Spots in Hakodate Area

  • Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
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    4.0
    1022 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Suehirochou 14-12
    The Kanemori Warehouses in Hakodate are a complex of warehouses now used for general purposes. There are shops, the Hakodate Beer Hall and more in the Kanemori Youbutsukan and Hakodate Street Plaza, and BAY Hakodate has cafes and a chapel. The fourth area is Kanemori Hall, which hosts concerts and other events. The warehouses are lit up at night for a totally different atmosphere from the daytime.

    Warehouses converted to house shopping stalls that sell glassware , souvenirs , hokkaido food and coffee stalls and restaurants . Fascinating and fun shopping . Opposite , there is a Starbucks and...

  • Mt. Hakodate Ropeway
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    4.0
    1055 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodate-shi Motomachi 19-7
    The ropeway at Mt. Hakodate is about a ten-minute walk from the Jujigai tram stop and about ten minutes by car from Hakodate Station and right next to the ruins of the Nambujinya encampment. The gondolas are large with seating for 125 people, and have two stations, one at the base of the mountain and also at the peak observatory station. The top speed is seven meters per second and the top of the 334-meter-high mountain is reached in about three minutes. The beautiful seasonal scenery from the observatory deck at the summit and night view of Hakodate is highly regarded as the world's best and is a representative of tourism in the city. It is often crowded for an hour or two after sunset with people visiting to see the night view.

    The car park is next to the doorway station . Do come early as it gets filled up quickly then you will be directed to park elsewhere. Cost:200 yen per hour . Payment station is right at exit of car...

  • Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
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    4.0
    551 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Motomachi 11-13
    The Old Public Hall was completed in 1910 and constructed at a total cost of 58,000 yen, 50,000 yen of which was donated by Mr. Teppei Soma, a leading Hokkaido businessman. The building is impressive with its blue and yellow coloring and symmetrical colonial style. It is also famous for being the dormitory of Emperor Taisho when he was the Crown Prince. In 1974 it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of the country. It is a seven-minute walk from the “Suehiro-cho” tram stop.

    It looks so beautiful in photographs and was so disappointed to see the building under wraps and closed for construction.

  • Trappistine Monastery Tenshien Shop
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    4.0
    567 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Kamiyunokawachou 346
    A 10-minute walk from the Trappistine Convent bus stop. This Trappist monastery is situated on a hill sandwiched between Mt. Hakodate and the city. The monastery was the first one erected for women in Japan when it was built in 1898. The site was originally used by an orphanage before it was destroyed in a storm. The monastery rebuilt on the site was also later lost in a fire. The current monastery was rebuilt in 1927 and is notable for its brick walls and semicircular windows. The monastery is adjoined by a museum, shop, and garden; the shop's French Madeleines cakes are popular souvenirs.

    A catholic convent with beautiful grounds to stroll upon. Located on a hill in the eastern part of Hakodate. Bought some famous Trappist cookies from the souvenir shop. Worth a short visit.

  • Hakodate Orthodox Church
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    4.0
    475 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Motomachi 3-13
    With the beautiful contrast between its green roof and white walls, Hakodate Orthodox Church was Japan’s first Russian Orthodox church. It is located at the top of Daimi-saka going up from Benten Suehiro-dori Street. The current church was built in 1916 to replace the original church that was burnt down in the great fire in Hakodate in the Meiji period, and it was subsequently designated as an Important Cultural Property. In 1996, the sound of the bell in the tower was chosen as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan.

    It is only a small church but has been recently renovated, It has retained its traditional interior fittings

  • Motomachi Roman Catholic Church
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    4.0
    257 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Motomachi 15-30
    Motomachi Roman Catholic Church is distinguished by its Gothic-style architecture and large bell-tower. The Church that visitors see today was rebuilt in 1924 after a fire. Having originally been built shortly after the restrictions on Christian proselytizing in Japan were relaxed, Motomachi Roman Catholic Church’s long history makes it one of the oldest congregations in Japan. To reach the Church, take the Hakodate Streetcar service and get off at the Jujigai Stop in Motomachi, near Mt. Hakodate; the Church is around 10 minutes’ walk from the Jujigai Stop.

    Walk up the Daisan Zaka slope and you will see this Motomachi Catholic Church which was started by a French missionary with a temporary church hall in 1867. You will see a rooster at the top of the...

  • Former British Consulate of Hakodate
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    4.0
    266 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Motomachi 33-14
    The former British consulate in Hokkaido. It was used as a consular office until 1934. There is an “exhibition room” where you can enjoy the state of the former British consul of the time, and an “opening port museum”, where you can learn the history of the opening of Hakodate. It was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Hakodate City in 1979. There is a combined shop and tea room, where you can also enjoy a British-style traditional afternoon tea.

    While in town we thought better go and see how the British Consul lived here in days gone by . Lovely British style home in a great position. Some interesting information to read, find out a bit of...

  • Tsugaru Strait Ferry Hakodate Ferry Terminal
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    4.0
    103 Reviews
    Transportation
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Minatochou 3-19-2
    This ferry terminal in Hakodate offers boarding for ferries connecting Hakodate, Aomori City, and Oma Town. The sunny deck offers a beautiful view of the Tsugaru Strait and port. Inside, there's a children's play area and dog park, so it's perfect for families and pet lovers. The cafeteria offers meals made with specialties of the southern Hokkaido Donan area.

    フェリーを使って北海道に行ってきました。青森た函館間はビューシートを利用。スタンダードより僅か数百円の差額でこの快適さは絶対お勧め! 飛行機で言えばビジネスクラスのシートで、ゆったり倒して快眠出来るのはもちろん、最前列なので景色も180度全開、最高です。バイクでの旅だったので、帰りは疲れで爆睡しました。 Went to Hokkaido with my lovely partner Harley...

  • Hakodate Magistrate’s Office
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    4.0
    327 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Goryoukakuchou 44-3
    The Edo Shogunate public office building was established at the end of the Edo period in 1864 coinciding with the opening of the port. The administrative center was a base for diplomatic relations as well as security of the northern regions at the end of Edo Period. After that it became the stage of the Battle of Hakodate and upon entering the Meiji period the office buildings were dismantled by the new government, however, in 2010 the building was restored to one third of its original size. You can now glimpse the Magistrate’s Office as it once was. It also exhibits relics from Goryokaku Fort and is a must-see.

    The Magistrates Office is a reconstruction of 1/3 of the original building, featuring halls and rooms that mostly fulfilled more public functions. Lots of effort have been poured into the 1:1...

  • Hakodate City Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship “Mashu-maru”
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    4.0
    236 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Wakamatsuchou 12 - ahead
    Hakodate City Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship “Mashu-maru” is where the Mashu-maru is preserved and open to the public in the actual boarding point where it operated until the last day of the Aomori-Hakodate ferry in 1988. In addition to the being able to visit the steering room and the communications room in contemporary state, there are exhibits of actual parts and models in the refurbished front green room, and you can learn about the history and operation of the Aomori-Hakodate ferry through video and audio. This museum is located four minutes’ walk from JR Hakodate Station.

    This attraction is closed! Like almost everything in Hakodate and Hokkaido. Government doesnt have to wonder why no tourists are coming. If you close all tourist sites what should we do?? Sad...

  • Mt. Hakodate Observatory
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    4.5
    80 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Hakodateyama
    Mt. Hakodate Observatory on the summit of Mt. Hakodate affords views of Hakodate and its suburbs. The Mt. Hakodate Ropeway reaches the summit from the base in about three minutes. From the rooftop observation deck on the top floor, you can enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Hakodate, which have been given a three-star rating in the “Michelin Green Guide Japon” travel guide. Inside the observatory, there is a gift shop selling Mt. Hakodate-limited merchandise as well as a restaurant where you can enjoy the chefs’ signature Japanese and Western cuisine while gazing at the night view full of an infinite number of lights.

    Just like a post card, just breath taking night view. The only problem was due to the vehicle restrictions from 1600 to 2200 hours, you need to take public transportation . At 2200 hours, the...

  • Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples
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    4.0
    122 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Suehirochou 21-7
    Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples is located in Suehiro Town, Hakodate and introduces the lives and culture of northern peoples. Collections with high academic value on a global level are on display. They include materials formerly held by Hakodate City Museum collected by philanthropists and the Hokkaido Development Commission between 1879 and 1886 in addition to Ainu folk materials collected by Dr. Osamu Baba, a world authority on research into northern peoples.

    This was my favorite museum in Hakodate. Everything was in English as well as Japanese. Learned a lot about the native people and early settlers. Only 300 yen. One hour is probably enough time.

  • Goryokaku Tower
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Goryoukakuchou 43-9
    The Goryokaku Tower is an observation tower located near the entrance of the Goryokaku Park, and the current tower is the second one to be built here. You can see almost all of Goryokaku from the observation floor, which is at a height of 107 meters. Inside the tower, a special display allows you to learn about the history of Goryokaku. In addition, there is the “see-through floor,” where you can see directly below you through a tempered glass floor as well as a shop where you can buy original Goryokaku goods. The bronze statue of Toshizo Hijikata, who came from Goryokaku is also not to be missed.
  • Old Soma Residence
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    4.5
    98 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodate-shi Motomachi 33-2
    "This manor was built as the private residence of wealthy merchant Teppei Souma in 1908. Teppei Souma amassed his wealth in selling rice and grains, contributing to the development of Hakodate by investing his personal money in ""Old City Hall of Hakodate Ward."" The Souma house has a structure decked out in luxury, and featuring a merging of Japanese and Western styles, so it is well worth a look. Volunteer guides are always available, and there are many audio guides (Japanese/English). In the adjacent cafe, they provide freshly brewed coffee, and healthy aronia fruit juice. The cafe overlooks the streets of Hakodate, including Hakodate Bay, and the Former British Consulate of Hakodate."

    A gem not too miss when in Hakodate. This former merchant home is unique in many ways snd definitely worth a visit. The architecture and interior design is rarely to be seen in such a good...

  • Hakodate St. John’s Church
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    3.5
    116 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Motomachi 3-23
    The Hakodate St. John’s Church is an impressive building with its brown roof in the shape of a cross which you can see when you ride on the nearby ropeway. The church is one of a group of famous churches in Motomachi. The clergy house, newly built in 2006, was awarded the Hakodate City Landscape Award. You can reach the church 15 minutes on foot from the Jujigai tram stop.

    A unique modern church in the historic building district. Shaped like a cross this striking building stands out in a good way. We visited this a Christmas time in the snow so it was even more...

  • Miharashi Park・Former Iwafune Garden (Kosetsuen)
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    4.5
    66 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Hakodate-shi Miharashi Cho 56
    This park located about 40 minutes by bus from Hakodate Station in Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture is about a one-minute walk from the Kosetsuen bus stop. There is also a golf course, which was developed surrounding the traditional scenic gardens of Kosetsuen, built by Minejiro Iwafune in the middle of the Meiji period (1868-1912). They are the only gardens in Hokkaido that are a nationally-designated Cultural Property, and the Yoshino cherry blossoms in the spring along with the scenic fall colors win the hearts of those who visit. There are many other highlights such as a brick greenhouse and a garden house made in the shoin style of traditional Japanese architecture.

    Visited on 03 Nov 2018, Saturday. Weather is awesomely good. Clear blue sky. Transport:Took a special autumn leave viewing bus to kosetsuen from Hakodate bus terminal. This bus only operates from...

  • Hakodate Community Design Center
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    4.0
    72 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Suehirochou 4-19
    The Hakodate Community Design Center is located in a building that was originally constructed in 1923 to serve as the Hakodate Branch of the Maruiimai clothing chain; the renovated building reopened as the Hakodate Community Design Center in April 2007. The Center disseminates information about local matters, including tourist information. The Center is around one minute’s walk from the Jujigai streetcar stop, and immediately adjacent to the Jujigai bus stop.

    函館山ロープウェイの山麓駅から南部坂を下って行くと市電通りに面して立っていました。やや円形のレトロな建築物で、外観を眺めるだけでも十分と云えそうでした。後日、館内を訪問してみたところ観光客向けの施設を兼ねておりパンフレット類も設置されていました。

  • Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine
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    4.0
    68 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Yachigashirachou 2-5
    Shinto shrine in Hakodate City, Hokkaido. Hondawake no Mikoto is enshrined here and is known as bringing good fortune for luck, maritime safety, and business prosperity. The famous Hakodate Hachimangu Festival is held on August 15th which draws great crowds every year.

    After a tram ride to Yachigashira plus a long flight of stairs, you will be greeted to an open area filled with serenity, with 2 shrines in the compound. Do check out their Omikuji, its in the...

  • Goryokaku Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Goryoukakuchou 44
    Goryokaku is a star-shaped fortification that was the stage for the Battle of Hakodate, which was the final battle in the Boshin War. It was Japan’s first Western-style fortification, and it has been designated as a Special Historical Site. From December, illuminations in the moat are lit up, and you can enjoy fantastic views from Goryokaku Tower at the entrance. By the end of April, the Yoshino cherry blossoms in the park are in full bloom, and it is a cherry blossom viewing spot visited by many people.
  • Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Yunokawachou 3-1-15
    While in Hokkaido come explore rare plants and flowers from the southern regions in this Tropical Botanical Garden. There are over 3,000 plants covering 300 species in the garden making this a must-see location. You can also see Japanese macaque relaxing in the hot-springs during the winter. There is also a play area and water park for young children making this botanical garden popular with families.

Hokkaido Areas

around-area-map

Not just a prefecture but an island of its own, Hokkaido is the most northerly prefecture and island of the Japanese archipelago. Arriving in Hokkaido, which is rural and bursting with breathtaking nature, means entering a world where vast national parks, towering mountains, and natural hot springs can be found at every turn. Come December, these natural splendors freeze over and morph into a winter wonderland.

Hokkaido Photo Album

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