Top 15 Must-Experience Attractions in Hakodate, Japan

The delightful city of Hakodate is situated on Hokkaido Island, attracting numerous domestic tourists while unfortunately receiving fewer international visitors. If you plan to visit Hokkaido, Hakodate serves as an excellent starting point due to its southern location on the island and its recognition as one of Japan’s most picturesque destinations.

Hakodate is set against the magnificent backdrop of Mount Hakodate, and visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls through its verdant streets. The city boasts various attractions, including museums, craft workshops, historic merchant homes, and an array of mouthwatering street food options.

Additionally, the stunning countryside surrounding Hakodate provides opportunities for engaging day trips to verdant parks, national parks, and charming local villages.

Moreover, do not overlook the craft scene in Hakodate, renowned for its skilled artisans who create unique items such as exquisite music boxes and glassware.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Hakodate:

1. Explore Tsugaru Fort

Tsugaru Fort represents the pinnacle of Hakodate’s attractions, as it is situated atop the stunning Mount Hakodate.

This site was utilized during the Second World War, and visitors can now explore its functional aspects as a military battery from that era.

To reach the fort, one may take a ropeway to the summit of Mount Hakodate and stroll past the west battery before continuing on to the east and south batteries.

Outside the fort, picnic tables provide a pleasant area for refreshments while you take in the views overlooking the city.

2. Shop at the Morning Market

For those wishing to experience local produce for which Hokkaido is renowned, a visit to the Morning Market is highly recommended. This market is located within a series of buildings overlooking the central bay.

Here, a diverse selection of local delicacies is available, including abundant fresh seafood.

Hakodate is particularly famous for its succulent crabs, which can be purchased fresh, or visitors can opt to dine in one of the delectable seafood restaurants adjacent to the market.

At these establishments, you can savor local specialties, including a rice bowl known as donburi, piled high with fresh seafood.

3. Tour Fort Goryokaku

Constructed in 1864, Fort Goryokaku holds the distinction of being the first fort in Japan built in the Western style.

This fort served as the capital of the Ezo Republic in its time and features a star-shaped design, allowing visitors to appreciate its unique architecture from above.

While not all sections of the fort remain intact, guests can enjoy a stroll amidst the charming cherry trees that line the paths, particularly striking during the cherry blossom season in spring.

4. Try the Squid

Given Hakodate’s proximity to the sea, it is unsurprising that seafood features prominently on many local menus.

Notably, squid is the signature seafood in this region of Japan, offering a variety of dishes throughout the city.

One exceptional dish to sample is Hakodate shio ramen, made with ramen noodles infused with squid stock instead of the more typical pork broth.

Additionally, travelers should try ika-meshi, which consists of rice stuffed with this popular cephalopod.

5. Visit the Nakamura-ke Residence

For those looking to venture beyond Hakodate for a day, a trip to neighboring Esashi, approximately 70 kilometers away, is worth considering.

This area was historically significant for its herring trade during the 18th and 19th centuries, establishing it as a vital hub in the past.

A visit to Nakamura-ke Residence offers insight into how Esashi appeared during that period. This elegant residence, constructed in the traditional style with cypress wood and stone, belonged to a prosperous merchant.

Notably, the residence was built using a technique that interlocks wood with stone without any nails, making it an impressive and worthwhile stop on your journey.

6. Enjoy the Views from Goryokaku Tower

Goryokaku Tower, located near Fort Goryokaku, is a well-known attraction featuring a viewing platform at a height of 90 meters.

From this vantage point, visitors can gaze down at the neighboring Fort Goryokaku and observe its distinct star-shaped layout. Informational displays provide context about the operations of the Enomoto and Ezo republics during historical times.

This experience offers not only stunning vistas but also an opportunity to learn about Hakodate’s history.

7. Attend the Port Festival

Anyone visiting in early August should not miss the chance to participate in the Port Festival held in Hakodate.

This event spans six days and stands as the premier celebration in the town, primarily centered around the port area.

A notable highlight of the festival is the Squid Dance, which honors Hakodate’s most beloved seafood delicacy.

8. Walk Around Motomachi

Motomachi is recognized as the historical center of Hakodate, offering a chance to admire an array of stunning architecture.

This district features notable consulate buildings and churches, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the former British Consulate building.

These structures reflect a former European architectural style, and visitors can also explore the Old Public Hall, which dates back to the 1900s.

Additionally, visitors should look out for Gokuku Sheine, a cemetery used for members of the imperial family who perished during the famous Battle of Hakodate.

9. Visit the Hakodate Museum of Northern Peoples

The Hakodate Museum of Northern Peoples occupies a building that once served as the Japan Bank, constructed in 1926. This museum celebrates Ainu culture, providing visitors with an insightful glimpse into this indigenous heritage, which remains largely unknown outside Japan.

Furthermore, the museum explores other indigenous groups in Japan, including the Sakhalin, natives from an island north of Hokkaido now part of Russia.

10. Try the Street Food

For those eager to taste some of Hakodate’s most delectable street food, a visit to the old town marketplace known as Daimon Yokocho is essential. This area features approximately 25 street food stalls offering a variety of the best dishes in town.

Among these offerings are the renowned ramen made with squid stock, celebrated as Hakodate’s signature dish, along with donburi rice bowls brimming with fresh seafood.

11. Walk Around the Red-Brick Warehouse District

A signature feature of Hakodate, the Red-Brick Warehouse District, faces the harbor and is one of the city’s most historically significant areas.

Visitors can stroll through this district and admire a variety of red brick buildings constructed in the early 20th century when Hakodate emerged as a vital port town in the region.

These buildings have been beautifully restored, and the area now includes a shopping district where visitors can purchase local souvenirs.

12. Have a Drink at Tea Shop Yuhi

Tea Shop Yuhi is located in a building dating back to 1885, which once served as the Hakodate Quarantine Office.

This quaint tea house, entirely constructed of wood, offers delightful beverages while affording picturesque views over the harbor.

Here, patrons can enjoy traditional Japanese green tea, complemented by local wagashi, a type of Japanese sweet paired with pickles.

13. Shop for Souvenirs

Renowned for its rich handicraft culture, Hakodate offers visitors an opportunity to acquire charming souvenirs produced in the region.

The city is particularly famous for its glassware, with multiple shops allowing visitors to observe local glassblowers in action and even participate in glassblowing activities of their own.

In addition to glassware, delightful music boxes are available for purchase in the vicinity of the former Meijikan Post Office.

14. Have a Drink at Hakodate Beer

For those seeking a refreshing beverage in Hakodate, Hakodate Beer offers an excellent choice. This beer hall and pub produces its beer using water sourced from the nearby Mount Hakodate, creating a quintessential local brew.

Visitors can sample a variety of beer blends and purchase bottled options to enjoy at home, complementing their experience with delectable local bar snacks, including the signature fried squid sourced directly from Hakodate Bay.

15. Climb Hakodate-yama

Ultimately, the primary attraction in Hakodate is Hakodate-yama, also referred to as Mount Hakodate.

The panoramic night views from the summit are considered among the finest in all of Japan, with the peak situated approximately 334 meters above sea level.

To access the summit, visitors may opt for the ropeway or, for those seeking a bit of adventure, hike their way to the top.

Reaching the viewing platform typically takes about an hour, although paths are only accessible from May to October.

While daytime visits are possible, the majority of visitors aim to experience the enchanting spectacle of the town illuminated at night, framed by the deep waters of the harbor.

If feasible, time your ascent just before sunset to witness a stunning display of fiery orange light followed by breathtaking nighttime views.