Hakodate Travel Guide
During our tour of Japan, we arrived in Hakodate on our cruise ship Volendam. The ship docked some way out of town so we had to take a shuttle bus into the centre. I didn’t notice much in the way of alternatives such as taxis so it is something to bear in mind if you’re stopping here on a cruise. Obviously, you can book a cruise line excursion but we like to explore on our own wherever possible. Not only is it cheaper, but we think it’s more fun too. With that in mind, I’ll take you through what we found to see and do here so you have a list of things to do in Hakodate when you visit.
Hakodate is on the island of Hokkaido. In fact, it’s the third-largest city on the island and it’s one of the most popular spots for tourists. This is mainly due to the fantastic views from Mount Hakodate although you can also get amazing seafood here.
View from the top of the cable car
Things to do in Hakodate
Red Brick Warehouses
Firstly, we were dropped out right outside the Kanemori red-brick warehouses near the Hakodate waterfront. While you’re here pop inside to find shops and restaurants which are all aimed at tourists. If you want to pick up some souvenirs from Hakodate then this is the place to look.
As well as shopping you will find an information centre here and also free wifi and public toilets. I was surprised just how much was packed inside so it is well worth popping in. Indeed, you can buy everything from hand made chopsticks to beer and sweets.
Morning Market
If you like seafood then you will want to head to Hakodate Market. It is located right next to the station and it was particularly popular with some of our fellow cruise passengers. You can buy all sorts of things here, not just seafood but remember to visit early in the morning as it tends to close by midday.
Mount Hakodate
We decided to head for the cable car first so we walked a bit further uphill to the cable car station. From here we then got a cable car to the top. In fact, the Japanese call them ropeways, not cable cars but I’ll use both interchangeably.
The ropeway or cable car, as shown above, takes you to the top of Mount Hakodate. It is more hill than mountain really but has some fantastic views from the top. Once up there you can clearly see that Hakodate is on a peninsular and you can see both bays which is pretty impressive.
You can also take a bus to the top of Mount Hakodate or drive if you have a car if you don’t want to take the ropeway. I love the views as you go up and down the cable car so we do tend to use them if they are available. I think they’re an attraction in themselves although the views from Mount Hakodate are definitely the star attraction here.
Mount Hakodate Ropeway: Practical Information
Fees:
1280 Yen (£9) Return
780 Yen (£5.50) One Way
Nearest tram stop: Jujigai
Motomachi
Afterwards, we took the cable car down again and walked through the district of Motomachi. Located at the foot of Mount Hakodate, Motomachi is especially interesting and full of old and restored buildings. We spent quite a while exploring this area.
Old Public Hall
Indeed, one of the interesting things about the area of Motomachi is the European influence on the buildings. In fact, this is due to Hakodate being one of the earliest Japanese ports to open up to international trade. The old Public Hall for instance, is a great example of the mix of Japanese and European styles. It was also an important building, used for entertaining foreign dignitaries. Moreover, it is still used for various functions today.
Old Public Hall: Practical Information
Fees:
300 Yen (£2)
Opening Hours:
April to October: 9 am to 7 pm
November to March 9 am to 5 pm
Nearest Tram Stop:
Suehiro-Cho
Former British Consolute
It’s always interesting to find buildings related to the Uk when we travel and we found this former British Consolate in Motomachi district. In fact, it was the British Consulate from 1913 to 1934. Today, it’s a historic building but it also has a tea room which is rather appropriate as it brings together the great passion of both Japanese and British.
Former British Consulate: Practical Information
Fees:
300 Yen (£2)
Opening Hours:
April to October: 9 am to 7 pm
November to March 9 am to 5 pm
Nearest Tram Stop:
Suehiro-Cho
Hakodate St John’s Church
This striking building is the Anglican church of St John. The Anglican church in Hakodate was founded in the late 19th century but this modern building was erected in 1979.
St John’s Church: Practical Information
Fees: Free
Opening Hours:
May to November
10 am to 4 pm (except during services)
Nearest Tram Stop:
Suehiro-Cho
Russian Orthodox Church
Another building which owes its existence to international travel to Hakodate is the Russian Orthodox Church. This small but beautiful church was brought to Hakodate by the Russian Consulate in the late 19th century.
Russian Orthodox Church: Practical Information
Fees: 200 Yen (£1.50)
Opening Hours:
Open Mid-March to November
Weekdays: 10 am to 5 pm
Saturdays: 10 am to 4 pm
Sundays: 1 pm to 4 pm
(Closed during services)
Nearest Tram Stop:
Suehiro-Cho
Roman Catholic Church
While you explore Hakodate you will find churches of different faiths. This pretty Roman Catholic church was built in the early twentieth century. Once inside, the altar and the tall white arched ceilings are the main attractions.
Roman Catholic Church: Practical Information
Fees: Free
Opening Hours:
10 am to 4 pm (except during services)
Nearest Tram Stop:
Suehiro-Cho
Statue Park
As you walk around the Motomachi area of Hakodate you will also find lots of different statues. For instance, this little park is full of bronze statues of all shapes and sizes. Indeed, wherever you go in Hakodate you will see statues and they’re an attractive and interesting addition to the area.
Particularly interesting is this statue, shown in the photo below which is a memorial to Admiral Perry. He led a peaceful squadron of five black ships which visited Hakodate in 1854 and is thus considered a key player in opening up Japan to international trade with the USA. In fact, the statue was erected to mark the 150th anniversary of his visit.
So hopefully, my adventures will give you some ideas of the things to do in Hakodate. I’d like to spend more time here in the future and also explore more widely in Hokkaido. One day on a cruise stop was a lovely introduction to the city but not long enough to really get to know it.
As you know, this was a stop during our journey from Japan to Canada, a trans-Pacific cruise which was the first ocean crossing of our trip around the world without flying. So catch up with all the other posts on this trip by clicking on any of the image links in the gallery below.
Don’t forget to save a pin and then share things to do in Hakodate with your friends.
23 comments
this will be very useful when my boyfriend and I will visit Japan in the following years.
There are just so many places to visit in Japan. I’ve always wanted to visit Hokkaido, especially Sapporo and Niseko for winter since my country don’t have four season. I would love to visit Mt. Hakodate, I’ve heard the view is so beautiful especially at nigh time.
Such a great and well detailed post. This could help help us in planning a trip to Japan
Everything about your travels here sounds AMAZING. I would love to visit.
Wow first time hearing about Hakodate Japan. So much culture and history here.
This is great travel giude. I have never been to Japan, but I do want to visit it one day, maybe next year x
Laura
JAPAN IS ON TOP OF MY “PLACES TO VISIT” LIST BUT I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF HAKODATE. WILL DEFINATELY INCLUDE IT IN MY ITINERARY NOW.
Thanks so much for sharing this information. I will surely keep this in mind when I plan to visit Japan.
This looks like it would be an awesome place to visit. Someday I gotta get my butt over to Japan.
What a great guide! This looks like such a cool place. That tram ride looks especially fun!
Japan is always my first country on my bucket list and reading this article is such a perfect time because we are actually planning a family trip to Japan by next year so thank you for sharing this with us will def save this.
This is an awesome travel guide! I really want to visit there someday and will be using this as a resource!
We’re planning a visit to Japan and this is very helpful!
I love that type of view that you get standing on some kind of hill or mountain – very pretty 🙂
I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to visit Japan. All of these photos look incredible, and it looks like you had such a lovely time. Happy travels! 🙂
Those are amazing view… Hope to visit there one day
I love Japan! I never knew there are buildings related to the Uk. Def a place I would love to see and visit.
Wow looks like a ton of very cool things to do! Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us!
Wow, this place looks incredible. There’s so much to do and see there! Looks like a brilliant place to take the whole family
Hope your trip went fine, the place looks neat and great space to explore.
It’s wonderful to have travel guides like you. There are so many places to see in this world and what better way to plan for your trip than to get such great ideas like the ones yo share. Thanks so much!
My seven-year-old son is obsessed with Japan, he has been wanting to visit for so long. It is definitely on our bucket list. Hakodate looks absolutely beautiful in these pictures.
Looks like a lovely place to stay and enjoy! very nice guide, makes me want to travel more even now when I traveling