning Market

JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Hokkaido +81 138-22-6034 http://donburiyokocho.com/
Excellent
33%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 921 reviews

Hakodate Morning Market

Start your day with a domburi breakfast (cooked rice with another type of food on top) at a restaurant in this morning market, which features stalls with fresh seafood and produce

Reviewed By DexperienceReview - Singapore, Singapore

We love the Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market that has approximately 250 stores selling souvenirs, vegetables, fruits and seafood. The most exciting part of the Hakodate Morning Market is the Squid Fishing experience. The chef will take your catch and prepare squid sashimi. We also love Snaffle's Hokkaido Hakodate Maple Omelet Catchcake. Ultra Soft Melt In Your Mouth Cheesecake! Dex Ng Mong Meiyan Dexperience

4. Goryokaku Tower

43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate 040-0001 Hokkaido +81 138-51-4785 http://www.goryokaku-tower.co.jp/
Excellent
34%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2,154 reviews

Goryokaku Tower

Goryokaku Tower Official Account. View of Mt.Hakodate and the Tsugaru Straits from the observatory. The star-shaped vista that shines on the grounds of Goryokaku Fort, a special historic spot.

Reviewed By phale12017

This attraction is certainly unusual! A star shaped building on top of a very tall tower . On ground level there are interesting shops, coffee bar and snacks. The elevator travels very quickly to the top where the views are terrific! There are interesting models and notices to read and definitely some great photographs to take! The tower is set in amazing gardens which were truly spectacular in autumn. There is also the house of the last Samurai to be seen. Goryokaku Tower and Park are a must!

5. Mt.Hakodate Ropeway

19-7 Motomachi, Hakodate 040-0054 Hokkaido +81 138-23-3105 http://334.co.jp/
Excellent
31%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,045 reviews

Mt.Hakodate Ropeway

Reviewed By angieng0908 - Singapore, Singapore

Provides a nice night view of the city. Ride was smooth at the same time get to enjoy the cool weather.

6. Hachimanzaka

Suehiromachi, Hakodate 040-0053 Hokkaido +81 138-21-3323 http://www.hakobura.jp/db/db-view/2010/09/post-17.html
Excellent
35%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 958 reviews

Hachimanzaka

Reviewed By heyhady - Mojokerto, Indonesia

So excited to found this place after we exploring around Kanemori redbrick warehouse. This place was so instagrammable for its beautiful houses and architectures. You can check my Instagram : @heyhady , to see my pictures while I was there :).

7. Trappistine Monasteries

346 Kamiyunokawa-cho, Hakodate 042-0914 Hokkaido +81 138-57-3331 http://www.ocso-tenshien.jp/
Excellent
22%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
32%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 555 reviews

Trappistine Monasteries

Reviewed By nikols195

Trappist Convent is located in Hakodate, not far from the airport. The Trappistine convent was built to house nuns only. It was established by eight nuns from France and has wonderful European architecture. Now it said to be about 70 nuns supporting themselves in divine devotion by managing dry field and dairy farms. I could not see any nuns themselves but workers in souvenir shop said that the reason is that they practice self-sufficiency. They keep the silence except for prayers and do not communicate with other visitor of the convent. In convent store you can buy cookies, candies, and dolls made by nuns. The Trappist cookies are one of Hokkaido's most famous gift items, loved by people for their distinctive European taste. I really enjoyed French Cake Madarena. There is really nice garden and serene surroundings. This peaceful place can set you calm and refresh your soul. The place is definitely worth a visit when in Hakodate.

8. Goryokaku Park

44 Goryokakucho, Hakodate 040-0001 Hokkaido +81 138-30-2111 http://www.hakodate-jts-kosya.jp/park/goryokaku/
Excellent
35%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,389 reviews

Goryokaku Park

Reviewed By suzan4379 - Toronto, Canada

Nice quiet park ...........great to walk around and visit especially when the cherry blossoms are out. Located in an area where there are also lots of shops etc...

9. Hakodate Tram

1-15 Komabacho, Hakodate 042-0935 Hokkaido +81 138-52-1273 https://www.city.hakodate.hokkaido.jp/bunya/hakodateshiden/
Excellent
35%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,615 reviews

Hakodate Tram

Reviewed By Gohjoelle

My 5 years old son enjoyed taking the tram in Hakodate. We took the tram to various sightseeing spots such as Mt Hakodate and the historical churches. For those who prefer cashless mode of payment, the SUICA card which is used for subway and trains in Tokyo can be used for this Hakodate tram too. If you plan to take the tram more than 2 times a day, it's more worthwhile to get the unlimited tram pass at 600 yen because each time you board the tram, it costs 210 yen to 250 yen. The tram frequency is good, we did not have to wait too long. This is kind of similar to the tram in Hong Kong and most young kids love it.

10. Hakodate Orthodox Church

3-13 Motomachi, Hakodate 040-0054 Hokkaido +81 138-23-7387 http://orthodox-hakodate.jp/
Excellent
24%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 467 reviews

Hakodate Orthodox Church

Reviewed By Arun714 - Hokkaido, Japan

If you visit Hakodate you must visit this church. Not only is it a rare building built in 1916 by the Russian Consulate, it is located near churches and temples and shrines of many other religions. This is a rare opportunity to see at first hand the religious freedom and open-hearted acceptance by the Japanese.

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