Things To Do
in Motomachi
Motomachi is a historic hillside district in Hakodate, Hokkaido, famed for its Western-influenced architecture and bay views. Its cobblestone streets weave between old merchant houses, churches, and chic cafés that whisper of the late 19th century. The area sits near the harbor, offering photo-worthy angles of the sea, ferries, and port activity.
It’s best explored on foot, with easy access to the waterfront, markets, and the nearby ropeway for sunset vantage points.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Motomachi and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Japanese pastries. Take a brief walk around the charming streets to familiarize yourself with the area.
Explore the Motomachi shopping district, where boutique shops and souvenir stores showcase local crafts. Don't miss the chance to visit the Motomachi Church, a beautiful historical landmark. Stop by a tea house for a refreshing matcha break.
Dine at a local izakaya, enjoying a variety of small dishes and sake. The vibrant atmosphere offers an authentic taste of Japanese nightlife. End your night with a stroll along the harbor, soaking in views of the illuminated city.
Visit the nearby Hakodate Morning Market for a fresh seafood breakfast. Marvel at the array of local delicacies and sample the famous ikura (salmon roe). This bustling market is an excellent introduction to the region's culinary offerings.
After breakfast, head to the historic Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse for shopping and exploring local artisanal crafts. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the waterfront eateries while soaking up the harbor views. Visit the Hakodate Museum of Art for a cultural afternoon.
Spend the evening at Goryokaku Park, where you can picnic under the cherry blossoms in spring or appreciate the starry sky in fall. As dusk approaches, take a walk up to the Goryokaku Tower for a panoramic view of the area. Conclude the day with a cozy dinner at a traditional kaiseki restaurant.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-5 |
| 🍣Sushi or seafood bowl | $12-25 |
| 🚌Public transit ride | $2-4 per trip |
| 🎟️Entrance to a paid attraction | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Iconic mix of Western-influenced architecture and traditional Japanese streets
- World-class seafood and markets with fresh, regional fare
- Can be crowded during peak season, especially in summer
- Some areas require walking on uneven cobblestones and hills
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Onegaishimasu" - Please
- "Arigatou gozaimasu" - Thank you very much
- "Doko desu ka?" - Where is it?
- "Ikura desu ka?" - How much is it?
- "Chotto matte kudasai" - Please wait a moment
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Toire wa doko desu ka?" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Motomachi
Visit one of these nice places.
A grand, historic building with ornate details and elegant stairways; a prime spot for architecture-focused photos and interior shots when open.
A striking red-brick church with a distinctive silhouette—beautiful at dusk or early morning with the sea in the background.
Iconic churches perched along narrow slopes; great contrasts of white walls, dark timber, and blue skies.
Open waterfront paths with boats, ferries, and the distant hills; ideal for wide-angle seascapes and sunset shots.
Food in Motomachi
Motomachi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled mutton cooked on a convex grill, a Hokkaido specialty often served at dedicated restaurants and izakayas near Motomachi.
Must-Try!
A seafood rice bowl featuring fresh crab, uni, and other seasonal catches from Hakodate’s markets.
Light, salty ramen common in Hakodate eateries; a good match with fresh seafood sides.
A flavorful broth with vegetables and chicken or seafood; widely available in casual curry houses around Hakodate.
Rich crab miso prepared as a starter or topping, often found in market stalls and izakayas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market by the bay where you can sample fresh seafood, uni, crab, and donburi straight from the traders. Great for breakfast or a waterfront snack.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Keep voices low on public transit and in residential areas; dining in public spaces is typically sociable but not loud.
Generally, you remove shoes in households or certain traditional establishments; observe posted signs.
Be mindful at churches and temples: speak softly, don’t touch artifacts, and follow local dress norms.
Form orderly lines for trains, buses, and market stalls; waiting your turn is standard practice.
Safety
Tipping in Motomachi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; good service is included in the price or left as a courteous gesture only in high-end contexts.
Cash is widely accepted, including small shops and markets. Credit cards are increasingly common in larger stores and restaurants; some smaller venues may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm but relatively humid days with pleasant evenings; peak tourist season; occasional rain showers; alfresco dining and waterfront events are common.
Cool, comfortable temperatures with colorful foliage around parks and hillside streets; ideal for photography and strolling.
Cold, sometimes below freezing with light to moderate snow; quiet beauty, clear skies, and holiday illuminations; dress warmly and be prepared for icy sidewalks.
Milder temperatures with blooming flowers; markets reopen with fresh produce and seasonal seafood; can be breezy near the water.
Motomachi at Night
Hiking in Motomachi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Various trails and stairs lead to viewpoints near the summit; best for sunset or early morning photography.
Coastal walking routes with sea views, cliffs, and seasonal scenery—great for day hikes near Motomachi.
Airports
How to reach Motomachi by plane.
Local airport serving domestic flights; well connected to city by bus or taxi and a short drive to Motomachi.
Hokkaido’s main international gateway near Sapporo; requires a longer transfer to Hakodate by train or flight.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of longstanding locals, fishing and port-related workers, and a modest number of international residents drawn by the city’s maritime heritage.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime in just about every city park and stadium throughout Hokkaido; occasional local matches attract families.
Common in schools and community leagues; city leagues and occasional matches can be observed in seasonal venues.
In winter, Hokkaido’s snowy regions are famed for skiing; day trips from Hakodate can include nearby ski resorts.
Water sports like kayaking are enjoyed along Hakodate’s coast during the warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Motomachi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Japanese dishes use fish stock or dashi. Look for vegetable-focused plates, tofu, and salads; ask staff if a dish can be prepared without fish stock or meat, and consider asking for shojo (vegetarian) options or a tofu-based meal.