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Hakodate

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Hakodate

Hakodate, located at the southern tip of Hokkaido Island, is the third largest city in Hokkaido. Famous for its stunning views of Mount Hakodate and delicious fresh seafood, Hakodate attracts many tourists. The beauty of this port city is highlighted by the beautiful sunsets, which can be enjoyed while playing by the beach.

In addition, Hakodate has a history of being the first port in Japan to be opened to international trade, making many of its buildings Western-inspired. This is a unique attraction that sets Hakodate apart from the rest of Japan. Even so, the city has managed to retain its traditional Japanese charm. Travelers can wander around the historic district to enjoy its authentic beauty.

Hakodate is the gateway for travelers who want to explore Hokkaido Island. In addition to the panoramic views of Mount Hakodate and the delicious seafood, visitors can also explore the historical side of the city at its coastal harbor. Come to Hakodate for an unforgettable exploration of Japan's northernmost island.

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Travel Tips for Hakodate

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Hakodate

A guide to Hakodate's local transportation

Tram
Bus
Railway
Ropeway/Cable car
Bike Rental
Taxis

Trams serve as the primary mode of transportation for sightseeing in Hakodate, operating every 6 to 12 minutes and reaching key tourist destinations like Hakodate Station, Motomachi, the Bay Area, Goryokaku, and Yunokawa. Fares range from 210 to 260 JPY, and you can pay in cash upon arrival.

For unlimited daily rides, a one-day tram pass can be purchased for 600 JPY at the Tourist Information Center, hotel front desks, or directly from drivers, including a map. Additionally, IC cards like Suica, PASMO from Tokyo, Kitaca from Sapporo, and Hakodate's ICAS nimoca are accepted for seamless travel on Hakodate Trams and Buses, offering convenience for both local and visiting passengers throughout Japan.

Practical Tips for Hakodate

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What is Hakodate known for?

Hakodate is famous for its beautiful view from the height of Mount Hakodate, especially at night. You can ride the cable car and admire the shimmering cityscape at night through the transparent glass windows. In the morning, you can visit the Hakodate Morning Market located very close to Hakodate Station. Don't forget to try squid fishing at Ekini Mart, which you can eat afterwards!

The city also has historic districts such as Motomachi, which features Western-style architecture. The star-shaped Goryokaku Fortress, which symbolizes Hakodate's fascinating blend of cultures, is ready to amaze you. You can see the entire building from the observation deck on the second floor, the view is beautiful regardless of the season. From this deck, you can also see beautiful scenery, such as Mount Hakodate, the cityscape, Tsugaru Strait, and Hakodate Bay.

What food is Hakodate famous for?

Hakodate is a food paradise known for its fresh seafood, especially squid, which you can fish yourself in some places. Try the classic seafood dish of rice bowl, which is fresh seafood served in a bowl of hot rice. You can get it at almost any restaurant, especially the Asaichi Morning Market, close to Hakodate Station.

For a culinary and cultural experience, try going to a Japanese-style pub or "izakaya". Izakaya offers a variety of local delicacies such as Hakodate Shio Ramen, Kaisen Don (seafood rice bowl), and delicious Jingisukan (grilled lamb).

How many days should I spend in Hakodate?

A stay of 2 to 3 days in Hakodate is ideal. This time frame allows you to explore its historic sites like the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, savor fresh seafood at the morning market, and take in the panoramic views from Mount Hakodate.

What to do in Hakodate in a day?

You can thoroughly explore the city of Hakodate in a day. If you are interested in the rich history of Hakodate, you can tour from the prehistoric Jomon period to the Meiji period. In the morning, head to the Hakodate Jomon Culture Center with an entrance fee of 300 JPY to see and learn about Japan's prehistoric relics. Here, you can see various relics made from clay. Once satisfied, you can make pottery or accessories from clay at Jommon Pottery as a memento.

When you're done playing, it's time for lunch at Goryokaku Park, located 10 minutes from the museum, or Kantaro restaurant, 1 hour away. A must-try is the sushi! No historical trip in Hakodate would be complete without visiting Goryokaku Fort and seeing the entire building from the Goryokaku Tower (2nd-floor observation deck). In the center of the building, you can see the Hakodate Magistrate's office that was used by the samurai.

A 25-minute tram ride will bring you to the Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples, where you can learn more about the culture of the Ainu, Japan's indigenous ethnic group. After a day of sightseeing, you can enjoy dinner at Gotoken, a Western-style restaurant that opened in 1879. This packed day can be used to learn about the history and culture of Hakodate.

Can I use the JR Pass from Sapporo to Hakodate?

Yes, the JR Pass covers the journey from Sapporo to Hakodate using the JR Hokkaido Line. Additionally, the IC card, such as Suica or Pasmo, can be used for seamless travel on JR trains and local transportation within Hakodate.

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