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Hakodate
As one of the most ancient ports in Japan, Hakodate serves as the southern gateway to Hokkaido and features an exotic streetscape.
Enjoy Hakodate, which is filled with hot spots, such as historic buildings, beautiful seasonal landscapes, fresh food, and hot springs, to the fullest.
Basic Information
- Population
- 250,205 (As of the end of April 2021)
- Area
- 677．87 ㎢ (As of January 1, 2021)
- Location
- Longitude 140 degrees, 44 minutes east and latitude 41 degrees, 46 minutes north (City Hall)
Access Information
By Airplane
- From Tokyo to Hakodate:
- Approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes
- From Nagoya to Hakodate:
- Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes
- From Osaka to Hakodate:
- Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes
- From Sapporo to Hakodate:
- Approx. 40 minutes
- From Taipei, Taiwan, to Hakodate:
- Approx. 4 hours
By Train
- From Tokyo to Hakodate:
- Approx. 4 hours
- From Sapporo to Hakodate:
- Approx. 3 hours and 45 minutes
By Ferry
- From Aomori to Hakodate:
- Approx. 3 hours and 40 minutes
- From Oma to Hakodate:
- Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes
Tourist Attractions
Night View from Mt. Hakodate
Hakodate’s night view is one of the world’s must-see night views. Don’t miss it!
Map
Yunokawa Hot Springs
This is a quiet, high-quality hot springs spa where time passes at a leisurely pace, allowing visitors to fully relax.
Map
Hakodate Morning Market
This is an early-morning market where many stores and restaurants offer fresh fish and shellfish, vegetables, and seafood dishes.
Map
Special Historic Site Goryokaku
Goryokaku is a star-shaped fort designated as a special historic site. Visitors can enjoy a full view of the fort and cityscape from the nearby Goryokaku Tower..
Map
Bay Area
The Bay Area features attractive port scenery viewed from the time-honored red brick warehouses. Visitors can also enjoy souvenir shopping here.
Map
Motomachi District
The Motomachi District showcases a beautiful exotic townscape with Western-style buildings and slopes.
Map
Hakodate Tourist Information Center
You can get town maps and brochures that are useful for sightseeing.
The guides will also provide you with advice on sightseeing.
Gourmet Food Information
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Full of goodies that only Hakodate can offer!
Hakodate is rich in fresh vegetables and dairy products as well as seafood. Visitors can also enjoy local beer and sake.
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Sushi and Kaisen-don
Hakodate is blessed with fresh fish and shellfish as it is surrounded by water on three sides. Try sushi and kaisen-don, a bowl of rice topped with fish and shellfish fresh from the sea.
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Ramen
Ramen is one of the popular Japanese noodle dishes. The flavor of the broth varies from region to region. Ramen in Hakodate features a plain salt-flavored soup.
Four Seasons and Events
Spring
From late April to mid-May is the cherry blossom season. Many people come to view the beautiful cherry blossoms.
- Cherry Blossoms
- [Best Season]
Late April to mid-May
Summer
Many people visit Hakodate in summer for relief from the heat. In July and August, outdoor festivals, firework displays, and parades are held, creating a festive mood.
- Hakodate Minato Matsuri
- [Festival Period]
August 1 to 5
Autumn
In autumn, leaves start changing colors around October, showcasing the beautiful autumnal tints.
- Autumnal tints
- [Best time to see]
Late October to mid-November
Winter
In Hakodate, snow starts falling around November and fast transforms the city into a fantastic land of snow.
- Hakodate Christmas Fantasy
- [Event Period] December 1 to 25
- Hakodate Illumination
- [Illumination Period] December 1 to the end of February
