Hakodate is the third largest city of Hokkaido, located at the southern tip of the island, it will be the city or you will arrive if you take the ferry from Aomori. Hakodate is best known for its spectacular views from Mount Hakodate and its delicious fresh seafood. As one of the first Japanese port cities to open up to international trade after the isolation of the country, Hakodate experienced a significant influence from abroad, and the former residential area of the foreign population as well as a western-style fort are among its main tourist attractions.
Mount Hakodate
At the top, culminating at 334 meters above sea level, you will have access to the Hakodate Observatory. It is an observatory that offers panoramic views of the urban area of Hakodate, the sea and the surrounding mountains.
The sunset and the lights gradually illuminating the city is a spectacle that is widely worth the climb.
You can get there by cable car (around 1500 yen), bus or taxi.
The neighborhood of Motomachi
With the opening of the port to foreign trade in 1854, many traders from Russia, China and Western countries moved to Hakodate. Motomachi, at the foot of Mount Hakodate, has become a privileged area for new foreign residents.
Many foreign buildings remain in the region today. Among the most famous are: – the Russian Orthodox Church, founded in 1858 by the Russian Consulate (the visit is interesting for the historical side). -the former British consulate from 1913 to 1934, which is now a memorial at the opening of the port of Hakodate. It is known for the tea room where you can enjoy black tea. -The Roman Catholic Church, founded in 1859 and rebuilt in 1923. -the Chinese Memorial Hall, -the former branch of the prefectural government – the former Hakodate Public Hall.
At the foot of Mount Hakodate, there are 19 sloping streets that lead directly to the port. You can stroll by admiring particular buildings and varied landscapes.
Northern Peoples Museum
This museum exposes the lives of many northerners, such as the Ainu, living along the sea of Okhotsk. You can try cutting traditional paper from the Ainu, or make and play their traditional musical instruments. In addition, this building was built as the Hakodate branch of the Bank of Japan around 1926. You can see its traces in the entrance hall and other halls of the building.
Located in front of tram stop 5 “Suehirocho” towards the motomachi park, the entrance is 300 yen.
Red brick warehouses
It is one of the typical facilities of Hakodate. The brick warehouses built in 1909 were completely renovated. The seven warehouses today contain about 50 restaurants and souvenir shops. (down to the suehirocho stop)
Koryuji Temple
It is the oldest temple in Hakodate. The main building was built around 1900. The sculptures of lions and dragons engraved from the door are wonderful. This temple is recommended for those interested in Japanese architecture.
Hakodate Market
Located a 1 minute walk from the Hakodate station, it is a covered market where you can find about 250 stalls that sell Hakodate and d’Hokkaido specialties, such as fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, sweets and chinmi (the rarest sea specialties). They open early in the morning (around 5am) which will allow you to have breakfast in one of the restaurants of the halls.
Fort Goryokaku
The Goryokaku is a western-style fort built on the model of Vauban, completed almost 150 years ago, and designated in Japan as a “special historic site”. More than 1500 cherry trees were planted there and the hanami show is incredible.
The Goryokaku Tower has an observatory that offers panoramic views of the beautiful star-shaped estate and its moat. Guests can enjoy ice cream or meals with restaurants in the area.
The fort is the main place of the Goryokaku Matsuri which takes place every year in mid-May, commemorating the warriors who died in the battle of Hakodate. The main feature is the parade of about 1,000 people dressed in combat uniforms at the time. The festival also offers reenactments of events that took place for about 15 years between the arrival of Commodore Perry in Japan and the end of the battle of Hakodate. There is a contest where the candidates embody Hijikata Toshizo, the most popular samurai who died in battle.
Monument ofHijikata Toshizô
Hijikata Toshizô was a vice-commander of a militia under the command of Shogun Togukawa during the Bakumatsu (period marking the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji era). He will be killed during the Battle of Hakodate during the War of Boshin, a revolt that occurred during the Meiji era. He is a popular figure in Japan and is also the main character of the manga Zokugun Hijikata Toshizō (The Last Battles of Toshizo Hijikata), of Akana Shuu.
The monument marking his death is located in Wakamatsu Ryokuichi Park 200 metres from Hakodate Railway Station.
Tropical Botanical Garden
The tropical botanical garden, in the hot spring of Yunokawa, houses many monkeys. In winter, the pond is filled with hot spring water. You can see the monkeys dip joyfully in warm water.
From the train station, the easiest is to take the tram to the Yunokawa Onsen stop and walk 10 minutes. The entrance is 300 yen.
To Hakodate
Two ferry companies link Aomori and Hakodate. From Tokyo, the new line of shinkansen Tokyo Hokuto passes and stops at Hakodate.
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