Hakodate - Discovering Japan

Travelling to Hakodate

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Hakodate, a pretty good destination in Japan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Hakodate and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Hakodate, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Japan, here's everything to know about Hakodate for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Hakodate

Hakodate is a city located in the southern part of Hokkaido island, in Japan. It has a population of around 280,000 people and is known for its history as a former trading port and its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Hakodate include the scenic Mount Hakodate, the historic Motomachi district, and the Goryokaku Fort site. The city is also famous for its delicious seafood cuisine, including fresh sushi, crab, and squid. Hakodate is easily accessible by train or plane, and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to northern Japan.

What to visit in Hakodate

Certainly, here are some of the top tourist attractions in Hakodate, Japan along with some brief information about each: 1. Mount Hakodate: This is a beautiful mountain in Hakodate, known for offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding areas. To reach the top of the mountain, visitors can take a cable car ride.
2. Hakodate Night View: Hakodate's night view is a popular attraction that showcases the city's stunning skyline during the night time. It has been designated as one of Japan's top three night views.
3. Goryokaku Park: This is a beautiful park located in the center of Hakodate, known for its unique star-shaped fortifications. It is an excellent place for visitors to enjoy a picnic and relax amidst nature.
4. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse: This is a lively commercial area consisting of red brick buildings that were originally used as warehouses. Today, they are home to many boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes.
5. Hakodate Morning Market: This is a lively market that sells fresh seafood and other local delicacies. It is a great place for visitors to experience the local culture and try some unique Japanese foods.
6. Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward: This is a historic building that was built during the Meiji era and used to house the local government. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing the history of Hakodate.
7. Trappistine Monastery: This is a beautiful monastery located on a hill overlooking the city. Visitors can take a stroll through the peaceful gardens and enjoy the stunning views.
8. Motomachi: This is a historic district in Hakodate that is known for its western-style buildings, including churches, consulates, and banks.
Overall, Hakodate offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions that makes it an excellent destination for travelers.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Japan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Hakodate

The best time to visit Hakodate, Japan is during the summer season, from June to September. This is when the city experiences warm temperatures with an average high of around 20°C to 25°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities. It's also the festival season in Hakodate, and tourists can enjoy the famous Hakodate Port Festival, Goryokaku Festival, and the Hakodate Bay area fireworks display during this time. However, if you're looking to avoid crowds and have a quieter holiday, you might want to visit in the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) or autumn (October-November), when the weather is still pleasant.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Hakodate

There are a few different ways to travel to Hakodate, depending on where you're coming from and your preferences. Here are some options: 1. By air: The nearest airport to Hakodate is Hakodate Airport (HKD), which has domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi into Hakodate city center.
2. By train: Hakodate is easily accessible by train from other parts of Japan. The shinkansen (bullet train) runs from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station (in nearby Hokuto city), and from there you can transfer to the local train to Hakodate station.
3. By car: If you're traveling within Hokkaido, driving to Hakodate can be a good option. The Hokkaido Expressway runs between Sapporo and Hakodate, and there are also other highways you can take. Keep in mind that winter driving conditions can be challenging in Hokkaido.
4. By ferry: Hakodate is a popular port for ferries from other parts of Japan and Russia. If you're coming from Tokyo or Sendai, you can take an overnight ferry to Hakodate.
Regardless of how you get to Hakodate, it's important to plan your trip in advance and book any necessary transportation ahead of time.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Hakodate, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Hakodate

Here are some typical foods of Hakodate, Japan with short descriptions: 1. Kaisendon - A seafood rice bowl topped with a variety of fresh and seasonal seafood such as tuna, salmon, sea urchin, squid, and crab.
2. Shio Ramen - A type of noodle soup made with a clear chicken or seafood broth, topped with slices of pork, green onions, and nori seaweed.
3. Jingisukan - A grilled lamb or mutton dish made with thin sliced meat cooked on a special dome-shaped griddle and often served with a variety of vegetables such as cabbage, onions, and mushrooms.
4. Ikameshi - A dish made by stuffing a whole squid with glutinous rice and then steaming or grilling it until it is cooked through.
5. Hakodate Shio Chocolate - A unique type of chocolate made with local sea salt harvested from the nearby seas, providing a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors.
6. Uni Muroran Yakisoba - A type of fried noodle dish made with Muroran-style worcester sauce and topped with fresh sea urchin (uni).
7. Hokkaido Milk - Locally made milk that is known for its rich and creamy flavor, often used to make cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products.
You can find general info about typical foods in Japan here.

Is Hakodate an expensive destination for tourists?

Hakodate is generally considered to be an expensive destination for tourists in Japan. The city is a popular tourist spot and is home to many luxurious hotels, restaurants, and shops that cater to high-end travelers. However, there are also many budget-friendly options available, such as hostels, street food stalls, and public transportation. It is important to plan your budget before traveling to Hakodate and to research the different options available for accommodation, meals, attractions, and transportation.

Where to find accomodation in Hakodate

In Hakodate, the best areas to find accommodation would be: 1. Motomachi: This is the historic district of Hakodate and has many Western-style buildings and museums.
2. Bay Area: The Bay area is a modern section of the city with many restaurants, shops, and hotels.
3. Yunokawa Onsen: This is a hot spring resort that has a variety of traditional Japanese inns.
4. Goryokaku: This is an area that has a star-shaped fort and a park with many cherry blossom trees.
5. Hakodate Station Area: This area has many hotels and restaurants and is a convenient location for transportation.
You can check hotel prices at Hakodate here:
Booking.com

Is Hakodate a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Hakodate is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Japan has a low crime rate, and Hakodate is no exception. However, as with any travel destination, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take normal safety precautions, such as keeping valuables in a safe place, practicing good personal hygiene, and being cautious in unfamiliar areas at night. Additionally, it is always a good idea to check local news and advisories before traveling to any destination.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Japan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Hakodate.

What type of travelers will enjoy Hakodate the most?

Hakodate has a lot to offer for different types of travelers. Couples and families can enjoy the romantic atmosphere, cultural attractions, and stunning scenery. Young people looking for fun can enjoy the nightlife, shopping, and outdoor activities.
Here are some of the top experiences that different types of travelers would enjoy in Hakodate: - Couples: Couples can enjoy the romantic atmosphere of Hakodate, especially at night when the city is lit up. They can take a stroll along the bay area, visit the Goryokaku Tower to enjoy the panoramic view of the city, and visit the Onuma Quasi-National Park to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
- Families: Families can visit the Hakodate City Tropical Botanical Garden, explore the Fort Goryokaku Park, and visit the Hakodate Ropeway to enjoy the stunning views of the city. Kids will also love the Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples and the Hakodate Morning Market.
- Young people: Young people can enjoy the nightlife in the city, especially in the Bay Area where there are lots of bars and restaurants. They can also go shopping at the Hakodate Ekimae shopping District or enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing at the nearby mountains.
Overall, Hakodate has something to offer for every type of traveler.

How to get around Hakodate

There are several transportation options available for getting around in Hakodate, Japan. The most common options include: 1. Tram: the streetcars in Hakodate are a convenient way to travel around the city and they operate from early morning till late at night.
2. Bus: The bus network in Hakodate is extensive, and buses are a great way to reach some of the city's more remote attractions.
3. Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Hakodate, and can be hired to take you around the city.
4. Rental Cars: You could also rent a car, but it may not be the most convenient option for the city driving unless you plan on exploring nearby towns.
Overall, the tram and bus services are the most accessible and convenient options for getting around in Hakodate.

What to see around Hakodate

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Hakodate, Japan: 1. Otaru City: This small and charming city is located only around an hour north of Hakodate. It is famous for its historical canal area and glass making.
2. Onuma Quasi-National Park: This is a beautiful place to visit if you enjoy nature and hiking. The park is only around 30 minutes outside of Hakodate and has stunning views of lakes and mountains.
3. Matsumae Castle: This historic castle is located around two hours south of Hakodate. It is the only remaining castle in Hokkaido and is a great place to learn about Japanese feudal history.
4. Noboribetsu Hot Springs: This town is located around two hours southeast of Hakodate and is known for its hot springs and unique natural phenomena such as Jigokudani, or "Hell Valley." 5. Sapporo City: This bustling city is the capital of Hokkaido and is only around three hours north of Hakodate. It is popular for its food, shopping, and cultural attractions such as the Sapporo Beer Museum and Hokkaido Shrine.
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