Hakodate

Travel Guide
Hakodate showing a city, night scenes and landscape views
This large city on Japan’s northernmost island has a medley of architectural styles, spectacular nature and some of the freshest seafood in the country.

Hakodate is one of the largest cities on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Visit this waterfront city to enjoy stunning views, fresh seafood and a variety of cultural attractions. Hakodate was among the first Japanese harbor cities to open up to international trade following the Edo Period’s self-imposed national isolation from 1615 to 1868. Due to this, the island exhibits significant overseas influence in its architecture and culture.

Stroll through Motomachi, the former residential district of Hakodate’s foreign population. This slice of Europe features a Russian Orthodox Church and the Old British Consulate. Fort Goryokaku, a Western-style citadel in the shape of a star, is one of Hakodate’s most remarkable attractions. It was built at the end of the Edo Period to defend the city against the threat of Western imperialism. By 1910, the fort had lost its military importance and was converted into a public park.

Over a thousand cherry trees line Fort Goryokaku’s moats. Visit in early May to see the blossoms flowering. The Former Magistrate Office sits at the center of the fort. Although the original office was destroyed after the fall of the shogunate, the city meticulously built a reconstruction. To see a bird’s eye view of Fort Goryokaku, ascend to the observation deck of the adjacent Goryokaku Tower.

Make the half-hour trip outside the city to Onuma Park. This Quasi-National Park surrounds Onuma Lake and Konuma Lake. Hike or ride along the lakes’ shorelines on a well-maintained network of trails. Take a boat out to go fishing or sightseeing. The expansive Onuma Lake has 126 islands to explore. The dormant volcano Mount Komagatake serves as the park’s majestic backdrop.

Although Hokkaido is the second largest of Japan’s four primary islands, it is also the least developed. Winters are very cold and snowy, while summers are sunny but mild. Every season, visitors flock to Hokkaido to go skiing, hiking and camping. You can easily reach most of the island’s natural attractions from Hakodate.

Where to stay in Hakodate

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Motomachi

5/5(3 area reviews)

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
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Shinkawachō

Even though there aren't top sights in Shinkawachō, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Morning 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 Fort Goryokaku. Jump on the metro at Kikyō Station to see more of the city.

Kikyō
Premier Hotel - Cabin President - Hakodate
Premier Hotel - Cabin President - Hakodate
4 out of 5
14-10 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate
The price is ¥6,446 per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
¥6,446
per night
Mar 24 - Mar 25
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Hakodate. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great location, great service. Breakfast options could be better considering many other restaurants in the area."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Premier Hotel - Cabin President - Hakodate
JR Inn Hakodate
JR Inn Hakodate
3 out of 5
12-14 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
The price is ¥6,546 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
¥6,546
per night
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Hakodate. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (591 reviews)
"The situation and the premises"

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2024

JR Inn Hakodate
Tokyu Stay Hakodate Asaichi Akarinoyu
Tokyu Stay Hakodate Asaichi Akarinoyu
3 out of 5
22-1-1 Ohtemachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido Prefecture
The price is ¥9,949 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
¥9,949
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Hakodate. Enjoy free WiFi, hot springs on site, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (599 reviews)
"The staff are very inconsiderate since we came early. What’s the difference of 30 minutes checking in They’d rather see you sitting in lobby waiting sleeping very tired until the time you have to check in. And if you want to ask for toilet paper, you should go downstairs to the front desk to ask ..."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Tokyu Stay Hakodate Asaichi Akarinoyu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Condominium Stella Site
Condominium Stella Site
3 out of 5
16-1, Wakamatsucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Stay at this 3-star condo in Hakodate. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and a flat-screen TV. Popular attractions Morning Market and Ekini Fish Market are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (78 reviews)
"This is by far the nicest and most comfortable place we have stayed. The gentleman at the front helped us out hugely when our credit card was frozen. The room was freshly renovated and clean. Super comfortable beds with a small kitchen was great as we usually make our own breakfast. It’s walkable ..."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2023

Condominium Stella Site
FAV HOTEL HAKODATE
FAV HOTEL HAKODATE
3.5 out of 5
20-15 Otemachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Hakodate. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (89 reviews)
"Near to Hakodate station and walking distance to Red brick warehouse. Room is big and clean. Very come and stay again."

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2023

FAV HOTEL HAKODATE
Condominium Panoramique Motomachi
Condominium Panoramique Motomachi
3.5 out of 5
Suehiro-cho 1-1, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Hakodate. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
"The stay was perfect."

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2024

Condominium Panoramique Motomachi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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