Goryokaku Tower
📍 Address: 43-9 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001, Japan ‘Goryokaku Tower’ is a landmark of Hakodate, offering both historical romance and spectacular views. Ascending to the 107-meter-high observation deck, you’ll see the massive, perfectly ‘star-shaped’ Goryokaku spread out below. The sheer scale is completely different when seen with your own eyes compared to photos, boasting an overwhelming perfection that will make you involuntarily exclaim, ‘I came to Hakodate just for this!’ Its greatest appeal is how its expression changes dramatically with the seasons. In spring, approximately 1,600 cherry trees dye the star’s outline pink, while summer offers vibrant greenery and autumn showcases beautiful fall foliage. We especially recommend the winter snowscape. When the white, snow-covered star shape is illuminated from dusk with the ‘Goryo-hoshi no Yume’ (Dream of the Five-Pointed Star) illumination, the star shape that emerges from the light’s reflection is breathtakingly fantastical. The tower’s interior is heated, allowing you to enjoy the 360-degree panorama without worrying about the cold. The observation deck also features the ‘Goryokaku History Corridor,’ where you can learn about the history from Perry’s arrival to the Battle of Hakodate through elaborate dioramas, allowing you to reflect on the samurai warriors of the Bakumatsu period. Even if you’re not a history buff, its overwhelming beauty alone is enough to satisfy, making it an absolute staple of Hakodate sightseeing.Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses
📍 Address: 14-12 Suehirocho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0053, Japan The ‘Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses’ symbolize the bay area, where you can feel the sea breeze as you walk. Built during the Meiji era, these charming red brick warehouses now stand as a shopping complex, retaining their nostalgic atmosphere while housing a variety of general stores, glass craft shops, souvenir shops, and cafes. During the day, enjoy a leisurely stroll while gazing at the sea, and at night, the beautifully lit warehouses create a romantic port town ambiance. However, because it’s by the sea, the wind can be surprisingly cold in winter or at night, so be sure to take thorough precautions against the cold. If you get tired from walking, taking a break at a cafe inside the complex while gazing at a fireplace is a delightful way to spend your time. Furthermore, if you visit here, you should definitely experience the sightseeing cruise ship ‘Blue Moon’ [1][2], which departs from in front of the warehouses (near Hakodate Nishi Hatoba). On this approximately 30-minute bay cruise, you can view the red brick warehouses, Mt. Hakodate, and Goryokaku Tower from the sea, rediscovering the charm of Hakodate from a different angle than on land. The ease of taking a quick ride in between sightseeing is also a draw.Hachiman-zaka Slope
📍 Address: 14 Motomachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0054, Japan The Motomachi area, spread out at the foot of Mt. Hakodate, is home to several beautiful slopes, but ‘Hachiman-zaka’ boasts overwhelming recognition and scenery. It’s known for being used in a dish soap commercial, and looking down from the top of the slope, a cinematic scene unfolds: a straight road leading to the blue sea and the Seikan Ferry ‘Mashu-maru’ in the distance. On a clear day, the blue of the sea and sky stands out, and on a winter night, the trees and streetlights along the road are illuminated, revealing a beauty that leaves you speechless. Since visiting both day and night offers different impressions, it’s recommended to visit twice at different times if possible. The very top of the slope (near Hokkaido Hakodate Nishi High School) is a popular spot for photos, but this is a residential road with regular car traffic. Please be mindful of manners and enjoy the scenery safely, without stepping into the middle of the road while absorbed in photography. Also, in winter, the road surface can be very slippery due to ice, so exercise extreme caution to avoid falls.Mt. Hakodate Observatory
📍 Address: Hakodateyama, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0000, Japan Dubbed the ‘million-dollar night view’ and counted as one of Japan’s top three night views, ‘Mt. Hakodate Observatory’ is a highlight of Hakodate tourism. From the summit, 334 meters above sea level, the city lights sparkle like a carpet of light, following the distinctive fan-shaped terrain nestled between the seas. To see the most beautiful view, aim for the ‘magic hour’ just before and after sunset, when the sky is dyed purplish-blue [3]. This brief 30-minute window, before the sun completely sets and darkness envelops the area, is when the contrast of the night view is most striking. However, the ropeway and observatory get extremely crowded during this time. It’s smart to arrive at the summit a little before sunset to secure a good viewing spot. Also, typically from mid-April to early November, private cars and rental cars are restricted from using the mountain road between 5 PM and 10 PM (4 PM to 9 PM in autumn) [4]. During these hours, you’ll need to use the ropeway, bus, or taxi. Furthermore, the summit’s temperature is a few degrees lower than the city, and even in summer, the sea breeze can feel chilly at night. In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, so be sure to dress warmly with a thick jacket and scarf to fully enjoy the spectacular view.Yachigashira Onsen
📍 Address: 20-7 Yachigashiracho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0046, Japan For travelers who want to immerse themselves in local energy, beyond sophisticated tourist facilities, we highly recommend ‘Yachigashira Onsen’ at the foot of Mt. Hakodate. Despite its excellent location, just about a 5-minute walk from the ‘Yachigashira’ tram terminal, it’s a beloved local hot spring that strongly retains the atmosphere of a traditional public bath. Its spring quality and cost-performance are astonishing. For an admission fee that leaves change from a single coin (490 yen), a reddish-brown ‘sodium-chloride spring’ rich in iron flows into a spacious bath (with some added water) [5][6]. The water is rich in salt, a hypertonic hot spring that thoroughly warms you to the core, characterized by its ability to prevent chilling. It offers different temperature zones: high-temperature, medium-temperature, and bubble baths, as well as a charming outdoor bath shaped like ‘Goryokaku’. Shampoo and body soap are not provided, so you’ll need to bring your own or purchase them at the reception. Operating from 6 AM, using it as a ‘morning bath’ to start your Hakodate sightseeing is an utterly luxurious way to spend your time. Stepping away from the typical tourist hustle and bathing in the hot spring with local grandpas and grandmas, you’ll surely feel the city of Hakodate more deeply, truly experiencing its essence.Practical Tips for Enjoying Hakodate Tourism
Hakodate’s attractions are relatively compact, but there are many slopes, and depending on the season, the weather (especially sea winds and snow) can have a significant impact. You can walk from the Bay Area to the Motomachi area (including ‘Hachiman-zaka Slope’), but you’ll be climbing steep hills, so comfortable shoes are essential. Utilizing a one-day pass for the city tram (‘streetcar’) is a great way to conserve energy while enjoying the retro townscape from the window. Also, Hakodate evenings can be cold. If you plan to enjoy the night views or illuminations at Mt. Hakodate Observatory or the Red Brick Warehouses, we strongly recommend bringing ‘one extra layer’ of clothing, regardless of the season. To warm up after getting chilly, be sure to try a local onsen, hot salt ramen, or fresh seafood dishes at a lively izakaya.Photo by Daniel Beauchamp on Unsplash
