Hakodate
City of a Million-Dollar Night View
Population
250,000
Founded
1454
Best Season
Spring to Autumn
Recommended Stay
2-3 days
Must-Visit Attractions
Mount Hakodate
One of Japan's three best night views, accessible by ropeway or hiking trail
Hakodate Morning Market
Famous seafood market with incredibly fresh crab, sea urchin, and kaisendon
Goryokaku Park
Star-shaped fort and park, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season
Red Brick Warehouses
Historic waterfront warehouses now housing shops, restaurants, and event spaces
Historic Churches
Beautiful Russian Orthodox and Catholic churches reflecting the city's international history
Historic Tram
Charming streetcar system connecting major attractions since 1913
Hakodate Specialties
🦀
Fresh Crab
Hokkaido snow crab and king crab, incredibly sweet and fresh from local waters
🍣
Kaisendon
Fresh seafood rice bowl featuring sea urchin, salmon roe, and seasonal fish
🍦
Soft Cream
Hokkaido's famous dairy soft serve ice cream in unique local flavors
🥟
Lucky Pierrot
Local burger chain exclusive to Hakodate, beloved by locals and visitors
Best Time to Visit
❄️
Winter (Dec-Feb)
- • Clear night views
- • Winter illuminations
- • Hot seafood season
- • Average: -8°C to 2°C
🌸
Spring (Mar-May)
- • Cherry blossoms at Goryokaku
- • Mild weather
- • Perfect for walking
- • Average: 2°C to 18°C
☀️
Summer (Jun-Aug)
- • Perfect weather
- • Port festival season
- • Outdoor dining
- • Average: 15°C to 26°C
🍁
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- • Beautiful fall colors
- • Comfortable temperatures
- • Seafood harvest season
- • Average: 6°C to 20°C
Getting Around Hakodate
Historic Trams
Explore the city's charming districts, like Motomachi and the Bay Area, aboard a retro tram.
Morning Market
Savor fresh seafood bowls and try your hand at squid fishing at the lively morning market.
Stunning Night View
Take the ropeway up Mount Hakodate for an unforgettable panoramic view of the city.
Discover Historic Hakodate
Experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and cuisine in Hokkaido's charming port city.