Things to do in Hakodate

Activities, attractions and tours

Hakodate showing heritage elements and a sunset
Hakodate showing heritage elements and a sunset
Hakodate which includes night scenes, landscape views and a city
Hakodate showing a sunset and street scenes
Hakodate which includes snow and street scenes as well as a small group of people
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Top places to visit

1. Fort Goryokaku

Fort Goryokaku is an enormous star-shaped citadel built over 150 years ago as a defensive fortress for Hakodate’s government offices. After a brief period of wartime turmoil and imperial threat, the fort was transformed into a stunning public park, distinctive for its elegant architecture, magnificent cherry blossom trees, curving moat and pleasant grassy lawns. Stroll on the promenades along the moat, visit the site’s museum and enjoy the scenic park area and historic architecture.
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Fort Goryokaku showing a temple or place of worship and snow

2. Mount Hakodate

Mount Hakodate (Hakodateyama) crowns the southern end of Hakodate’s city center and peninsula area. Reach the top of the densely wooded mountain to experience unbeatable views of the cityscape and surrounding coastline. The 1,096-foot- (334-meter-) tall mountain offers a panoramic vista of Hakodate’s sprawling urban center, which is quite breathtaking at night. Visit the mountain just after sunset to see night falling over the city and a sea of twinkling city lights.
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Mount Hakodate showing a city, night scenes and landscape views

3. Hakodate Ropeway

There’s no better place for a view of Hakodate’s spit, jutting out into the sea, than from the top of the Hakodate Ropeway. Japan’s most popular gondola, ferrying more than 1,000,000 passengers annually to the top of Mount Hakodate, is popular for good reason. At night the glittering lights of the city fading down below offer a bewitching contrast with the still darkness of the nearby ocean. Stay strategically near some of the large windows of the gondola to watch as people, cars and buildings slowly appear smaller and smaller as you near the peak.
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Hakodate Ropeway

4. Hakodate Morning Market

A visit to the Hakodate Morning Market (Hakodate Asaichi) is a morning ritual for many locals. Join the crowds of vendors and shoppers that flock to this buzzing marketplace each morning to begin the day with a vast array of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood. Stroll through the inner-city marketplace and experience a treat for the senses as you peruse colorful displays of ripe produce. Pick up made-to-order breakfasts and traditional Hakodate dishes that feature the city’s magnificent local seafood.
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Hakodate which includes shopping

5. Goryokaku Tower

Appreciate captivating views of Goryokaku Fort and its surrounding park and the Hakodate city skyline from Goryokaku Tower, a tall observation tower next to the city’s famous fortress. Visit this impressive sightseeing structure and admire its modern design. Enjoy fantastic views across the city to outlying mountain ranges and coastlines.
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Goryokaku Tower featuring landscape views and snow

6. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

There may be no better way to appreciate the mixture of tradition and modernity that has made Japan famous than by renting a traditional kimono and wandering around the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. The warehouses themselves are relics of Japan’s opening to international trade toward the end of the Edo Period. They were built in 1909 to store goods being shipped to and from Russia, Korea and the rest of Japan. Now, completely renovated, they welcome shops of all kinds. Spend the day hopping between each of the seven buildings, enjoying all the different delights here.
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Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

7. Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

Most visitors to the Hakodate Tropical Botanic Garden veer directly left on arrival, anxious to see the garden’s famous monkeys, but locals know that the impressive show is in the greenhouses next door. The monkeys are Japanese macaques. In the winter, they stay warm with water from the nearby hot spring, where they soak themselves like tiny humans. Say hello and go next door, where an impressive collection of tropical plants from around the world turns even the grayest winter day into riotous colors.
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Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

What to do in Hakodate

Popular places to visit

Fort Goryokaku which includes snow

Fort Goryokaku

4/5(6 reviews)

Walk around the enchanting grounds of this repurposed military fort shaped like a star and see historic architecture and magnificent cherry blossoms in springtime.

Fort Goryokaku
Mount Hakodate showing a city, night scenes and landscape views

Mount Hakodate

4.5/5(8 reviews)

Appreciate captivating views of Hakodate’s skyline, surrounding coast and glittering city lights from atop this central city mountain, accessible via a scenic cable car.

Mount Hakodate
Hakodate Ropeway showing a city and landscape views

Hakodate Ropeway

4/5(12 reviews)

With panoramic views of Hakodate and the sea, one of the best nighttime vistas in the world is visible from the top of this gondola ferry.

Hakodate Ropeway
Hakodate which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people

Hakodate Morning Market

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Start your day with delectable fruit, vegetables and freshly made breakfast in this buzzing market selling Hakodate’s freshest seasonal produce and seafood.

Hakodate Morning Market
Goryokaku Tower featuring views as well as a large group of people

Goryokaku Tower

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Enjoy a unique overlook of Hakodate’s city skyline, surrounding mountain ranges and distant coastline from this modern observation tower and history gallery.

Goryokaku Tower
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

4/5(13 reviews)

Shop, eat, drink and shop some more in renovated 19th-century warehouses that now feature prominently in a Hakodate-area hot spot.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

Most famous for its surprisingly relaxed hot-tubbing monkeys, the complex is also home to Japan’s biggest collection of tropical plants.

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
Hakodate Park which includes a fountain, swimming and a pool

Hakodate Park

5/5(1 review)

See the cherry blossoms bloom in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere or spend a kid-friendly day at the foot of Mount Hakodate.

Hakodate Park
Antique architecture of Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, Selective focus, Hokkaido, Japan; Shutterstock ID 431534077; purchase_order: SF 06557000; job: ; client: ; other:

Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

4/5(1 review)

Learn about the local history of Hakodate when you spend time at Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its shops.

Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

Areas of Hakodate

view of Hakodateyama in Hokkaido Japan

Yunokawacho

If you're spending time in Yunokawacho, check out sights like Yunokawa Onsen or Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Yunokawa-Onsen Station or Yunokawa Station.

Yunokawacho
Hakodate port, Japan

Bay Area

While visiting Bay Area, you might make a stop by sights like Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse and Hakodate Takadaya Kahei Museum.

Bay Area
Motomachi_Park in Hakodate, Hokkaido prefecture, Japan

Motomachi

4/5(1 area review)

Discover Motomachi, memorable for its restaurants. Popular attractions in Motomachi include Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward and Hachimanzaka Slope, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Suehirochō Station.

Motomachi
The city of Hakodate in the twilight, panorama

Shinkawachō

Even though there aren't top sights in Shinkawachō, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Ekini Fish Market. Jump on the metro at Chitose Station to see more of the city.

Shinkawachō
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Kikyō

Even though there aren't top sights in Kikyō, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Hakodate Kikyo Takadai Park Golf Course. Jump on the metro at Kikyō Station to see more of the city.

Kikyō

 

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Onuma Quasi-National Park. Sunny day scenery landscape. Oshima Subprefecture, Town Nanae. Hokkaido, Japan

Nanae

Frequently asked questions

Is Hakodate worth visiting?
Known for its walking trails and history, discovering cool things to do in Hakodate is a breeze. Make sure to add Yunokawa Hot Spring to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Hakodate?
Once you've checked off popular attractions like Yunokawa Hot Spring and Yunokawa Onsen, spend the rest of your day enjoying the retail and food options in Hakodate.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hakodate?
The top tourist attraction in Hakodate is Yunokawa Hot Spring, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Hakodate?
Three days in Hakodate is plenty of time to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Yunokawa Hot Spring, Hakodate Ropeway and Yunokawa Onsen are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like Hokuto.
Is Hakodate a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Hakodate is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between Yunokawa Hot Spring and Hakodate Ropeway. Then take a stroll around Motomachi, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Shinkawachō, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Hakodate with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all ages, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Hakodate with kids.

What to do in Hakodate for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Hakodate, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Hakodate City Hall or Hakodate Bugyosho.
Are there free things to do in Hakodate?
From enjoying parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Hakodate. If you're stuck for ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Yunokawa Hot Spring is a must for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

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