Things To Do
in Hakodate
Hakodate is a charming port city located on the island of Hokkaido in Japan. It is known for its beautiful bay views and historical attractions, such as the star-shaped fortress Goryokaku. The city offers a unique blend of Japanese and Western influences, seen in its architecture and cuisine.
Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood at the famous Hakodate Morning Market.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Fort Goryokaku. Enjoy a panoramic view from the Goryokaku Tower as you immerse yourself in its beautiful star-shaped design.
Head to the Hakodate Morning Market for a lunch of fresh seafood and local delicacies. Stroll through the vibrant stalls and pick up souvenirs along the way.
Discover the stunning night view from Mount Hakodate after dinner. The glittering lights of the city are best experienced with a cup of hot cocoa in hand.
Visit the Hakodate City Museum of Northern Art to appreciate Japanese and Ainu culture. The serene atmosphere will help you admire the intricate artworks and exhibits.
Explore the charming Motomachi district, known for its western-style architecture. Enjoy a coffee break at one of the quaint cafes while soaking in the historical vibe.
Experience a traditional kaiseki dinner at a local restaurant. This multi-course meal will delight your taste buds with seasonal flavors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning night views from Mount Hakodate.
- Rich history and heritage, with preserved buildings from the Meiji and Edo periods.
- Delicious seafood, particularly fresh squid and crab.
- Vibrant local markets, such as the morning market offering various local delicacies.
- Pleasant climate with four distinct seasons, great for seasonal events and activities.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Relatively small size may not offer as many attractions or nightlife options.
- Winters can be harsh with heavy snowfall, affecting travel.
- Dependency on tourism can impact local economy during off-peak seasons.
- Out of the way for travelers who mainly visit mainland Japan.
Best Activities in Hakodate
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a stunning view of the city and harbor from the mountaintop observatory.
Explore the star-shaped fort and its surrounding moat, perfect for walking and picnicking.
Hike, bike, or canoe around the picturesque lakes and volcanic landscapes of this outdoor paradise.
Tours
Uncover the best of Hakodate with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Hakodate
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of the city and harbor, especially beautiful at night
Provides a bird's eye view of the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and surrounding park
Historic district with sloping streets and European-style buildings, featuring scenic views of the city and harbor
Food in Hakodate
Hakodate Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sliced raw squid, often served with soy sauce and wasabi. Best enjoyed at seafood restaurants and stalls near Hakodate Morning Market.
Must-Try!
A hot pot dish featuring local crab, vegetables, and savory broth. Recommended at traditional Japanese restaurants like Donburi Chaya.
Sample Hakodate's famous shio (salt based) ramen, a local specialty, at Ramen Zeroten, a popular ramen shop.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Hakodate better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering fresh seafood, fruits, and local snacks. Try kaisendon (seafood rice bowl), grilled scallops, and other seasonal delights.
A historic alley lined with small eateries serving up classic Japanese street foods such as yakitori, kushiyaki, and takoyaki.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Hakodate, it is customary to bow when greeting someone or showing respect, especially to elders or people in positions of authority.
When entering a Japanese home, traditional inn, or certain other indoor spaces, it is important to remove shoes as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
Japanese people value personal space, so it's important to be mindful of this and avoid standing too close or touching others without permission.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Hakodate with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Hakodate
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Hakodate, Japan. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or taxis. In fact, tipping may be considered rude in some situations.
In Hakodate, Japan, cash is the primary form of payment, and credit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments. Mobile payment systems such as Suica and Pasmo are also commonly used for public transportation and shopping.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Hakodate.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Hakodate for cherry blossoms and mild weather. Expect blooming cherry blossoms and pleasant temperatures.
Ideal for seafood and coastal activities. Expect warm weather and vibrant summer festivals.
Great time to visit for autumn foliage and seasonal seafood. Expect beautiful fall colors and cooler temperatures.
Recommended for snow activities and hot springs. Expect snow-capped landscapes and cold temperatures.
Hakodate at Night
Hiking in Hakodate
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular spot for hiking that offers panoramic views of Hakodate and the sea. The trail is well-marked and typically takes about 1-2 hours to reach the summit.
Located north of Hakodate, this park features several hiking trails that weave through scenic areas, including lakes and forests. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
Located to the east of Hakodate, this volcanic mountain provides various trails. It is known for its stunning views and diverse flora and fauna.
A relatively easy hike that offers beautiful sea views. The trail is suitable for families and is popular among local hikers.
This trail begins at the Shikabe Onsen area and leads through lush forests and along hot springs. It is a tranquil spot for hiking and relaxing in nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Hakodate through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Hakodate by plane.
Located approximately 114 kilometers from Hakodate, New Chitose Airport is the largest airport in Hokkaido and offers both domestic and international flights.
Situated about 156 kilometers from Hakodate, Kushiro Airport provides services primarily to domestic locations, with limited international connections.
Approximately 160 kilometers away from Hakodate, Asahikawa Airport primarily handles domestic flights but is one of the larger airports in Hokkaido.
Located around 215 kilometers from Hakodate, Hanamaki Airport serves domestic flights and is a key airport for the region.
About 339 kilometers from Hakodate, Sendai Airport is one of the major international airports in the Tohoku region, offering various domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population comprising various ethnicities and cultural backgrounds in Japan.
A significant minority group, primarily consisting of Korean residents and immigrants.
Another notable minority group, primarily consisting of Chinese immigrants and their descendants.
Includes smaller groups from various Asian countries, such as Vietnamese, Filipino, and others.
A small community of individuals from Pacific Island nations.
Includes individuals from various countries living in Hakodate temporarily for work or studies.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Hakodate, with local teams competing at various levels and a strong following among fans.
Soccer enjoys significant popularity in Hakodate, with youth leagues and community teams actively participating in regional competitions.
Basketball is widely played and watched in Hakodate, with numerous school teams and recreational leagues contributing to its popularity.
Rugby has a dedicated following in Hakodate, with local clubs and schools promoting the sport and organizing matches.
Track and field events are commonly held in Hakodate, showcasing local talent and encouraging youth participation in athletics.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hakodate.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While seafood is a prominent feature of Hakodate's cuisine, some restaurants offer vegetarian tempura, tofu-based dishes, and vegetable-centric meals.
Vegan options are limited in traditional Hakodate cuisine, but health food stores, cafes and select restaurants may offer vegan-friendly dishes.
Local dishes like sashimi can be gluten-free, and some restaurants may accommodate gluten-free requests, but it's advisable to communicate dietary needs clearly.