What is Hakodate Like? A Port City with History and Charm
Hakodate is a small port city in southern Hokkaido, known for its unique mix of history, scenery, and food.
The city opened to international trade in 1854 after the Treaty of Kanagawa, making it one of Japan’s first ports to welcome foreign influence. As a result, you’ll find Western-style churches and historic buildings blended naturally into the cityscape, especially in the Motomachi area.
Hakodate is also surrounded by the sea, which means incredibly fresh seafood. From morning markets to sushi restaurants, the quality here is consistently high.
And of course, there’s the night view from Mount Hakodate — often ranked among the best in Japan, thanks to the city’s unique shape between two bays.
In short, Hakodate offers
history, food, and scenic views — all in a compact and easy-to-explore city.
If you’re planning a trip beyond Hakodate, this guide to Hokkaido’s main travel areas is a great place to start.
How to Get to Hakodate
From Tokyo
- Flight: about 1 hour 20 minutes (Haneda → Hakodate)
- Hokkaido Shinkansen: about 4 hours to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto + 20 minutes local train
→Flying is the easiest and fastest option
From Sapporo
- JR Limited Express: about 3.5–4 hours
- Bus: about 5–6 hours
→JR train is the most practical choice
Planning to travel across Hokkaido? Check if the JR Rail Pass fits your trip.
Getting Around Hakodate
Hakodate is compact, but not small enough to explore entirely on foot.
Best way to get around: Tram + walking
Tram (streetcar)
- Covers major areas (Hakodate Station, Motomachi, Bay Area)
- Fare: around 210 yen
Walking
- Best for Motomachi and Bay Area
- Expect some hills
Bus
- Needed for Mount Hakodate or airport access
Taxi
- Useful at night or when short on time
Transportation Passes
- Tram 1-Day Pass
About 600 yen
Unlimited tram rides
→ Worth it if you ride 2–3 times - Tram + Bus Pass
About 1,000 yen
Unlimited tram + bus
→Best if visiting Mount Hakodate
Main Areas in Hakodate
Hakodate’s attractions are concentrated, making it easy to plan your trip.
Motomachi Area (Historic Streets)
Motomachi is where you’ll feel Hakodate’s international history the most.
Western-style buildings and churches such as Hakodate Orthodox Church and Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward line the hills.
Walking down the slopes toward the sea offers some of the city’s most iconic views.
Mount Hakodate (Night View)
The highlight of any visit.
Mount Hakodate offers a stunning night view shaped by the city’s narrow landform between two bodies of water.
- Ropeway: about 3 min.
- Bus: about 30 min.
- Arrive before sunset
- Bring a jacket (it gets cold even in summer)
If you want to avoid crowds, consider taking a bus or cab in addition to the ropeway for a smoother ride.
Bay Area (Relaxed Atmosphere)
The waterfront area is perfect for a slower pace.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
At night, the area is beautifully lit, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Asaichi-Morning Market Area (Food)
Located next to Hakodate Station, the morning market (Asaichi in Japanese)is a must for food lovers.
- Open: early morning to noon
- Specialty: seafood bowls and squid
Best visited early in the morning
Nearby Spots Worth Visiting (Half-Day to Day Trips)
Hakodate is enjoyable on its own, but taking a short trip outside the city can make your experience even more rewarding.
From a historic star-shaped fort to relaxing hot springs and peaceful monasteries, there are several nearby spots where you can experience a deeper side of Hakodate. If you’re staying for more than one night, it’s worth adding at least one of these to your itinerary.
Goryokaku + Goryokaku Tower｜A Star-Shaped Fort Best Seen from Above
Goryokaku is a unique star-shaped fort built in the late Edo period, inspired by Western military design. Today, it’s a spacious public park and one of Hakodate’s most iconic landmarks.
The key point is to visit Goryokaku Tower. From ground level, it’s hard to grasp the full shape — but from above, the star design becomes perfectly clear.
- Tram + walk: about 20–30 minutes from Hakodate Station
- Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours
In spring, the area becomes one of the best cherry blossom spots in Hokkaido, with the moat lined by beautiful sakura trees.
A must-visit highlight in Hakodate
Yunokawa Onsen｜An Easy and Relaxing Hot Spring Area
Yunokawa Onsen is a convenient hot spring area located within the city, making it easy to visit during your trip.
You’ll find many seaside ryokan and hotels offering both overnight stays and day-use baths. Its proximity to the airport also makes it a great stop right after arrival or before departure.
- Tram: about 30 minutes
- Suggested time: 1–2 hours
Perfect for relaxing and recharging during your trip
Trappistine Monastery｜A Beautiful and Peaceful Convent
This is Japan’s first convent (female monastery) and one of the most accessible monastery sites near Hakodate.
A quiet tree-lined path leads to the convent, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. It’s less about sightseeing and more about enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
- About 30 minutes from Hakodate Station
- Suggested time: 30–60 minutes
You can also find butter and sweets made by the convent, which are popular local souvenirs.
Meanwhile, the well-known “Trappist cookies,” often sold as Hokkaido souvenirs, are actually produced at the Trappist Monastery located further outside the city.
Tachimachi Cape｜A Hidden Scenic Spot
Located on the southern side of Mount Hakodate, Tachimachi Cape is a quieter spot with fewer tourists.
The dramatic cliffs and open ocean views create a powerful landscape, offering a completely different kind of beauty compared to the city’s famous night view.
Perfect for those who want to enjoy peaceful scenery
Onuma Quasi-National Park｜For Nature Lovers
About 30 minutes by train from Hakodate, Onuma Quasi-National Park is a beautiful natural escape.
The combination of lakes and Mount Komagatake creates stunning scenery, and you can enjoy activities like cycling and boating.
A great option if you have extra time
✔ How to Combine Nearby Spots
- Half-day: Goryokaku
- One day: Goryokaku + Yunokawa Onsen
- More relaxed plan: Onuma Park or a monastery visit
City + one extra spot is the ideal balance
What to Eat in Hakodate
One of the best things about Hakodate is the food.
It’s simple, but the quality is consistently excellent.
By combining well-known local specialties with everyday local food, you can greatly enhance your travel experience.
Not Just Seafood Bowls｜Sushi is Excellent Too
Seafood bowls at the morning market are famous, but sushi in Hakodate is just as impressive.
Thanks to the abundance of fresh seafood from nearby waters, the quality of the fish is outstanding. Even casual sushi restaurants offer a level of freshness and flavor that can surprise many visitors.
For international travelers, conveyor belt sushi is especially recommended. In Hakodate, even this casual style delivers high-quality ingredients, making it a great way to experience Japanese sushi culture.
The best approach is to enjoy both seafood bowls and sushi
Lucky Pierrot｜A Must-Try Local Burger Chain
Lucky Pierrot is a local burger chain found only in Hakodate and loved by both locals and visitors.
What makes it special is the combination of large portions, affordable prices, and unique flavors. The signature Chinese Chicken Burger, with its sweet and savory sauce, is especially popular.
Another fun aspect is that each location has its own theme and sometimes exclusive menu items. If you have time, visiting more than one location can be part of the experience.
A unique Hakodate-only experience with great value
Hasegawa Store｜A Local Food Culture: Yakitori Bento
Hasegawa Store is known for its famous “yakitori bento,” a beloved local dish in Hakodate.
Interestingly, the “yakitori” here is actually made with pork, not chicken. In Hokkaido, pork skewers are often called yakitori, which can be surprising at first.
The skewers are grilled fresh after you order, and the bento is simple yet incredibly satisfying — the kind of flavor that makes you want to try it again.
A great way to experience local everyday food culture
Seicomart｜Hokkaido’s Best Convenience Store
If you’re traveling in Hokkaido, you’ll likely come across Seicomart (often called “Secoma”).
This local convenience store chain offers surprisingly high-quality food, especially the freshly prepared meals from their “Hot Chef” section.
Affordable, delicious, and incredibly convenient
Weather & Best Time to Visit Hakodate
Hakodate has a relatively mild climate compared to other parts of Hokkaido, but it still feels noticeably cooler than most areas of mainland Japan.
Because of this, each season brings a completely different atmosphere — and choosing when to visit can really shape your experience.
Spring (April-May)
Temperatures: around 5–15°C
Spring in Hakodate arrives a bit later than in Tokyo, but when it does, the city transforms beautifully.
One of the highlights is cherry blossom season at Goryokaku, where the star-shaped fort is surrounded by soft pink sakura.
it feels like the city is quietly waking up after winter.
Summer (June-August)
Temperatures: around 20–25°C
Summer is often considered the best time to visit.
Unlike Tokyo or Osaka, Hakodate has low humidity, making it comfortable even in peak season.
You can walk around the city all day, enjoy the bay breeze, and explore without feeling exhausted by the heat.
Best overall season for most travelers
Autumn (September – November)
Temperatures: around 10–20°C
Autumn brings clear skies and beautiful fall colors.
The cooler air makes walking around even more enjoyable, and the scenery becomes richer with shades of red and gold.
It’s a quieter season, perfect if you prefer a more relaxed travel pace.
Winter (December – March)
Temperatures: around -5 to 5°C
Winter in Hakodate is cold, but incredibly atmospheric.
Snow covers the city, and the famous night view from Mount Hakodate feels even more magical against the white landscape.
proper winter clothing is essential — the cold can be intense, especially at night.
1-Day Itinerary in Hakodate
Hakodate is compact enough that you can explore the main highlights in just one day — without rushing.
Morning
Start your day at the morning market with a fresh seafood bowl.
Late Morning to Afternoon
Walk through the Motomachi area, where historic buildings and quiet streets create a unique atmosphere.
Afternoon
Choose between visiting Goryokaku or relaxing around the Bay Area.
Evening
End your day with the night view from Mount Hakodate — the perfect finale.
A well-balanced day of food, history, and scenery
Who Should Visit Hakodate?
Hakodate is especially recommended for:
- First-time visitors to Hokkaido
- Travelers who prioritize food
- Those who enjoy walking and photography
- People who want a fulfilling trip in a short time
Summary
Hakodate may not be as flashy as larger cities, but that’s exactly where its charm lies.
Everything — sightseeing, food, and scenery — is well balanced, and the city is easy to explore without stress.
Whether you stay for one night or two, Hakodate offers a complete and satisfying travel experience.
It’s an ideal destination to start or end your Hokkaido journey.
Also heading to Sapporo or Otaru? Don’t miss this area guide.
