Hakodate: Hokkaido’s historic and romantic port city

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Discover Hakodate’s night views, seafood, historic streets, and coastal charm.

Located on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate is one of Japan’s most atmospheric port cities. The city is known for its historic streets, fresh seafood, and famous night views overlooking the harbor.

As one of the first Japanese ports to open to international trade in 1859, Hakodate developed under both Japanese and Western influences. That history can still be felt throughout the city today. 

Travelers come here for the scenery, the seafood, and the nostalgic atmosphere that makes the city feel distinctly different from many other destinations in Japan.

How to get to Hakodate from Tokyo

Hakodate is easy to reach from Tokyo and fits naturally into a wider Japan itinerary. 

You can fly from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Hakodate Airport in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes with Japan Airlines. The route offers convenient access to southern Hokkaido. This makes Hakodate an easy destination to include alongside cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, or Sapporo.

For overseas visitors planning to explore multiple regions across the country, the JAL Japan Explorer Pass offers convenient domestic fares to destinations throughout Japan, including Hokkaido.

Hakodate Airport is located around 20 minutes from the city center by car. Shuttle buses connect the airport with major areas, including Hakodate Station and Yunokawa Onsen. Once in the city, streetcars and local buses make it easy to explore many of Hakodate’s main attractions.

Must-visit attractions and scenic viewpoints

Hakodate is a city best explored slowly. Historic streets slope down toward the harbor, while coastal viewpoints and mountain scenery sit just minutes from the city center. Hakodate combines history, scenery, and atmosphere in a way that feels distinctly different from many other Japanese cities.

Mount Hakodate and the famous night view

The night view from Mount Hakodate is considered one of Japan’s three most famous night views. After sunset, lights spread across the narrow peninsula between Hakodate Bay and the Tsugaru Strait. This transforms the city into a sweeping landscape of color and reflections.

Head up the mountain just before evening falls. Watching the city gradually light up as day turns to night is part of the experience itself.

One of the easiest ways to reach the summit is via the Mount Hakodate Ropeway. It takes you from the base station to the observation area in approximately three minutes. From the top, panoramic views stretch across the city, coastline, and surrounding sea.

Winter is one of the most popular times to visit due to the clearer skies and crisp visibility, though the view is impressive throughout the year.

Address: 19-7 Motomachi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture

How to get there: Approximately 15 minutes from JR Hakodate Station by tram, bus, or car. From the Jujigai tram stop, the ropeway station is about a 10-minute walk away.

Explore the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort

Goryokaku Fort is one of Hakodate’s most important historical landmarks. Built in 1866, it was Japan’s first Western-style star-shaped fortress. It played a major role during the final battles of the Boshin War.

Today, the former fortress has been transformed into a large public park surrounded by moats and walking paths. During spring, the grounds become one of Hakodate’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots, with thousands of cherry trees surrounding the fort.

For a full view of the unique star-shaped design, head to Goryokaku Tower nearby. The observation deck overlooks the entire fortress and the surrounding city.

The site has also gained international attention through its appearance in the 2024 film Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram.

Address: 44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture

How to get there: Approximately 15 minutes by tram from JR Hakodate Station.

Walk the historic slopes of Motomachi

The Motomachi district reflects Hakodate’s history as one of Japan’s first international trading ports. Western-style churches, former consulates, and historic buildings line the hillside streets overlooking the harbor.

One of the most photographed streets in the city is Hachiman-zaka Slope. The steep road leads directly toward the waterfront, framing views of the sea and the historic Mashu Maru ship below.

Walking through Motomachi feels very different from exploring many other Japanese cities. European-inspired architecture stands beside traditional Japanese buildings. This creates a unique atmosphere shaped by Hakodate’s international past.

The area is especially pleasant to explore in the late afternoon and evening, when many of the historic buildings become illuminated.

Escape the crowds at Cape Tachimachi

Located on the eastern side of Mount Hakodate, Cape Tachimachi offers a quieter alternative to some of the city’s more popular sightseeing areas.

The rugged coastal cliffs overlook the Tsugaru Strait and provide sweeping views of the ocean below. On clear days, you can watch waves crash against the rocky coastline while seabirds circle overhead.

The area is particularly popular with travelers looking for a peaceful walk away from the busier tourist districts. Strong sea winds and dramatic coastal scenery give Cape Tachimachi a wilder atmosphere than the more urban waterfront areas closer to the city center.

Address: 9-9 Sumiyoshi-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture

How to get there: Around 15 minutes by car from JR Hakodate Station.

Seafood and local flavors in Hakodate

Hakodate is widely known as one of Hokkaido’s best destinations for seafood. Surrounded by rich fishing waters, the city has developed a strong food culture.

Hakodate is also home to quirky local restaurants and long-established eateries that reflect the city’s unique mix of Japanese and Western influences.

Start the morning at Hakodate Morning Market

Located just steps from JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Morning Market is one of the city’s most famous food destinations. The market consists of hundreds of small stalls and restaurants selling fresh seafood, local produce, and regional specialties.

Arrive early to enjoy a seafood breakfast before beginning a day of sightseeing. Popular dishes include kaisendon, a rice bowl topped with fresh seafood such as salmon roe, crab, tuna, and sea urchin.

One of the market’s most unusual experiences is the live squid fishing activity. You can catch squid directly from the tank before having it prepared immediately as sashimi.

The market is busiest during the morning hours, when fishing boats arrive with fresh catches from the surrounding waters.

Address: 9-19 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture

How to get there: A short 1-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station.

Try Hakodate’s famous Lucky Pierrot burgers

Lucky Pierrot is one of Hakodate’s most recognizable local restaurant chains. Known for its colorful interiors and circus-themed decorations, the restaurant has developed a cult following both within Hokkaido and across Japan.

The chain is exclusive to Hakodate, making it a popular stop for visitors looking to try local fast food with a unique atmosphere.

Its most famous menu item is the Chinese Chicken Burger. It's made with crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet-and-savory sauce. Other menu items range from curry rice and omelets to ice cream and milkshakes.

The brand has over 10 locations in Hakodate. Each branch has slightly different decorations and themes, adding to the quirky charm of the experience.

Address: 23-18 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture (main store)

How to get there: Approximately 15 minutes by tram from JR Hakodate Station. Get off at the Jujigai tram stop, then walk for around 3 minutes to the restaurant.

Eat like a local at Hasegawa Store

For a more local and affordable dining experience, many Hakodate residents head to Hasegawa Store, often called “Hase-Sto” by locals. The brand has over 10 locations in Hakodate, so you'll definitely find one during your visit.

Most of them resemble a small convenience store from the outside. But Hasegawa Store is best known for its famous Yakitori Bento. Despite the name, the skewers are typically made with pork rather than chicken, reflecting a regional style unique to Hokkaido.

Freshly grilled meat is served over rice with seaweed and sauce. This creates a simple yet satisfying meal that has become a local comfort-food favorite.

The atmosphere feels casual and distinctly local, offering a different side of Hakodate’s food culture beyond seafood restaurants and tourist areas.

Address: 23-5 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture

How to get there: Approximately 15 minutes by tram from JR Hakodate Station. Get off at the Jujigai tram stop, then walk for around 3 minutes to the restaurant.

Experience historic Western-style dining at Gotoken

Founded in 1879, Gotoken is one of Japan’s oldest Western-style restaurants. Its history reflects Hakodate’s role as one of the country’s earliest international trading ports.

The restaurant became known for introducing yoshoku cuisine. A style of Japanese Western-inspired cooking influenced by French and Russian culinary traditions.

Today, you can still enjoy dishes connected to that history, including the restaurant’s famous Hakodate curry. The elegant historic atmosphere adds to the experience. This makes Gotoken popular with both food lovers and travelers interested in Hakodate’s cultural history.

For more than a century, the restaurant has remained an important part of the city’s culinary identity.

Address: 4-5 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture

How to get there: Approximately 15 minutes by tram from JR Hakodate Station. Get off at the Jujigai tram stop, then walk for around 2 minutes to the restaurant.

Relaxing experiences and waterfront walks

Hakodate is also a city well suited to slower travel. Hot spring districts, waterfront promenades, and illuminated historic neighborhoods give the city a calmer atmosphere, particularly in the evenings.

Explore the Red Brick Warehouse District

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse District is one of Hakodate’s most recognizable waterfront areas. It was originally built during the late 19th century as storage facilities for the port. The restored brick warehouses now house shops, cafés, restaurants, and event spaces.

Walking through the district offers a glimpse into Hakodate’s trading history while also providing one of the city’s most scenic harbor-side areas.

You can also stop at the Hakodate Beer Hall to try locally brewed beer while overlooking the historic waterfront.

Address: 14-12 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture

How to get there: It is around 15 minutes by tram from JR Hakodate Station.

Take an evening walk through Motomachi

Motomachi takes on a very different atmosphere after sunset. All the buildings are softly illuminated, giving the hillside streets a quieter, more romantic feel. The architecture and harbor views feel almost cinematic against the evening sky.

Walking through the area slowly allows you to appreciate details that are easy to miss during the day. The calmer nighttime atmosphere makes Motomachi one of Hakodate’s best areas for an evening stroll after dinner.

Unwind in Yunokawa Onsen

Yunokawa Onsen is one of Hokkaido’s oldest hot spring districts. It has been attracting visitors for centuries. The area is known for its traditional ryokan inns, mineral-rich hot springs, and relaxed atmosphere.

Many travelers choose to stay overnight in Yunokawa Onsen to experience a slower pace after exploring the city center. Several ryokan feature open-air baths overlooking the ocean, particularly popular during the colder winter months.

One of the area’s most unusual attractions is the Tropical Botanical Garden. Here you may meet Japanese macaques, often called "onsen monkeys," soak in outdoor hot spring baths during winter.

The combination of coastal scenery, steaming hot springs, and snowy landscapes creates a distinctly Hokkaido atmosphere during the colder seasons.

Address: Yunokawa-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture

How to get there: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Hakodate Airport or around 30 minutes by tram from JR Hakodate Station. Get off at the Yunokawa Onsen tram stop.

Hakodate feels different from other Japanese cities

Hakodate feels quieter and more relaxed than many of Japan’s larger cities. The city’s history as an international trading port is still evident throughout the harbor, historic streets, and Western-style buildings.

Surrounded by mountains and sea, Hakodate is also easy to explore at a slower pace. Fresh seafood, seasonal scenery, and waterfront views give the city an atmosphere that feels distinctly different from many other destinations in Japan.

Explore Hokkaido with the JAL Japan Explorer Pass

From historic streets and famous night views to fresh seafood and relaxing hot springs, Hakodate offers a different side of Japan that combines culture, scenery, and coastal charm.

Use the JAL Japan Explorer Pass to discover Hakodate and explore more destinations across Japan with convenient domestic flights.