10 Best Things to Do in Hakodate
What is Hakodate Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Hakodate range from hiking lush trails and savouring fresh seafood to soaking in mineral-rich hot spring baths. Let time slip by as you explore this charming port city on the island of Hokkaido, get to know its historic neighbourhoods with stunning architecture or enjoy a picnic under the shade of cherry blossom trees.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff or avid shopper, Hakodate has something for every kind of traveller. Read on to discover some of the best things to do in this vibrant city.
1. Mount Hakodate
Spectacular night views of the city
Ideal para: Casais, Foto
Located at the southern end of the Hakodate peninsula, this 334-metre peak rewards visitors with sweeping views of downtown Hakodate and the Tsugaru Strait. It’s particularly spectacular at night when you can see the sparkling city lights like precious gems and glimpse the soft glow of distant fishing boats.
The summit houses a restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood against the dramatic backdrop. Alternatively, grab soft-serve ice cream, beer or other refreshments at the gift shop kiosk. Access Mount Hakodate via bus, car or on foot, or hop on the aerial tramway that will whisk you to the top in the blink of an eye.
Localização: Hakodateyama, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0000, Japan
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Mount Hakodate
2. Fort Goryokaku
A former citadel filled with cherry blossoms
Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico
The enormous star-shaped Fort Goryokaku citadel was built in the late 1800s and later converted into a public park. With over 1,500 cherry blossom trees, this spot looks magical in early May when they burst into bloom. You can paddle in the moat or enjoy a relaxing picnic under the beautiful flowers.
Fort Goryokaku is dotted with points of interest, from the reconstructed Magistrate’s Office with its intricate architectural details to Goryokaku Tower, which affords panoramic views of the park. Fort Goryokaku can be reached via tram from Hakodate Station.
Localização: 44-2 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001, Japan
Abre: Daily from 5 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +81 (0)13-821-3456
Fort Goryokaku
3. Goryokaku Tower
Bird’s-eye views of Fort Goryokaku
Ideal para: História, Foto
Standing at 107 metres, Goryokaku Tower looms over Fort Goryokaku in the heart of Hakodate. From its observation deck, you can observe the fort’s distinctive star shape and soak in breathtaking views of Mount Hakodate and the Tsugaru Strait.
Goryokaku Tower is much more than just a great vantage point. The second-floor observation deck features exhibits about the fort’s history. Food and drink options are aplenty, with a gelateria, a juice stand, a Japanese restaurant and cafes. You can also pick up trinkets from the on-site gift shop to commemorate your visit.
Localização: 43-9 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001, Japan
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +81 (0)13-851-4785
Goryokaku Tower
4. Yunokawa Onsen
A seaside hot spring town
Ideal para: Casais, Viagens alternativas
Yunokawa Onsen is a charming seaside town known for its mineral-rich hot springs. It’s packed with a variety of hot spring facilities, from public foot baths to traditional Japanese inns with open-air baths and luxurious modern hotels, making it great for both overnight and day trips.
Don’t miss Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, where you can see the famed snow monkeys soaking in the hot springs from December to May. Yunokawa Onsen is located just a 5-minute drive from Hakodate Airport.
Yunokawa Onsen
5. Onuma Quasi National Park
A nature-packed getaway
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto
Onuma Quasi National Park features crystal-clear lakes dotted with emerald islets and the looming figure of Mount Komagatake. You can explore much of the area on foot thanks to a network of bridges that connect the islands.
With the range of activities available, outdoor enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice. Hiking, cycling, canoeing, fishing and camping are just some of the things you can do here. As you explore this picturesque spot, keep your eyes peeled for red foxes, mandarin ducks, Steller’s sea eagles and other local inhabitants. The park is about an hour by train from Hakodate Station.
Onuma Quasi National Park
6. Morning Market
A diverse selection of seafood and fresh produce
Ideal para: Alimentação, Compras
Wake up bright and early to get first dibs on fresh seafood and produce at the Hakodate Morning Market. You’ll find over 200 vendors selling all kinds of delicacies, from crabs, sea urchin and salmon eggs to melons and apples.
A number of restaurants also offer hearty meals such as seafood bowls, shrimp congee and crab gratin, so you can fuel up before of a day of sightseeing. The market, located near Hakodate Station, is open daily from 5 am to noon.
Morning Market
7. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Hakodate’s premier shopping complex
Ideal para: Compras, Casais
The rustic Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse waterfront warehouses were built in the early 1900s when Hakodate Port first opened to international trade. Now, they serve as one of the city’s premier shopping destinations. Inside you’ll find patisseries, jewellery, glassworks, a beer hall and much more.
There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained for hours on end. Catch a live performance at the on-site theatre, join a crafts workshop or sign up for a sightseeing cruise around the bay. In the evening, the complex is beautifully lit up, making it perfect for a romantic stroll.
Localização: 14-12 Suehirocho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0053, Japan
Abre: Daily from 9.30 am to 7 pm
Telefone: +81 (0)13-827-5530
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
8. Our Lady of the Angels Trappistine Abbey
Japan’s first abbey
Ideal para: História, Alimentação
Our Lady of the Angels Trappistine Abbey, established in 1898, is Japan’s very first abbey. Since it’s still active, you can’t tour the entire premises, but the stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit. Admire arched ceilings and stained-glass windows housed inside a gorgeous Gothic-style brick facade. Take a walk around the garden which is clad in beautiful flowers in spring and summer.
At the gift shop, you’ll find delectable confections such as madeleines, butter candies and cookies, all made by the nuns using age-old recipes. The abbey is about 30 minutes by bus from Hakodate Station.
Localização: 346 Kamiyunokawa-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 042-0914, Japan
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Telefone: +81 (0)13-857-2839
Our Lady of the Angels Trappistine Abbey
9. Motomachi
A neighbourhood filled with striking historic buildings
Ideal para: História, Foto
When Hakodate Port opened up for trade in the 19th century, the Motomachi area became home to many expats from China, Russia and the West. Now, the area draws visitors for its immaculately preserved historic buildings steeped in multicultural influences and picturesque green spaces.
Highlights include the Old Public Hall, designed in colonial style with Japanese influences, and the Russian Orthodox Church with its lovely green copper roof. At the Old British Consulate, you can indulge in a traditional English-style afternoon tea followed by a stroll around the rose garden.
Motomachi
10. Cape Tachimachi
Stunning views of the Tsugaru Strait
Ideal para: Econômico, Foto
Cape Tachimachi captivates visitors with its dynamic landscape. From the lookout, you can see rugged cliffs jutting above the deep blue waters of the Tsugaru Strait. In summer, the area is strewn with delicate pink hanamasu, a type of rose native to Hokkaido. With frequent sightings of osprey and black-tailed gulls, Cape Tachimachi is popular with birdwatchers.
Located just a 5-minute drive away from the cape is Hachiman Shrine, Hakodate’s largest shrine. You can end your day with a relaxing bath at the nearby Yachigashira hot spring.
Cape Tachimachi
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