One of the joys of a Hakodate trip is choosing attractive souvenirs, from fresh seafood to exquisite sweets and high-sense sundries unique to a port city. However, many travelers must be wondering, ‘Where should I buy them?’ or ‘I want to shop efficiently with limited time!’
This article introduces carefully selected souvenir spots you absolutely can’t miss, from around Hakodate Station to the Bay Area. We’ll provide deep insights useful for travelers, not just a list of products, but also ‘local experiences only available there’ and ‘realistic shopping tips and precautions.’
Hokkaido Shikisai-kan JR Hakodate Store
📍 Address: JR Hakodate Station, 12-13 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0063, Japan
When you want to stock up on souvenirs on your last day of travel or right before departure, ‘Hokkaido Shikisai-kan JR Hakodate Store’ is incredibly useful. With its excellent location just outside Hakodate Station’s ticket gates, it’s no exaggeration to say that you can find almost all classic Hokkaido and Hakodate souvenirs here.
The wide lineup is appealing, featuring not only classic sweets like ‘Rokkatei’s’ Marusei Butter Sand and Marusei Butter Cake, and Hokkaido-exclusive ‘Shiroi Black Thunder,’ but also souvenir ramen from the famous ‘Ajisai’ ramen shop on the second floor (Ezo Oil ramen is especially recommended). Being JR-operated, it also stocks irresistible railway goods for train enthusiasts.
Furthermore, the Ekiben (station bento) corner is an absolute must-check for travelers. ‘Hakodate Mikado’s’ ‘Kita no Ekiben-ya-san’ and the exquisite ‘Migaki Bento,’ featuring herring simmered in sweet soy sauce with herring roe, are perfect for savoring leisurely on a return Shinkansen or ferry. All the side dishes are well-seasoned and delicious even when cold. They make the perfect companions for fully enjoying the travel atmosphere of Hakodate until the very end.
Hakodate Marunama Suisan
📍 Address: HAKOVIVA, 12-8 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0063, Japan
‘Hakodate Marunama Suisan’ is located within ‘HAKOVIVA,’ a commercial complex right next to Hakodate Station. This specialty shop for processed marine products is run by the Marunama Group, a long-established general marine product trading company founded in 1939. The atmosphere of ‘Hakodate Ekimae Yokocho,’ which recreates a retro Showa-era streetscape, adds to the excitement of just walking around this spot.
Inside the store, you’ll find an array of about 340 kinds of seafood and processed goods, from ‘shiokara’ (salted squid guts) and ‘ikura no shoyuzuke’ (salmon roe marinated in soy sauce) to frozen items like crab and cod roe. Especially recommended for travelers are the ‘Hakodate-zukuri Ika Shiokara,’ a sweet and mild salted squid seasoned with fish sauce and honey, and the famous ‘Ikameshi’ (squid stuffed with rice), made with Hokkaido-grown ‘Fukkura-ko’ rice, cooked to a chewy perfection. You can easily replicate the authentic taste of Hakodate Ikameshi at home by simply heating it in boiling water.
While the lively interactions at the morning market are enjoyable, this indoor store allows you to carefully examine products at your leisure, providing a sense of security for beginners unfamiliar with buying seafood. During seasons like New Year’s, luxurious ‘lucky bags’ featuring crab legs sometimes appear, making bulk purchases and home delivery a smart way to shop. Additionally, we recommend a local experience: taking out freshly grilled squid from the nearby sister store ‘Ika-yakiyo’ and enjoying it on an outdoor bench with a beer.
Hakodate Kaisen Ichiba Main Store
📍 Address: 12-12 Toyokawa-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0065, Japan
Located near the tourist attractions of the Bay Area, ‘Hakodate Kaisen Ichiba Main Store’ is a massive souvenir specialty shop handling approximately 2000 different products. Its greatest appeal is that you can shop like you’re in a supermarket, filling your basket with everything from fresh seafood to famous Hokkaido sweets, alcohol, meats, and even bread.
Beyond souvenir shopping, the attached food court, ‘Ikaika-tei,’ is also a must-visit for travelers. You can choose and eat fresh seafood directly from nearby fish markets exactly as you like. Enjoy vibrant shellfish (such as scallops and surf clams) from the tanks, prepared as sashimi or butter-grilled on the spot, or bring in special deals from the deli corner. This allows you to savor seafood far more affordably and freely than dining at tourist-priced restaurants.
However, there’s a ‘trap’ that travelers often fall into here. While credit cards are accepted in the shopping zone, ‘special price items’ and ‘ticket vending machines’ in the food court often only accept cash. To prevent situations where you might have to downgrade your order of a lavish seafood bowl for your family because you don’t have enough cash, always prepare plenty of cash when using the food court.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
📍 Address: 14-12 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0053, Japan
The ‘Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse’ is a landmark in the Bay Area overlooking Hakodate Port. Originating from a commercial warehouse opened in 1887 (Meiji 20) by its founder, Kumashiro Watanabe, it has been reborn as a complex facility housing restaurants and shopping malls. Just strolling around, feeling the nostalgic exterior steeped in history and the sea breeze unique to a port town, is enough to satisfy.
Within the facility, you’ll find not only classic seafood souvenirs like ‘THE Hokkaido’ items but also a multitude of shops offering fashionable sundries, accessories, and sweets. For example, honey from ‘Sugi Bee Garden’ or unique facial soaps from ‘Konjac Shabon’ are perfect for finding a personal treat or a thoughtful gift.
During the day, it’s bustling with many tourists and foreign visitors, sometimes so lively that it’s hard to walk. However, this is also part of the vibrant atmosphere unique to a popular spot that attracts people from all over the country. The trick to avoiding crowds and leisurely searching for your favorites is to aim for dusk, when the crowds thin out a bit and the red bricks are lit up, creating a romantic ambiance.
Snaffles Kanemori Western Goods Museum Store
📍 Address: Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, 13-9 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0053, Japan
When visiting the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, ‘Snaffles Kanemori Western Goods Museum Store’ is an absolute must-visit during your shopping break. It’s a famous Western confectionery shop that produces and sells ‘Cheese Omelette,’ a classic Hakodate souvenir with an irresistible fluffy, half-cooked omelette-like texture.
The highlight here is undoubtedly the ‘Catch Cake Bar,’ unique to this Snaffles store among all its branches. At a standing counter, you can enjoy one bite-sized cake, such as a Cheese Omelette, paired with a small paper cup of complimentary black coffee, all for an affordable price of just 250 yen.
You can choose from the classic cheese flavor or seasonal limited-time flavors, making it perfect for ‘tasting’ before buying a whole box as a souvenir. The rich sweetness of the cheesecake combined with slightly bitter coffee is an outstanding match. It’s the ultimate thoughtful oasis for travelers, allowing for a quick sugar boost before heading back out to explore the Bay Area.
Tips for Successful Souvenir Shopping in Hakodate
Hakodate offers many souvenirs, from seafood to refrigerated sweets, that require temperature control when taking them home. Caution is essential not only in summer but also in heated cars or airplanes during winter. A smart choice is to either tuck a foldable cooler bag into your travel luggage beforehand or use the store’s delivery service at the end of your shopping trip to send items directly to your home.
Furthermore, in local areas like markets, small alleyways, and food courts, cash payment is still prevalent in many places. Even if you prefer cashless transactions, it’s a good idea to prepare a bit more 1,000-yen notes and coins on days you’re souvenir hunting in Hakodate, ensuring a smooth and stress-free shopping experience.
