Hakodate
Hakodate is located in the southern Hokkaido, and is the largest city in southern Hokkaidō. As one of the first cities in Japan to be opened to trade, like Yokohama and Kobe, there are some remains of foreign influence in Hakodate's architecture. Hakodate was also the capital of the short-lived Republic of Ezo (see box) in the aftermath of the Meiji Restoration.And also, Hakodate was chosen as the town that Japanese want to visit.There are many tourist attractions in Hakodate. The marvelous night scene of hakodate from Mt. Hakodate is well known as one of best three night views in Japan.
Information Center
- JR Hakodate Station, Wakamatsu-cho 12-13, Hakodate 040-0063
- 0138-23-5440
- 9:00-19:00 (Apr.-Oct.)
- 9:00-17:00 (Nov.-Mar.)
- Dec.31, Jan.1 (open temporarily from 2008)
- Hakodate Tourist Information Center
Hakodate International Tourism and Convention Association
Climate
Hakodate is the city which has smallest amount of snowfall in Hokkaido.
Date of 2010
| Average |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Temperature (℃) |
-1.7 |
-2.7 |
0.4 |
5.9 |
11.1 |
17.6 |
22.4 |
24.7 |
20.1 |
13.3 |
6.7 |
1.5 |
| Rainfall (mm) |
74.0 |
44.0 |
84.0 |
103.0 |
125.0 |
52.5 |
172.0 |
135.0 |
87.5 |
99.5 |
102.5 |
110.0 |
Tourist Attractions
Goryōkaku (五稜郭) ★★★
It is a star fort in the city of Hakodate. It was the main fortress of the short-lived Republic of Ezo.Built by the Tokugawa Shogunate in Edo Era 1857-1866. Shaped like a five-pointed star, and it allowed for greater numbers of gun emplacements on its walls than a traditional Japanese fortress, and reduced the number of "blind spots" where a cannon could not fire. Today, Goryokaku is a park, and it has been declared as a special historical site and is home to the Hakodate city museum. The park is a popular spot to seeing Cherry Blossoms.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse ★★★
It is the complex of historical buildings that are currently used for a shopping mall, banquet hall, and event venues. Hakodate Port opened in 1859 as one of the first international trading ports of Japan, along with Yokohama and Nagasaki. Flourishing as a Port, the city has seen countless people and cultures come and go. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, the first commercial warehouse in Hakodate, has witnessed the history of the city through its warehousing business. As one of the symbols of the Hakodate bay area that still reminds us much of the early days of the shipping industry, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse will continue to witness the history of Hakodate forever and offer every visitor a beautiful, unforgettable time.
Trappistine Monatery ★★
This is the first monatery for women in Japan, and it was built in 1898 (Meiji era) by 8 sisters from France. Now, still there are many sisters are living with religious precepts. Visiters can enter the reference room of monatery's history, and also butter cookies, jam, and butter candy are very popular for souvenir.
Map of Trappistine Monatery
Mt. Hakodate (Ropeway) ★★★
This is the mountain which located in Hakodate City, and there is the ropeway to go the observation area. The panoramic view from top of this mountain is well known as the top three best night view of the world. Mt. Hakodate Ropeway departs from the Motomachi District.
Hakodate Morning Market ★★
This is the one of oldest morning market in Japan, and there are more than 250 seafood stores, restaurants, and other shops. Hakodate is famous for delicious seafoods, especially hairy crab, king krab, salmon roe, sea urchin, and scallops. During a year, over 1.5 million people are visiting this market and come from all over the world.
Open Hours
- Jan - Apr : 06:00-12:00 (Some stores will open until 14:00)
- May - Dec : 05:00-12:00 (Some stores will open until 15:00)
Ōnuma Quasi-National Park ★★
The park is a quasi-national park on the Oshima Peninsula in southwest Hokkaido. The location is about 30 minutes drive to north from Hakodate City. In this area, there are many attractions and shops for visitors, and also there are many kinds of accomodations. During the winter, visitors can enjoy the scenery of snow-covered park, and in autumn, the leaves are changing their colors, red and yellow.
Map of Onuma Quasi-National Park
The Hakodate Russian Orthodox Church ★★
The Hakodate Russian Orthodox Church was founded as a chapel in 1859 in Hakodate City. It is Japan's oldest Russian Orthodox Church and has been recognized by the Japanese government as an Important Cultural Property. The exterior of the building, in Russian Byzantine style with diverse elements, has a majestic and elegant atmosphere.
Open
- Mon-Fri : 10:00-17:00
- Sat : 10:00-16:00
- Sun : 13:00-16:00
Admission Fee
Map of The Hakodate Russian Orthodox Church
Hot Springs
Yunokawa Onsen Hot Springs
The Yunokawa Onsen (湯の川温泉) is a well known onsen in Japan on the northern island of Hokkaido. It is located on the outskirts of Hakodate close to Hakodate Airport. This onsen is selected as the one of the three major hot springs in Hokkaidō. Its origins are said to date back to 1653. It contains various minerals including chloride and sulphur.
Accomodations
City Hotels
Hakodate Plaza Hotel
- 19-11, Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate, Hakodate, Japan 040-0063
Hotel Resol Hakodate Hotel
- 6-3 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate, Hakodate, Japan 040-0063
La Vista Hakodate Bay
- 12-6 Toyokawa-cho, Hakodate, Hakodate, Japan 040-0065
Map
Photo Gallery
