HAKODATE
One of the World’s Three Great Night Views
Exploring the Exotic Port Town of Hakodate
The night view from Mt. Hakodate, the history of Fort Goryokaku, the churches of Motomachi, and fresh squid and seafood. Hakodate blends the exotic streetscape born from its history as an open port with Hokkaido’s signature food—all in one visit.
Hakodate is a port town in southern Hokkaido, facing the Tsugaru Strait. As one of the first Japanese cities to open to foreign trade in the late Edo period, it retains a distinctive townscape today where Japanese and Western influences blend together. It’s one of Hokkaido’s premier tourist cities, offering the best of both worlds: strolls past historic architecture and hearty meals of fresh seafood.
Mt. Hakodate & the Night View
Scenic ViewRanked among the “world’s three great night views,” the vista from the summit of Mt. Hakodate is unlike anywhere else, with city lights spread across a narrow sandbar flanked by sea on both sides. The Mt. Hakodate Ropeway makes it easy to access, and the period around sunset is especially popular.
📍 About a 10-minute walk from the “Juji-gai” tram stop to the ropeway base station
Fort Goryokaku
Culture & HistoryJapan’s first Western-style star-shaped fortress, built at the end of the Edo period and the site of the Battle of Hakodate. Today it’s maintained as a park and draws crowds for its cherry blossoms in spring. From the observation deck of the adjacent Goryokaku Tower, you can take in the full star-shaped layout below.
📍 About a 15-minute walk from the “Goryokaku-koen-mae” tram stop
Motomachi & Its Churches
Exotic AtmosphereOnce home to the foreign settlement from the port’s opening days, this hilly neighborhood is dotted with churches and Western-style buildings. Seeing different architectural styles—from the Catholic Motomachi Church to the Hakodate Orthodox Church—standing side by side is a sight unique to Hakodate. The sloped streets, framed by views of Mt. Hakodate, are also a popular photo spot.
📍 About a 10-minute walk from the “Juji-gai” tram stop
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
GourmetA bayside sightseeing complex made from renovated Meiji-era port warehouses. Home to restaurants, shops, and a beer hall, it’s a great place to dine and shop while enjoying the waterfront view and historic architecture. It’s lit up at night for a different atmosphere from daytime.
📍 About a 3-minute walk from the “Juji-gai” tram stop
Hakodate Morning Market
GourmetA morning market lined with fresh seafood like crab, sea urchin, and scallops. Many eateries here serve kaisendon (seafood rice bowls), letting you enjoy Hakodate-style seafood in a lively atmosphere from early morning. Shops offering fresh-cut squid sashimi are one of the market’s signature attractions.
📍 About a 1-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station
Yunokawa Onsen
Hot SpringA historic hot-spring town dating back to the Edo period, and one of southern Hokkaido’s leading onsen destinations. With many hotels and ryokans right on the water, soaking in the bath while overlooking the Tsugaru Strait is a special part of the experience. Good access from Hakodate Airport and the city center also makes it a convenient sightseeing base.
📍 About a 10-minute drive from Hakodate Airport, about 20 minutes from central Hakodate
A Private Charter Taxi Is the Easy Way to See Hakodate
With highlights like Mt. Hakodate, Fort Goryokaku, Motomachi, and the Morning Market spread across the city, a private charter taxi lets you visit the key spots efficiently even on a tight schedule.
From transfers from Hakodate Airport to timing your route around the perfect moment for the night view, we’re happy to work with you on the details.