Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Motomachi is lined with cobblestone slopes and retro Western-style buildings, and visitors can enjoy strolling around while feeling the exotic atmosphere.

Former British Consulate of Hakodate

This elegant Western-style building was used as a consulate until 1934. The consul's office and family room have been recreated. There is also a panel exhibition introducing the history and culture of the opening of the port, which gives visitors a detailed look at what it was like in those days. In the memorial hall on the first floor, a "bird's-eye view" of the world map depicting Perry's route and Hakodate at the time of the opening of the port is painted all over the floor, using "Hakodate Shinkei" as a motif.

The tea room inside the building is a space where visitors can enjoy the retro atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy an elegant tea time with homemade scones and rose soft serve ice cream. After tea time, enjoy a stroll in the Western-style garden, which has a Victorian-designed "Azumaya" and a bronze fountain, and is surrounded by 45 roses of 18 varieties.

Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

Located on a hill overlooking Hakodate Harbor. The architectural design is a fusion of Japanese and Western elements in beautiful shades of blue and yellow. It is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

The elegant interior of the building includes a guest room and a lobby with gorgeous furniture and furnishings. The balcony offers a wonderful view of the city of Hakodate.

The Hakodate Haikara Isyoukan is located within the building. Visitors can change into Meiji-era inspired dresses, hakama, and other costumes and have their photos taken at the museum's viewpoint. Photographing in the graceful and gorgeous atmosphere of the Western-style architecture will be a wonderful memory.

Hachiman-zaka Slope

This is one of Hakodate's most popular view spots, with a beautiful slope that stretches straight down to the sea. From the top of the hill, one can see the beautiful exotic Motomachi district and the sea and harbor beyond. The name "Hachimanzaka" comes from the Hakodate Hachimangu that once stood on the hill. The beautiful slope is also a perfect photo spot, with the Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship “Mashu-maru” moored and exhibited in Hakodate Bay in the foreground!

Motomachi Churches

Motomachi is a place with many historic churches. The exotic atmosphere of the streets is very attractive. The Motomachi Churches are located on Daisanzaka Slope, selected as one of the 100 best roads in Japan, and Chachanobori Slope beyond it. From the top of the hill, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hakodate, including the churches and the harbor.

The Bay Area is a classic and popular tourist spot in Hakodate. This seaside area facing Hakodate Bay offers a refreshing and stylish atmosphere. The Red Brick Warehouses are particularly popular. The retro warehouses are very photogenic! There are many stylish stores, cafes and restaurants to enjoy as a resting place.

The first convent for women in Japan, it stands on a hill overlooking Mount Hakodate and the Hakodate cityscape. Surrounded by the beautiful nature of Hakodate, the convent's massive brick exterior and solemn atmosphere are attractive. The interior of the convent is not open to visitors. The beautiful seasonal gardens, store, and archives are open to the public. In the archives, visitors can see many photos of the Trappistine Monastery, the history of the monastery, and a day in the life of the nuns who live under the strictest of precepts.
Madeleines and cookies made by the nuns, which can only be purchased at the Trappistine Convent store, are popular souvenirs from Hakodate!

This park allows you to enjoy the beauty of Japan's history and nature. The remains of Goryokaku, designated as a Special Historic Site of Japan, are the first Western-style fortress in Japan. The park is famous for its cherry blossoms, with about 1,500 cherry trees blooming in summer. The cherry blossoms viewed from a rowboat on the moat are also very beautiful. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Besides cherry blossoms, you can enjoy various flowers, autumn leaves, and winter scenery, offering beautiful landscapes throughout the year.

From the observation deck of Goryokaku Tower, located next to the park, you can get a panoramic view of Goryokaku, Hakodate city, and the Tsugaru Strait. For history enthusiasts, the Hakodate Magistrate's Office, which was the office of the Edo Shogunate, is also recommended. The interior rooms are recreated, and the history of the magistrate's office and Goryokaku is introduced through exhibits and videos.

The "Hakodate Goryokaku Festival" is held every May, an event where you can fully enjoy the history of Hakodate related to Goryokaku.

Mt. Hakodate offers a panoramic view of Hakodate city. The unique terrain creates stunning scenery, which has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guidebook. The observation deck at the summit, at an elevation of 334 meters, is popular for its panoramic views and beautiful nightscapes. You can enjoy the daytime view of Hakodate's cityscape, the glittering night view, and the beautiful gradient of the sunrise, all of which change with time.

You can also reach the observation deck by ropeway. The about 3-minute aerial ride allows you to leisurely enjoy the beautiful scenery from the windows. At the summit, there is a restaurant where you can dine while gazing at the beautiful scenery below through large windows, making for a special experience.

Located about a 10-minute drive from the center of Hakodate city, this viewpoint offers a stunning view of the Tsugaru Strait from the top of a dramatic cliff. Below, the deep blue sea stretches out, and on clear days, you can see as far as the Shimokita Peninsula. The cape features a park planted with rugosa roses, the official flower of Hokkaido. In summer, the vibrant pink flowers delight visitors. The seasonal shop, open only in summer, is popular for its whelks, perfect for a snack while strolling.

On the way up the slope to the cape, you will find the "Ishikawa Takuboku Family Grave," where the poet Ishikawa Takuboku and his family rest. Nearby, there are also monuments to the poets Yosano Hiroshi and Akiko, making this cape a famous spot for many literature enthusiasts.

A popular tourist spot in Hakodate, the "Hakodate Morning Market" is just a 1-minute walk from Hakodate Station. With around 250 shops, you can find fresh seafood such as sea urchin, salmon, salmon roe, and crab, as well as farm-fresh vegetables and fruits unique to Hokkaido.

In the "Ekini Market" area, seasonal seafood is sold, and the "Live Squid Fishing Pond" is especially popular! You can have the squid you catch prepared as sashimi on the spot, allowing you to enjoy fresh squid right there.

The "Hakodate Morning Market Plaza" has takeout shops and a food court, perfect for a quick snack or a break. It's also convenient for families with children.

At the "Donburi Yokocho Market," you can enjoy seafood bowls and set meals at various eateries, indulging in luxurious seafood like sea urchin and scallops.

The Hakodate Morning Market opens early in the morning, so be sure to visit!

Onuma, a lake with abundant nature that attracts people

This is a popular scenic spot with great natural beauty. It takes about 35 minutes to visit by car from Hakodate Station.
The entire surrounding area with its magnificent nature is designated as a quasi-national park.There are Onuma, Konuma and Junsai-numa swamps created by the eruption of Komagatake. There are also 126 islands of various sizes. Visitors can enjoy strolling across several bridges. Walking while viewing the majestic Mt. Komagatake, birds chirping, and flowers and grasses, visitors can enjoy nature to the fullest.
Other activities include a sightseeing boat ride where you can enjoy a walk on the water while listening to the guide's explanation, Cycling around Onuma, snowmobiling in winter, and ice fishing for wakasagi.
We hope you will enjoy the beautiful nature of Onuma.

Tobetsu Trappist Monastery with a solemn atmosphere

This is the first Catholic men's monastery founded in Japan. It is one of Hakodate's most popular tourist attractions, with its beautiful cherry blossoms and tree-lined avenues. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season amidst the serenity of the monastery.

The double-flowered cherry trees that bloom at the monastery are in full bloom from early to late May, delighting visitors. The path leading to the monastery is lined with cedar and poplar trees and paved in a brick style. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll surrounded by beautiful nature.

The monastery's special cookies and butter are famous as Hakodate souvenirs. They are made in a factory on the premises. The rich flavor is very popular. Be sure to try the soft-serve ice cream with Trappist cookies. The soft serve ice cream with butter kneaded into the raw milk is very rich. It is a product that can only be found here.