Best Things To Do in Hakodate, Japan

Have you ever visited a new place and felt ‘wow’ about it? For many visitors, it happens at Hakodate.

Hakodate may not be as popular as other cities in Japan, but don’t let that fool you. Hakodate is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.

You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Hakodate.

If you have plans to visit Japan and are not sure if Hakodate should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Hakodate and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.

Tourist Attractions in Hakodate

Here is the list of things to do in Hakodate and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Mount Hakodate

    4.5 (227 Votes)
    Mount Hakodate

    Address: Hakodateyama, Hakodate 040-0000, Hokkaido

    Earning 3 stars in the prestigious Michelin Green Guide for offering one of the best views of the city, Mount Hakodate can be accessed by a short hike, drive or by taking a ride on the cable car (that takes around 3 minutes to reach to the top!). The mountain has a height of 1096 feet and offers a breathtaking view of the city of Hakodate and th...Read more
  2. Goryokaku Tower

    4.2 (162 Votes)
    Goryokaku Tower

    Park, Tower

    Address: 43-9 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001, Japan

    Designed by Takeda Ayasaburo in the 1855, the Goryokaku Tower and park was formerly the fortress of the short lived Republic of Ezo. Today, the tower overlooks the park’s perfect star shaped layout that is best seen during winter season when the city is covered in snow. The tower stands tall at a height of 107 meters and has two observatio...Read more
  3. Motomachi

    Neighborhoods

    Address: Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0054 Japan

    By far one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Hakodate, Motomachi is known for its historic buildings with varied architecture influences and designs. In the 1850’s, Japan opened to foreign trade after a long hiatus and soon people from all around the world came here to stay for business purposes. Ovetime, the people left a part of th...Read more
  4. Hachimansaka Dori Image
    ©

    Streets

    Address: 14 Motomachi Hakodate-shi, Hokkaidō 040-0054 Japan

    The city of Hakodate has many sloping roads that lead onto a gorgeous view of the harbour area where the bay meets the distant mountains.  Located in the Motomachi neighbourhood, Hachimanzaka slope is one such stop!  The straight, undulating road is loved by many tourists and also is popular enough to have its own pin on the google map...Read more
  5. Hakodate's Morning Market

    Market

    Address: Japan, 〒040-0063 Hokkaido, Hakodate, 若松町9−19

    Wake up to the smell of juicy fruits, fresh veggies and gorge on some of the heartiest breakfast foods at the Hakodate morning market- a place that is a popular spot for the foodies in Hakodate. The market opens at 5.00 am in the morning and is loved for the many restaurants that offers scrumptious meals. Explore the market on foot and you are s...Read more
  6. Old Public Hall Of Hakodate Ward

    Hall

    Address: 11-13 Motomachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0054, Japan

    Located in the historic neighbourhood of Motomochi, the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward was used as the residence for the Imperial Family up until 1922. In 1957, the building was covered to a public hall but its gorgeous design and impeccable furnishings spin the magic of royalty even today. The building was built in the early 20th century duri...Read more
  7. Hakodate Orthodox Church

    4.1 (241 Votes)
    Hakodate Orthodox Church

    Church, Religious Site

    Address: 3-13 Motomachi, 元町 Hakodate-shi, Hokkaidō 040-0054, Japan

    Built in 1916, the Hakodate Orthodox Church’s dreamy white and turquoise building pulls you even from a distance.  The church is the oldest Russian Orthodox church in Japan and is currently listed in the most important cultural buildings in the city. Start from the gorgeous Russian Byzantine styled exterior and the beautiful domes (6 ...Read more
  8. Trappistine Monastery

    4.1 (37 Votes)
    Trappistine Monastery

    Religious Site, Architecture , Monastery

    Address: Japan, 〒042-0914 Hokkaido, Hakodate, 上湯川町346

    Since its establishment in 1898, the Trappistine Monasteries has survived a storm in 1903 and a deadly fire in 1925. In 1927, majority of its structure was rebuilt. Today, its Gothic and Renaissance architecture- complete with the brick construction, semi-circular arched windows and beautiful gardens that surround it, has made the place one of t...Read more
  9. Hakodate Bugyosho

    4.2 (7 Votes)
    Hakodate Bugyosho

    Museum

    Address: 44-3, Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate 040-0001, Japan

    After a long era of Isolation, Japan opened to the world with international trade in the 19th century. The Hakodate Bugyosho played an important role during this time by serving as a government building. The office overlooked all the diplomatic policies and became an administrative centre of the Ezo region. In 2010, the building was restored kee...Read more
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  • We are a party of 4 "Junior Seniors--Senior in age but young at heart. We are looking to hire a private tour guide to show us the sights of Hakodate during the day and to take us up the mountain to see the city at night. Date is Sept.11,2019.

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    • I am not sure if there are any guided tours of Hakodate. It is recommended that you approach some local tour operators and inquire if there are any sightseeing tours. 

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  • Can I take a taxi at sunset from the Hakodate cruise port to the observatory on Mount Hakodate that will wait for me to take pictures and return me to the port? If so, how much will this cost?

    Answer Report Abuse
    • Hey, 

      I would suggest it is best that you check with the local taxi association or a local tourist office. Alternatively, you can call the Hakodate cruise port on 81 0138-21-3493 to see if they can arrange a car for you for tour excursions. 

      There are many more things to do in Hakodate, check them out here. 

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