Goryokaku Park6.3
Best Things to Do
Goryokaku Park is located within Goryokaku. Goryokaku is a star-shaped fortress castle built in the Edo period. It was built in Western architecture…
44-2 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001, Japan
Free
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About Hakodate
0℃
0°Snow
14° / 4°
- 10/28Tomorrow
Partly clear with showers7° / 4° - 10/29ThuCloudy with showers13° / 10°
- 10/30FriCloudy with showers16° / 11°
- 10/31Sat
Mostly clear15° / 5° - 11/1Sun
Mostly cloudy10° / 8° - 11/2MonIntermittent clouds12° / 4°
Recommended length of visit
2-3 days
Local currency
JPY
Must-visit attractions in Hakodate
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Recommended stays in Hakodate
Discover the most popular places to stay in Hakodate, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
Guest User: This was my first time traveling to Hakodate, and I think I picked a great hotel for my first impression of the city. The staff are always welcoming and greet guests in the lobby. The rooms are larger than those in many other hotels in Japan, and they are very comfortable. From my room, I had a nice view of JR Hakodate Station, which was a great bonus. The biggest advantage of this hotel is its location. It is only a one-minute walk from the hotel to JR Hakodate Station, making it very convenient for travelers who want to visit other places in Hokkaido. Also, there is a underground parking lot under the hotel. The parking fee is only 1,000 yen per day, which is very affordable. Overall, this is a great hotel that offers excellent service, comfortable rooms, and a convenient location all in one place.
Wakamatsu-cho 14-10
From SAR 208
Guest User: Kudos to this hotel. My stay there was amazing. The hotel is close to streetcar station, but during winter it still pretty challenging to pull your luggage. That is expected situation for any hotel in Hokkaido 😆. The receptionist was really helpful. She help to call taxi for me when I don’t know how to do so.
8-15 Honcho
From SAR 115
Guest User: I confused this hotel with the Four Points by Sheraton that used to be right next to Hakodate Station. This is a Quick hotel, a step below the Four Points. The room is very small, and the facilities are basic. It's a few minutes from the station, and there's an Aeon supermarket and various restaurants nearby, so it's quite lively. Breakfast is outsourced to a restaurant on the first floor; it's a set meal plus a few buffet items, very mediocre and definitely not worth 1650 yen. I don't recommend it.
18-19 Wakamatsucho
From SAR 131
YZK: We stayed at LC Goryokaku Hotel during our family trip to Hakodate and were pleasantly surprised by how well it suited our needs. The location is fantastic—just a short walk from Goryokaku Park and the Tower, which made it easy for us to explore the area with our kids without needing transportation all the time. The room was clean, spacious enough for a small family, and had thoughtful touches like slippers, toiletries, and even a small seating area where we could unwind. The beds were comfortable, and we appreciated the quiet at night, which made it easy for the children to fall asleep. The hotel also offers free drinks in the lounge, which was a nice touch, and there's a laundry area, which is very useful when traveling with kids.
29-26 Honcho
From SAR 105
Gatorkai: Pros: 1. Unbeatable Location: Extremely convenient! Just a 1-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station and 1 minute to the Hakodate Morning Market. 2. Compact yet Functional Room: Although the room is on the smaller side (16 sqm), the layout is very well-designed, so it didn't feel cramped at all. 3. Smooth Service: Fast and hassle-free check-in and check-out process. We opted for a 2-hour late check-out for an additional 2,000 JPY, which was totally worth it. Cons: Elevator Congestion: The only real downside during our stay was the heavy elevator congestion during morning peak hours (08:30–10:30). If you are heading out during this time, make sure to budget a little extra waiting time!
12-14 Wakamatsucho
From SAR 320
CHERIE CHONG: This is definitely my favorite hotel in Hakodate! The hotel is stylish, modern, and feels brand new. We stayed in the tatami room, which was incredibly comfortable for our family of five. The room was spacious and even had a dining area, making it perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. The breakfast buffet was excellent, with a wide variety of delicious Japanese and Western dishes to choose from. The onsen was another highlight of our stay—clean, relaxing, and definitely a must-try! Overall, everything exceeded our expectations. If we're lucky enough to visit Hakodate again, we would definitely stay here again. Highly recommended for families!
22-13 Otemachi
From SAR 542
裴智: Excellent view of Pacific Ocean if the room is booked in premium tower ! Spacious and clean rooms with hot spring facilities in the hotel. Haven’t tried breakfast in the hotel. However seven eleven kind of shops are available close by. Lots of local seafood restaurants towards the Hakodate station which is just 800 m away, can reach by walk. All the major attractions are nearby and my personal favourite is the tram network and a very closer station matsukaze-cho ! Morning market and mt Hakodate ropeway station, small children’s park everything is connected by tram stations. Beach is just 600 m from the hotel with lots of seagulls and hazy Mountain View of Oma island overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Must visit place and highly recommended stay would rate as 9.8/10 ! Have a pleasant and relaxed stay here ☺️
Omori-cho 25-3
From SAR 191
Jiandanjihao: I've stayed at this brand's hotels before in Fukuoka, and they're always convenient for both business and leisure. Tokyu hotels are generally quite new, with a 'three-fixture' bathroom setup (separate toilet, sink, and shower/bath). Plus, the rooms have a washer/dryer combo, so you don't need to pack too many clothes, which really lightens your luggage. The outdoor hot spring on the hotel's rooftop is a unique feature – definitely try it if you stay here. My room was a corner unit, and the bathroom had a window, so you could soak in the hot spring while watching the sunset. Unfortunately, I caught it on a cloudy day. Right downstairs is a seafood market, which is incredibly good value. The only minor downside is that it's a bit of a walk from the station. After exiting, cross the road and head west; it's a bit closer that way. Upon check-in, the hotel gives you ice cream, which is delicious. The caramel flavor is even better!
22-1-1 Otemachi
From SAR 319
Guest User: There are 5 beds, perfect for a family. We could spread out our luggage, and the location was generally walkable, which was nice. The only downside was that the toilet and shower were combined and quite small. I've stayed in many hotels and guesthouses in Japan, and this bathroom was definitely on the smaller side. Location: It's right opposite Hakodate Station, which is excellent. Bus stops 11 and 12 in front of the station are for the shuttle to Hakodate Airport. Our room also faced Hakodate Station, which was a great view. Service: You can choose daily housekeeping or opt out. If you skip housekeeping, you can get fresh water at the front desk. However, we chose to have our room cleaned and beds made. On the first floor, there's a laundry room and self-service luggage storage. There's also a microwave on each floor right outside the elevator.
Wakamatu-cho 20-11
From SAR 137
Anonymous User: Overall, it's a great hotel and very close to the JR station. The hotel has a hot spring, which I didn't get to try. Hakodate is a small city, and the hotel also offers a free shuttle bus to the ropeway station. The night view from Mount Hakodate is beautiful, but it gets really crowded up there.
Wakamatsu-cho24-1
From SAR 360
Must-try food in Hakodate
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Hakodate dishes and foodie spots.
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Recent events and experiences in Hakodate
Hakodate itinerary ideas
Traveller photos and experiences
🧱 HAKODATE MOTOMACHI — Walk up the hill, then turn around and you'll see the sea 🌊🇯🇵
Some cities make us want to keep moving forward, but Motomachi makes us want to stop… and turn back to look at the view behind us again 💙 Hakodate's old town offers a mix of sloping streets, Western-influenced buildings, and a port town atmosphere to gradually get acquainted with. Its charm lies along the way: wooden windows, old balconies, and the blue of the sea peeking out from between the buildings. 📸 Hachiman-saka — 八幡坂 Looking from the top of the hill, you can see the street winding down to the harbor, with trees and buildings on both sides adding dimension to the shot. Choose to photograph from the sidewalk and let the city tell its story through the view in front of you. 🏛️ Explore the old buildings The former Hakodate City Hall stands out with its blue-gray and yellow contrast, while the church district offers interesting architectural details. Those who enjoy photographing buildings will have a great time in this area. ☕ Continue the evening by the bay After walking up the hill, stop for a warm drink and then continue to the Kanemori red brick warehouse district. Wait to see the illuminated area, which feels different from daytime. 🚋 Getting there From Hakodate Station, walk to the tram stop. From Hakodate-Ekimae, choose a train that passes through Suehiro-cho and then walk up to the Motomachi area. Check your destination before boarding and wear comfortable walking shoes as there are several ramps. Allow some extra time in this area; you might discover a little corner that makes you want to stay until sunset 🌤️ #Hakodate #Motomachi #Hachimanzaka #Hakodate #Motomachi #HokkaidoTravel #JapanTravel #TripMoments
Enjoy authentic charcoal-grilled yakitori from lunchtime onwards! 🔥🍶
Enjoy delicious yakitori and sake from lunchtime! I found a standing-only yakitori bar in Motomachi, Kobe. 📍Kobe Motomachi|Toritsuku @tachinomiyakitoritoritsuku Opened in May 2026, "Toritsuku" is a restaurant where you can enjoy charcoal-grilled yakitori made with chicken slaughtered that morning from Awaji Island. They're open from 12 PM, so it's a great place for those who love daytime drinking ☺️ It's rare to find a place where you can eat yakitori from lunchtime, so it's great! 😍 The yakitori is grilled right in front of you, with flames rising dramatically, which is enough to whet your appetite just by watching 🔥 The aroma unique to charcoal grilling, and the juicy flavor of the chicken. The yakitori is also reasonably priced, starting from 140 yen per skewer 😏 And they have a wide variety of sake 🍶 It's great to enjoy your favorite sake while snacking on yakitori 😊 The owner is as friendly and kind as ever. Actually, the owner is a motorcycle enthusiast! 🏍️ If you're a motorcycle lover, you'll likely enjoy chatting about bikes while savoring yakitori! A restaurant where you can enjoy delicious yakitori and sake, and conversation with the owner. This is a recommended spot for daytime drinking in Motomachi. ☺️ 🚃 2-7-20 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture Within walking distance from JR/Hanshin "Motomachi Station" --- #KobeGourmet #MotomachiGourmet #KobeDaytimeDrinking #KobeYakitori #kobe
HOKKAIDO 4 SEASONS: The Ultimate Guide to When to Visit!
🇯🇵 HOKKAIDO EP.2 | When is the best time to visit Hokkaido? 🌸☀️🍁❄️ Hokkaido is stunning far beyond its snowy winters! 💙 Japan’s northernmost island offers distinct charms across all four seasons. From pastel-pink cherry blossoms and endless purple lavender fields to fiery autumn peaks and snow-covered towns that look straight out of a fairy tale. 🌸 SPRING | March – May A season of blossoms and new beginnings. Catch the cherry blossoms in Sapporo and Hakodate’s Goryokaku Fort, with peak blooms typically from late April to early May. ☀️ SUMMER | June – August The season of vibrant flower fields and lush greenery. Head to Furano for the iconic lavender at Farm Tomita and Biei’s mesmerizing Blue Pond. The lavender is at its peak around mid-July. 🍁 AUTUMN | September – November A masterpiece of natural colors. Witness the fall foliage at Daisetsuzan, Jozankei, and Lake Toya. Remember that the mountains turn red and gold before the city streets do! ❄️ WINTER | December – February A romantic wonderland of snow. Take a stroll along the Otaru Canal, marvel at the Sapporo Snow Festival, hit the slopes in Niseko, or soak in an onsen while the snow falls around you. 📅 Match your trip to your dream scenery: 🌸 Cherry Blossoms — Late April to Early May 💜 Lavender — Mid to Late July 🍁 Autumn Foliage — September to October (varies by location) ☃️ Snow & Winter Festivals — January to February 🚆 Can I travel by train? Yes! Many major cities like Otaru, Asahikawa, and Hakodate are easily accessible via JR Hokkaido, with Sapporo as your main hub. For more remote nature spots, you might need a bus or a local tour. ✨ There’s no single "best" season in Hokkaido—it all depends on what you want to experience. 📌 Save this post before you book your tickets to find the perfect month for your travel style! 💬 If you could visit Hokkaido just once, which season would you choose? 🌸☀️🍁❄️
How to Dress for Winter in Hokkaido: What to Pack for -10°C
Going to Hokkaido for your first winter trip? The biggest worry isn't just "where should I go," but "how do I dress" so the cold doesn't ruin the fun. ❄️ Especially on days when the temperature is between 0°C to -10°C or when there are strong winds, the chill feels much colder than the numbers suggest. After several winter trips, my simplest advice is: Don't just rely on one thick coat. Instead, dress in layers. It's warmer and much easier to adjust when you're on a train, in a shop, or inside buildings with high heating. 🧣 1. Base Layer — The most important layer Choose thermal innerwear or Heattech that wicks moisture well. This layer stays directly against your skin and helps trap body heat. If you'll be walking all day, I don't recommend pure cotton, as moisture from sweat will only make you feel colder. 🧶 2. Mid Layer — Add warmth For the middle layer, you can use knits, fleece, or light down jackets. The advantage is that if you get too warm in a shop or on a train, you can easily take it off without feeling hot all day. 🧥 3. Outer Layer — Must be windproof Your outer layer is crucial, especially on windy days. I recommend a down jacket or a padded coat that blocks the wind. It's even better if it's water-resistant or snow-proof. A hooded coat helps a lot when it's snowing or when the wind hits your face. 👖 4. Don't forget your legs Many people bundle up their upper bodies but wear thin pants and end up freezing from the waist down! 😭 Wear thermal leggings underneath, then layer with thick pants, wool pants, or ski pants on top. It makes walking around much more comfortable. 🥾 5. Shoes and Socks — More important than you think Snowy and icy floors are incredibly slippery. Choose shoes with good grip and waterproof features, and make sure there’s enough room inside for thick socks. If your shoes are too tight, your feet will get cold faster. Wool socks or thick winter-specific socks work wonders. 🧤 6. Small details that make a huge difference Beanies Gloves Scarves or neck warmers Earmuffs These items protect the parts of your body directly exposed to the cold air and really help you stay outside much longer. 🔥 7. Essentials for your bag Heat packs (Kairo) Lip balm Hand cream Moisturizer Thermous with warm water A mask or face covering for windy days Hokkaido's winter air is quite dry, so your lips and hands can crack more easily than you’d expect. 💡 The most important trick Before leaving the hotel, check the Temperature + Wind + Snow. A -5°C day with high winds can feel much colder than a -10°C day with no wind. Since shops, restaurants, and trains are very warm, layering is the answer. Add layers when it's cold, take them off when it's hot—it's much easier to travel this way than wearing one heavy, bulky coat. 📌 Checklist before leaving the hotel ✓ Base layer ✓ Mid layer ✓ Outer coat ✓ Warm pants ✓ Non-slip shoes ✓ Gloves + Scarf ✓ Hat ✓ Heat pack ✓ Lip balm / hand cream If you're planning a trip to Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Niseko, or Hakodate this winter, save this post! 🤍❄️ Dressing right = staying out longer. And most importantly… you can still take beautiful photos without shivering behind the camera! 😂☃️
Roaming the Edo-style ancient town
Esashi | Hokkaido’s oldest port town, a “Kitamae ship” ukiyo-e forgotten by time Starting from Hakodate, drive 90 minutes along the Sea of Japan coast to a hidden corner so quiet that “only a few of us foreigners are here.” There are no tour groups, only old streets preserving the Edo to Meiji era style, weathered stone pavements, townhouses blending Japanese and Western styles, and a mysterious island floating on the blue sea. This is Esashi, a port town that “thrived and declined because of fish.” It was once Hokkaido’s busiest trading port, with the herring fishing season in May said to surpass even Edo. Though its heyday has faded, that history remains perfectly preserved in every brick and tile along the streets. 📍 Esashi at a glance | One map to understand this port town Esashi is located in southwestern Hokkaido, facing the Sea of Japan. It is one of the earliest developed areas in Hokkaido by the Japanese. The name comes from the Ainu language “e-sas-us,” meaning “place to harvest kelp.” It prospered through herring and Kitamae ship trade but fell silent due to resource depletion and shipping changes. Today, it is the largest and best-preserved Kitamae ship port town heritage site in Hokkaido. · 🎫 Admission: walking the ancient town is completely free. Some museums and memorial halls charge separately (Kaiyomaru Memorial Hall about 500 yen) · ⏰ Suggested visit: half day (highlights tour) to 1 day (in-depth experience) · 🏷️ Key tags: Hokkaido’s oldest port town | Kitamae ship | herring trade | Japanese-Western fusion architecture | Esashi ancient road | Seagull Island | Hokkaido’s oldest shrine · ☎️ Inquiries: Esashi Tourism Association 🚗 How to get there | Not very convenient, but that’s why it’s peaceful Esashi’s “inconvenience” keeps most tourists away, preserving its tranquility. 🚌 Bus (most recommended) From the bus stop in front of JR Hakodate Station, take bus no. 610 to “Ubakami-cho Ferry Terminal” stop. The trip takes about 2 hours. Buses are infrequent but run on a fixed schedule. Check return times in advance. 🚗 Self-drive (most flexible) About 90 minutes from Hakodate Airport, about 2 hours from Hakodate city. Drive along the Sea of Japan coast with excellent scenery. 🚃 Train enthusiast’s choice (longest) Take the Donan Isaribi Railway to “Kikonai” Station, then transfer to a bus to Esashi. It takes longer but offers a chance to experience Hokkaido’s local railways. 🏛️ Must-visit list | Missing one is a wasted trip Esashi’s attractions are concentrated and walkable. The following route is arranged geographically to avoid backtracking: ① Esashi ancient road (Inishie Kaido) | 700 meters of Japanese-Western fusion architecture corridor This is the soul of Esashi. The street runs about 700 meters east to west, along the old national road in Nakauta-cho and Ubakami-cho, preserving Meiji-era shops, warehouses, townhouses, and shrines. On both sides of the stone pavement, Japanese wooden buildings and Western-style details intertwine, showing traces of fusion everywhere. The whole street is a living museum, open free all day. ② Former Nakamura residence | National treasure-level Kitamae ship merchant house Built in the early Meiji period, it was a wholesale merchant for shipping companies and is designated an important cultural property of Japan. The main house and warehouse are made of cypress and rohan cypress, with a two-story gabled roof structure, a typical example of Esashi merchant architecture. The museum displays materials related to Kitamae ships. Admission about 300–500 yen. ⚠️ The Yokoyama residence is currently closed but its historic exterior can be viewed from outside. ③ Ubakami Daijingu Shrine | Hokkaido’s oldest shrine The spiritual symbol of Esashi, known as Hokkaido’s oldest shrine. Legend says an old woman was guided by a deity to bring herring fishing to Hokkaido. Every year from August 9 to 11, the oldest festival in Hokkaido—the Ubakami Daijingu Togyo Festival—is held here. Thirteen ornate floats parade through town, instantly bringing the lively atmosphere of the Edo period back to life. ④ Kaiyomaru Memorial Hall | “Underwater relics” of the strongest warship of the Bakumatsu period Kaiyomaru was one of the strongest warships in late Edo Japan, which sank after running aground in Esashi Bay. About 3,000 salvaged relics are displayed, including cannons, shells, medical supplies, and tableware. The experience area lets you simulate operating the ship and firing cannons, making it educational and fun for families with children. Admission 500 yen/adult, 250 yen/elementary and middle school students. Open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last ticket 4:30 PM). ⑤ Seagull Island (Kamome-jima) | A secret island floating on the blue sea Seagull Island is Esashi’s symbol, named for its shape like a seagull spreading its wings. The island’s walking trail is about 2.6 km long, featuring Bottle Rock, lagoon arch bridge, Kitamae ship wooden pile remains, fort ruins, Itsukushima Shrine, and more. The island has a lighthouse, shrine, and a seaside campsite. It’s best to visit in the late afternoon near sunset for the softest light and best photos. About a 7-minute walk from Ubakami-cho Ferry Terminal. ⑥ Hokke-ji Temple | Hokkaido’s oldest wooden building Hidden at the end of a small alley, the temple gate is the main gate of the Hinoyama magistrate’s office over 300 years ago, considered one of Hokkaido’s oldest wooden buildings. The ceiling painting of the “dragon watching six directions” is worth looking up for. The temple is small and can be reached by a 2-minute walk uphill from the small path beside the Yokoyama residence. 🍜 Taste of Esashi | Local flavors, satisfying for just a few dozen dollars per person · 🐟 Herring soba (must-try!): Esashi’s signature dish. The sweet herring perfectly blends with the soba broth. Available in restaurants inside historic buildings like the Yokoyama residence · 🍢 Goshote-ya yokan: A long-established wagashi shop founded in Meiji 3 (1870). Its yokan is a famous Hokkaido sweet that locals say everyone should try at least once · ☕ Sabo Sekigawa: A café in a traditional Esashi old street building, offering great street views through lattice windows · 🥐 Becky Bakery: A hidden gem loved by locals and visitors alike, known for excellent croissants and Danish pastries 🗺️ Half-day highlights route | Follow this to avoid getting lost Get off at Ubakami-cho Ferry Terminal → Seagull Island (circular walk, about 40 minutes) → Kaiyomaru Memorial Hall (about 40 minutes) → Hokke-ji Temple (about 15 minutes) → Walk Esashi ancient road (passing former Nakamura residence and Yokoyama residence exterior) → Rest at café or old shop → Return About 3–4 hours total, relaxed pace with plenty of photo time. Avoid Tuesdays, as many restaurants and museums are closed. 💡 Insider tips | We’ve saved you from these pitfalls 1. Very few tourists in Esashi: Some visitors say “we were probably the only foreigners in town that day.” If you like off-the-beaten-path destinations, this won’t disappoint. 2. Limited bus schedule: Be sure to check return bus times in advance. Missing the last bus is very troublesome. 3. Yokoyama residence closed: Currently not open for visits, but its historic exterior is still worth seeing. 4. Seagull Island is most beautiful at dusk: Visit late afternoon near sunset for the best light and photos. 5. Bring cash: Some old shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards. 6. August hosts Hokkaido’s oldest festival: Ubakami Daijingu Togyo Festival (August 9–11), with 13 ornate floats parading, bringing the town back to the lively Edo period atmosphere. 7. One-day trip from Hakodate is just right: If time is limited, a day trip from Hakodate is a great choice—the town is small, attractions are concentrated, and a leisurely afternoon walk is perfect. When the stone pavement of Esashi ancient road unfolds in the afternoon light and shadow, when the Seagull Island trail extends into the blue sea at dusk, when the gate of Hokke-ji Temple casts a long shadow in the setting sun—you’ll understand that there is a Hokkaido not in Sapporo or Otaru, but in Esashi. It doesn’t rush tourists or charge admission. It simply lays out the prosperous memories of the Kitamae ship era, the old buildings blending Japanese and Western styles, and the quiet so that “only a few of us foreigners” are here, all along the southern Hokkaido Sea of Japan coast, waiting for anyone who doesn’t want the crowds. Navigate to “Esashi” and meet Hokkaido’s oldest port town. 🏮🌊
Aomori City is an Absolute Must-Visit—You'll Regret Missing It!
🌸 Aomori-Hakodate Cherry Blossom Tale: A 4-Day Cross-Sea Sakura Chase 🍏 This trip was all about immersing myself in a sea of pink cherry blossoms and the rich aroma of apples. Traveling from Aomori in the northern Tohoku region across the sea to Hakodate in Hokkaido, I captured every shade of the cherry blossoms, from the warm orange of the sunset to the magical night illuminations. 🔹Day 1: Aomori's Apple Pie and Generous Surprises After arriving in Aomori, I dropped off my luggage at the Richmond Hotel Aomori. This hotel is incredibly generous—the lobby actually offers all-you-can-drink unlimited apple juice! Now that's the Aomori I had in mind! 📍First Souvenir Stop: I rushed to the Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center (ASPAM). There, I tried the legendary Pam Pam apple pie. The pastry had perfect flaky layers, and the filling was the ideal balance of sweet and tart. Highly recommend! 📍Hipster Stroll: Next, I went on a shopping spree at A-FACTORY. The building itself is highly photogenic, and the wide variety of exquisite apple products made it impossible to stop buying. 🔹Day 2: Tsugaru Railway and Hirosaki's Magical Night Sakura Today was all about nostalgia. I took a bus to Goshogawara Station and transferred to the Tsugaru Railway, heading for Ashino Park. 📍Lunch Break: After snapping the classic shot of the train passing through the cherry blossom woods in the park, I grabbed a quick lunch. 📍The Main Event: In the evening, I hurried over to Hirosaki Park. The cherry blossoms here are the most spectacular I've ever seen, especially when the sunset paints them in a warm orange hue, followed by the magical light-up. The interplay of light and shadow between the ancient castle walls and the moat is simply breathtaking. 🔹Day 3: Crossing the Tsugaru Strait for Hakodate's Million-Dollar Night View In the morning, I returned to Hirosaki Park to capture the white cherry blossoms blooming in the sunlight. It felt completely different from last night—so much more refreshing. 📍Moving On: I hopped on the Shinkansen from Shin-Aomori straight to Hakodate. 📍Accommodation: Checked into Hoshino Resorts OMO5 Hakodate. The hotel facilities are super trendy. 📍Nightscape: I took the hotel's free shuttle bus directly to the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway station. Watching the harbor lights gradually turn on, the classic double-arch "million-dollar night view" truly lives up to its reputation. Enjoying the night view from the summit with a cool breeze was 100% romantic. 🔹Day 4: Goryokaku's Pentagram and Harbor Romance The final day was a double feast for the eyes and the taste buds. 📍Overlooking the Sakura Sea: I took the tram to Goryokaku. You absolutely have to go up the Goryokaku Tower! Looking down from above, the giant star-shaped moat is completely filled with pink cherry blossoms—the visual impact is mind-blowing. 📍Stunning Ocean View: In the afternoon, I headed to Hachimanzaka. Looking down from the top of the slope at the magnificent Hakodate harbor, it felt like a scene straight out of a movie. 📍Final Shopping: I took a stroll to the Red Brick Warehouses and bought the SNAFFLE’S cheesecakes I had been dreaming of. Finally, packed with loot and photos, I headed to the airport to say goodbye to this pink holiday. If you're an apple lover and a sakura fanatic like me, this itinerary—starting in Aomori and ending in Hakodate—is definitely your dream choice. Don't forget to drink a few extra glasses of apple juice at the hotel in Aomori; that's truly the simplest happiness in travel! 🍎✨
Countdown to Cherry Blossom Season! 2026 Japan Nationwide Cherry Blossom Viewing Guide
Cherry Blossom Season — The Main Event 🔹 Honshu at the end of March, Hokkaido expected in late April 👉 If you want to see the earliest cherry blossom snow this year, go straight to Izu, where the Kawazu cherry blossoms are ready! The cherry blossoms stretch for miles along the Kawazu River, looking like pink clouds! Super beautiful. . 2026 Japan Cherry Blossom Season · Predicted Bloom Period Izu Kawazu Cherry Blossoms: February - early March Tokyo: late March - early April Kansai: late March - early April Chubu: early April - mid-April Kyushu: mid-late March - early April Shikoku: late March - early April Tohoku: mid-April - late April Hokkaido: late April - early May (Hokkaido is cooler, so blossoms bloom later) . 👍 Lesser-known Cherry Blossom Viewing Routes 🌸 Izu Kawazu Cherry Blossoms: 【Tokyo — Izu · Kawazu Cherry Blossoms — Shimoda】 Along Kawazu River (early spring Kawazu cherry blossoms × rapeseed flowers) × hot springs × night cherry blossom illuminations ✨ × Shimoda Park (cherry blossom harbor ⚓) × Omuroyama... 🌸 Kanto: 【Tokyo — Hakone — Mt. Fuji (Lake Kawaguchi / Lake Yamanaka / Asama Park)】 Mt. Fuji cherry blossoms × hot springs × cycling sightseeing at Lake Yamanaka × cherry blossom stroll at Lake Kawaguchi × Sensoji Temple × hidden cherry blossom spots × Michelin restaurants... . 🌸 Kansai: 【Kyoto — Nara — Osaka】 Arashiyama cherry blossom train 🚆 × Fushimi Jukkoku boat cruise × shrines and temples cherry blossoms × Mint Bureau cherry blossom tunnel × Nara cherry blossom deer × kimono experience... . 🌸 Kyushu: 【Fukuoka — Saga — Kumamoto — Mount Aso — Beppu — Yufuin】 Fukuoka cherry blossoms × Aso volcano (green tea mountain) × Beppu hot springs × Kumamoto Castle city walk × shrine scenes like in "Forest of Fireflies"... . 🌸 Hokkaido: 【Sapporo — Otaru — Hakodate】 Goryokaku Park (star-shaped fortress) × 🔺 Hakodate mountain night view × Hokkaido Shrine (plum and cherry blossoms together) 🌊... ——⭕ Stay in Japanese-style gardens + perfect views + private hot springs + secluded or luxury hotels! ◾ Aman Kyoto: hidden deep in the forest, 🔍 garden + private hot spring ◾ Aman Tokyo: fusion of Japanese Zen and modern style, overlooking the entire Tokyo skyline ◾ Fufu series (Kyoto / Nara / Hakone...): focuses on hot springs + traditional Japanese atmosphere ◾ Hoshinoya Fuji: rooms face Mt. Fuji, watch it while lying down ……
The city I like most in Hokkaido has appeared (with a travel guide)
On my second trip to Hokkaido, I finally arrived in Hakodate this time. The slope leading to the sea, Victorian-style red brick walls, fairy-tale cottages covered in snow, the clanging tram passing by, and the starry sky from the mountaintop at night. If there is a city worth crossing mountains and seas to see, I would say it must be Hakodate. 📍 One-day City Walk Route Hakodate Morning Market ➡️ Omori Coast ➡️ Kanemori Warehouse ➡️ Hachimanzaka Slope ➡️ Motomachi Park ➡️ Night View from Mount Hakodate 📸 Photo Spots 🔹 Hachimanzaka Slope The slope at the end of the road facing the sea is a great spot for photos. You can capture trams passing by from a high vantage point. Walking up Hachimanzaka, you will see the Gothic-style Roman Catholic Church. 🔹 Mount Hakodate In Hokkaido, winter sunset is around 4:40 PM. It’s recommended to shoot from daytime to sunset. Personally, the blue hour is the most beautiful. The mountaintop is windy, so dress warmly. On the day we went, the cable car was closed, so we hiked up the mountain for an hour following a Xiaohongshu guide. The whole hiking experience was definitely worth it. 🔹 Kanemori Warehouse The red brick exterior with white snow looks like a fairy tale. Inside, many Hakodate specialty shops are worth visiting. Opposite the warehouse is Lucky Clown Burger, an American retro-style spot perfect for photos and check-ins. 🔹 Omori Coast A long coastline with mountains on one side and the sea on the other, very romantic. Almost no tourists, every shot looks beautiful. 🍽️ Food Hakodate Seafood Cuisine You can’t miss the seafood feast in Hakodate. This restaurant is less than a 10-minute walk from JR station. Various seafood and Hokkaido snow crab dishes are very authentic, and the late-night izakaya atmosphere is great. 🏢 Hotel La Vista Hakodate Bay Annex Hotel If you can only stay one night in Hakodate, this hotel is highly recommended based on personal experience. It’s only a 10-minute walk from JR, and all major city attractions are within walking distance. The hotel’s top-floor public bath has an open-air bath. After soaking, you can sit in the lobby and enjoy the night view. The free Hokkaido ice cream is so delicious you can’t stop eating. Important: This hotel claims to have “Japan’s best breakfast.” The buffet breakfast offers both Western and Japanese dishes, allowing you to enjoy seafood freely while admiring the harbor view during breakfast.
Second Visit to Hokkaido: These Photo Spots Are Simply Legendary
Winter in Hokkaido is truly synonymous with romance and beauty—skiing, hot springs... On my second visit to Hokkaido, these photo spots are simply legendary. 7 days and 6 nights, save this⭐️ · 🗓️ Itinerary Overview D1▶️ Sapporo - City Food Tour D2▶️ Sapporo - Otaru - Mt. Tengu - Otaru Canal D3▶️ Otaru Aquarium - Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) / Shikotsu Lake Ice Waterfall Festival - Cape Chikyu → Lake Toya D4▶️ Lake Toya - Hakodate Red Brick Warehouses - Hachimanzaka Slope - Mt. Hakodate D5▶️ Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden - Goryokaku Observatory - Niseko D6▶️ Niseko Skiing / Mt. Yotei Photo Spot - Sapporo D7▶️ Sapporo - Return · ❄️ Photo Spot Guide 1️⃣ Otaru ✔️ Funamizaka Slope: Filming location for the movie "Love Letter," the slope ends at the deep blue sea, especially healing after snow ✔️ Mt. Tengu: Filming location for the Japanese drama "First Love" and the movie "Love Letter," take the cable car in winter for a dreamy snowy view ✔️ Otaru Canal: Flanked by brick warehouses, stroll along the walkway and visit nearby music box shops and dessert cafes 🔸 Visit between 2/7 and 2/14, 2026, to experience the "Snow Light Path," where countless snow lanterns light up the canal, creating a magical scene ✔️ Otaru Aquarium: Watch penguins walk and dolphin shows 🔸 Winter opening hours: 12/13/2025 to 2/23/2026 · 2️⃣ Lake Toya / Noboribetsu ✔️ Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley): Walk the boardwalk to admire the spectacular mix of sulfur springs and snow scenery ✔️ Shikotsu Lake Ice Waterfall Festival: Water from Shikotsu Lake sprayed and sculpted into various shapes, glowing with the dreamy "Shikotsu Blue" under sunlight, only from 1/31 to 2/23, 2026 ✔️ Cape Chikyu: White lighthouse overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where you can see the Earth's curved horizon ✔️ Lake Toya: 🔸 Fireworks Festival: If visiting between 2/3 and 2/12, 2026, enjoy nightly fireworks shows 🔸 Light Tunnel: From sunset to 10 PM, tens of thousands of colorful lights illuminate the lakeside hot spring street · 3️⃣ Hakodate ✔️ Red Brick Warehouses: Renovated red brick buildings featuring Hokkaido specialty souvenirs and cafes ✔️ Mt. Hakodate: Best around sunset, one of the "World’s Top Three Night Views" ✔️ Tropical Botanical Garden: Winter’s unique "monkeys soaking in hot springs" scene ✔️ Goryokaku Park: Climb the tower for a panoramic view of the star-shaped fort · 4️⃣ Niseko Skiing or Mt. Yotei Photo Spot ✔️ Niseko Hirafu Ski Resort: Powder snow paradise suitable for all skill levels, easy to rent gear and hire instructors ✔️ Mt. Yotei Photo Spot: Capture the classic "Little Mt. Fuji" scene featuring Mt. Yotei and surrounding landscapes · ♨ Hot Spring Guide ✔️ Lake Toya: Kinosaki and Nono Kaze, first-row lake views, perfect for soaking while enjoying the snow ✔️ Hakodate: Soak in Yunokawa Onsen with views of Hakodate Bay and the city nightscape ✔️ Niseko: Zaborin and Rakusuiyama, secluded retreats on snowy plains Hokkaido · Japan Niseko Ski Resort Toyako Town, Abuta District Hakodate, Hokkaido
Hokkaido • Hakodate city walk
Hakodate was the last stop on my eight-day trip to Hokkaido, and I really liked this small city! After checking into the hotel on the first day, I went to see the million-dollar night view. On the second day, I rode the tram around 🚃 Highly recommend the hot spring hotel we stayed at: La Vista Hakodate Bay Annex The suite had a great view (photo 2), and the hot springs upstairs were very comfortable. Both public and private baths were free, and there were free drinks and ice cream. The unlimited drink options in the hotel lobby were also quite abundant (photo 3), and the staff were super nice. The hotel’s location is excellent, situated between the pier, the mountain cable car, and the train station, so you can walk anywhere. A taxi ride up the mountain costs about 2,500 yen, and if you don’t want to wait for the cable car going down, you can take a taxi; the ride to the airport is about 4,000 yen, which is very convenient. The buffet breakfast is a must-try, even better than the one at the Nakanoshima Lake Toya hotel I stayed at before, mainly because they offer unlimited alcoholic drinks during breakfast. A must-visit in Hakodate is the Joker Burger shop 🤡 There are many branches, and you can see them just by walking around. Each store has a different decoration style, but the shops are really beautiful, totally appealing to dopamine seekers. However, the food looks pretty ordinary, so I just bought some ice cream to eat 🍦 Goryokaku Park is the farthest attraction, and the autumn scenery is still very beautiful. I heard the cherry blossoms in spring are also stunning. There are many places to shop and eat near Mori Warehouse. Walking uphill from there leads to the famous Hachiman-zaka photo spot. Hakodate perfectly capped off this autumn-chasing trip to Hokkaido with an exclamation mark❗️
What people are saying about Hakodate
Goryokaku Park
Definitely choose this over the rope way. Half the price and much better view and ambience. Went around 2pm and the crowds were small. There's two levels of 360 degree viewing area and some historical things to learn.
_TI***3xGoryōkaku Tower
Goryokaku tower is a history about war at that time. From up the tower we can see hakodate city very clear. Nice tower!
Lily PoonMount Hakodate
spectacular view from the mountain top, watching sunset and then slowly getting into the night, feeling so calm and good
_TI***j0Mt. Hakodate Ropeway - Mountain Base Station
easy to redeem, very convenient, parking opposite to the entrance, the night view is very nice.
ZoeZoeLoKanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse is the best shopping place in Hakodate, and it has a very literary and youthful atmosphere. Beautiful views of the canal and its old red brick architectural features. The lighting at night makes for a great photo spot. There are as many as 100 shops, restaurants, etc. inside, which is very easy to browse.
Yin HeiYunokawa Onsen
Take the tram slowly to Yunokawa Onsen Station and check into the Kaiyo-tei Hotel in Heiseikan. Tomorrow we'll be leaving Hakodate; it's just a 10-minute bus ride from the hotel entrance to the airport. Yunokawa Onsen boasts a 400-year history, and legend has it that it's been a place where villagers and travelers have traditionally sought healing and relaxation. During the late Edo period, former Shogunate soldiers like Enomoto Takeaki and Shikata Toshizo came to the hot springs to bathe and heal their wounds during the Battle of Hakodate. Kaiyo-tei is a very large restaurant with both red and clear hot springs, both saline springs. It's very comfortable, and the salt content has a slight antibacterial effect. Dinner will be at Shiosō-tei across the street, a buffet; both the window views and the food are beautiful.
穿ECCO的巴顿🐯Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
The Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is located in Yunokawa, a famous hot spring resort. Tropical plants are quite rare in Hokkaido, after all, it is in the north. But if you are a tourist, going to the north to see tropical plants is a matter of whether you have time or not. After all, you can go to Xishuangbanna, Thailand, and Singapore. For non-local tourists, the biggest feature of this botanical garden is that it raises Japanese macaques that take a hot spring bath. Those who have not seen it can come and see it. Of course, this monkey project is also artificial. If you want to see it naturally, you have to go to Noboribetsu Jigokudani.
暝逝Mt. Hakodate Observatory
Highly recommend everyone to visit Mount Hakodate Million Night View🤍 It's one of the world's top three night views 🌃 It's really beautiful! You can take mains or bus to Foothill Station Then walk up and take the cable car up to the top of the hill The cable car only runs every 10 minutes If you are in a hurry, you have to watch the screen have written what time the next class is Cable car ride guide! Remember to sit on the right side on the way out 👉🏻 sit on the left side on the return trip 👈🏻 Then you will definitely get a beautiful view ✌🏻 You need to buy an entrance ticket to reach the summit If you have IC electronic payment method recommend you to use the self-service machine! There are many fewer people queuing up than buying tickets manually! Also remind everyone to leave a ticket Because entering and exiting the gate requires scanning the QR code again It will be very troublesome if you lose it!
Ginny 지니
