Home > Port-area Attractions > Hakodate
Hokkaido's third largest city, Hakodate, is home to Japan's foremost morning market with its lively traders' voices flying back and forth, Western-style brickwork buildings housing a variety of shops including glassware craft experience workshops, and cobbled streets leading down from the city's hills to the sea. The unbroken night-time view of the port from Mt. Hakodate boasts one of the world's most dazzling city panoramas, and in summer is magically illuminated by the isaribi (a fire for luring fish at night) that are dotted along the Hakodate Bay. The Goryokaku, Japan's earliest Western-style fortress, is found in a corner of the city, standing testament to Japan's turbulent history during the struggle between the declining Shogunate and the armies of the new government in 1868. Other attractions are offered in the form of hot springs on the city's outskirts.
Excursion Information
Hakodate was the site of the final bloody battle of the Boshin War, which arose from the struggle between the armies of the Shogun and new government to determine who would dominate the new era of Japan's history. The streets that spread out over the hills of this port city steeped in history are rich with exotic atmosphere, and the night view from Mt. Hakodate is ranked among the world's three most beautiful views. Walking around Matsumae, which flourished in times of old through Pacific herring fishing, and exploring the Jomon Period archaeological site on Mt. Esan, you can catch a glimpse of the history passed down to this most northerly territory of Japan.
Half day course
A distinctive feature of Hakodate, a large number of its old-fashioned buildings have remained unchanged since the time of the port opening. They are built in a unique blend of Western and Japanese styles described as ‘Hakodate Western-style', and while sightseeing in these streets, you will get a feeling for the area's rich history. In the middle is Hakodate's main tourist attraction: The Mt. Hakodate Ropeway. Climbing all the way to the peak of Mt Hakodate, the magnificent scenery is enough to take any visitor's breath away. It boasts not only a superb daytime panorama of the city and sea that flanks it on both sides, but also a truly spectacular night view.
Mt. Hakodate > Motomachi Park Area
1 day course
Its seasonally blooming flowers and softly smoking crater make the active volcano of Mt. Esan an ideal spot for hiking. Looking out over the Shimokita Peninsula and Tsugaru Strait on the ascent to the summit, you will find it difficult to hold back your amazement, and walking over the rugged surface of the volcano is also highly enjoyable. After a well-earned rest at the local spa facilities, move on to the Ofune Archaeological Site, where you can see a large settlement and artifacts from the Jomon Period. The exterior is home to the remains of pit-style dwellings, and you can also see the Kakku-udo-gu earthenware figures, which were excavated on the site and are designated national treasures.
Mt. Esan (hiking) > hot springs > tour of Ofune Archaeological Site
1 night course
The Goryokaku was the site of the Battle of Hakodate in the final stages of the Boshin War, as is known as the place where Toshizo Hijikata of the Shinsengumi finally fell. The neighboring Hizikata Takuboku Museum gives visitors a vivid impression of the closing days of the Shogunate. Matsumae Castle, which became a battleground towards the end of the Boshin War, was the last and the most northerly Japanese-style castle to be built in the country. After being destroyed in a fire, it was rebuilt around 50 years ago. The castle and Matsumae-han Mansion of this most northerly castle town of Japan allow visitors to enjoy a stroll in surroundings where the Edo Period is brought back to life.
Esashi > Goryokaku Park > Hizikata Takuboku Museum > Matsumae Castle > Walk around Matsumae-machi
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