[Hakodate Station Area/Hokkaido] Travelogue
[Accommodation]
I stayed at "OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts," which opened on July 6, 2024.
The room was equipped with a two-piece loungewear set, allowing for a relaxing stay. Disposable slippers and a small bag for carrying to the public bath were also provided, which was convenient.
🟡 Public Bath "Amber-Colored Bath"
Spring Water Quality: Sodium Chloride Strong Saline Spring (pH 6.8)
The public bath uses free-flowing hot spring water. A sauna, steam sauna, and cold bath are also available. The hot spring water is a reddish-brown color containing iron, and it warmed me thoroughly to the core.
It's open until 1:00 AM, so you can rest assured even if you return late after sightseeing or dining. Towels are provided outside the public bath, so there's no need to bring them from your room.
After bathing, I enjoyed complimentary corn tea.
On the way to the public bath, there's the "OMO Base (Post-Bath Lounge)," where you can relax in various types of rest areas.
🟡 24-Hour Lockers
There are lockers next to the entrance on the first floor, allowing you to store your luggage before check-in or after check-out.
The 4-digit dial lock system and the availability of S, M, and L sizes were convenient, accommodating everything from handbags to suitcases.
🟡 Shared Bicycles
There's a shared bicycle port right outside the entrance. It was convenient for easily getting around to slightly more distant locations.
Using the service requires downloading the HELLO CYCLING app and registering as a member.
🟡 Smart Laundry
I used the laundry on the 6th floor. There are three washing machines and three dryers, and they are the type that don't require detergent. The results were good and the experience was comfortable.
A microwave, water dispenser, ice maker, and vending machines are also located in the same space.
Water bottles are provided in the guest rooms, and the water dispenser is available.
However, there were only four hangers in the guest rooms, so some ingenuity was needed when drying clothes that weren't going to be put in the dryer.
Although I wasn't able to use them this time, there are also guided tours by OMO Rangers and free shuttle buses, which would make sightseeing in Hakodate even more enjoyable.
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Accommodation: OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts
Room Type: Superior Twin Room
Access: Approximately 5 minutes' walk from JR Hakodate Station
Style: Solo Travel
[Surrounding Area Information]
📍Sushi Masa
A sushi restaurant in the Jiyu Ichiba (Free Market) that you'll want to visit when you come to Hakodate.
I always order my favorite sushi pieces individually. This time I had 19 pieces. They were all delicious, but I especially liked the raw herring, chun-chun (a type of fish), crab, and striped shrimp.
The free soup is also a nice touch. The shrimp soup was rich and exquisite.
Perhaps because it was during Golden Week, when I went to sign up around 7:15, I was the 6th group. The restaurant opens at 9:30, but I was actually seated around 11:15. There are only about 5 seats, so I recommend visiting early.
📍Numa no Ie
This time I bought "Soy Sauce" and "Sesame." I especially liked the sesame, and I finished them all in no time, alternating between the two.
The bento box represents Lake Onuma and Lake Konuma, and the dumplings aren't on skewers to resemble floating islands on the lake's surface.
📍Sakai Fresh Fish Store
I bought three packs: black rockfish, octopus legs, and hairy whelks.
I also bought soy sauce at the supermarket to eat at the hotel, and everything was fresh and delicious.
📍Ramu Kichi
I recommend the "Salted Lamb."
The store isn't very spacious, so it's probably best to make a reservation if you plan to visit.
📍Miyazaki Koiya
I finally got to try the carp sashimi I'd been wanting.
This time I ordered the "Small Sashimi." They offer the scraps as a service, but I declined this time.
📍Soba Restaurant Maruminami
It was a windy and chilly day, typical of a port town, so I chose a warm "Kakitama Soba" (soba noodles with egg and egg) for lunch.
The thick broth, ginger, and egg went together perfectly, warming me right up.
📍Yachigashira Onsen
This hot spring features free-flowing spring water, characterized by its reddish-brown color due to its iron content.
The indoor baths are divided into high-temperature (43.5℃), medium-temperature (42.0℃), and bubble bath (40.0℃), allowing you to enjoy it according to your mood. An open-air bath, sauna, and cold bath are also available.
Towels, shampoo, and body soap are not provided, so you need to bring your own.
It's also enjoyable to walk there from the bay area, and I took the tram back.
I heard that the tempura rice bowl at the restaurant is popular, so I'd like to visit again with more room in my stomach next time.
🟠 Times Car
There are several car-sharing stations nearby, which I used for a drive towards Onuma.
🟠 MaxValu
Located behind the hotel. Convenient for buying drinks and condiments.
🟠 Cherry Blossoms
The cherry blossoms were in full bloom when I visited. Hakodate Park, Shiryokaku, and Goryokaku were all beautiful, and I thoroughly enjoyed spring in Hakodate.
🟠 Asari Main Store - A Place I Want to Return To
I called to make a lunch reservation 2-3 weeks before my visit, but it was already fully booked. So, I went around lunchtime hoping to get the croquettes from the meat department, but those were also sold out.
Apparently, on some days they sell out within 30 minutes of opening.
This gives me another reason to visit Hakodate again.