Map of Hakodate, Japan

🏞️ What to do in Hakodate

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty of Hakodate with a variety of activities to suit every traveler's budget. From exploring historic sites to enjoying scenic viewpoints, Hakodate offers something for everyone.

• Best Budget Activity in Hakodate:

  Mount Hakodate Ropeway: Take a ride on the ropeway to the top of Mount Hakodate for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Hakodate:

  Hakodate Morning Market: Wander through the bustling market, sample fresh seafood, and pick up souvenirs to remember your Hakodate visit.

• Best Luxury Activity in Hakodate:

  Hakodate Bay Cruise: Indulge in a luxurious bay cruise, where you can enjoy stunning views of Hakodate from the water while savoring gourmet meals.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Hakodate

Hakodate is a food lover's paradise, known for its fresh seafood, delicious ramen, and sweet treats like the famous Hakodate cheesecake.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Hakodate:

  Daruma•$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Ramen and Donburi bowls

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Hakodate:

  Wakadori Jidai•$$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Yakitori and Izakaya dishes

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Hakodate:

  Junsui•$$$$:

  Cuisine specialty: Fine dining with a focus on seafood

• Best Budget Bar in Hakodate:

  Bar Parada•$:

  Local beers and bar snacks

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Hakodate:

  Gin No Sara•$$:

  Craft cocktails and small plates

• Best Luxury Bar in Hakodate:

  Bar Lequio•$$$:

  Premium whiskies and elegant atmosphere

🏯 What to see in Hakodate

Hakodate is a city steeped in history and beauty, with a variety of iconic landmarks that showcase its unique charm. From historic fortresses to picturesque gardens, there's no shortage of must-visit sights in Hakodate.

• Goryokaku Tower

  Explore the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and ascend the observation tower for panoramic views of the city.

• Hakodate Morning Market

  Experience the bustling market offering fresh seafood, local produce, and a vibrant atmosphere.

• Motomachi District

  Wander through the historic Motomachi area with its Western-style buildings, churches, and view of the harbor.

• Mount Hakodate

  Take a cable car ride to the summit of Mount Hakodate for stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

• Trappistine Convent

  Visit the serene convent known for its beautiful architecture, gardens, and handmade sweets sold by the nuns.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Hakodate

Hakodate offers a diverse shopping experience, from bustling markets to upscale boutiques, catering to every shopping enthusiast's budget and style. Explore the city's shopping destinations to find unique souvenirs, local crafts, and trendy fashion items.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Hakodate:

  Hakodate Asaichi (Morning Market): Enjoy browsing through stalls selling fresh seafood, local snacks, and handicrafts at this lively morning market.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Hakodate:

  Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse: Discover a mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants housed within historic red brick buildings along the waterfront.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Hakodate:

  Hakodate Miharashi Shopping Street: Stroll along this charming street lined with upscale boutiques, designer stores, and stylish cafes for a luxurious shopping experience.

🚉 Getting Around Hakodate

• Public Transport

  Hakodate offers convenient public transportation options for visitors to explore the city. The main modes of public transport include buses, trains, and trams. The Hakodate City Tram, known as "the streetcar", is a popular way to get around the city center. Fares start at around 210 JPY, and the trams operate from early morning until late evening. The Hakodate Bus is another reliable option, with various routes covering different parts of the city. Bus fares vary depending on the distance traveled, but a single journey typically costs between 210-300 JPY.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  Hakodate Station is the primary transportation hub in the city, connecting various train lines and bus routes. It serves as a gateway to other major cities in Hokkaido. For those arriving by air, Hakodate Airport is located about 20 minutes from the city center and offers domestic flights to major cities in Japan. The airport provides shuttle buses to and from Hakodate Station for added convenience.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rental: Visitors can easily rent a car to explore Hakodate and its surrounding areas. Rental companies like Toyota Rent a Car and Nippon Rent-A-Car offer a range of vehicles to suit different preferences. Prices start from around 4,000 JPY per day. 🚲 Bicycle Rental: For a more leisurely way to sightsee, bicycle rental services are available in Hakodate. Companies like Hakodate Cycling Terminal provide bicycles for rent, with rates typically starting from 500 JPY per day. Enjoy the freedom of exploring the city at your own pace on two wheels.