Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Just about a 1-minute walk from Hakodate Station, the Hakodate Morning Market is a must-visit culinary destination with excellent access. Its origins date back to 1945, right after the end of World War II, when local farmers began selling vegetables and fruits in front of the station.

Today, about 250 shops line the bustling market, offering everything from fresh seafood like crab and salmon to locally grown vegetables and fruits straight from the farms of Hokkaido. You'll also find an impressive variety of local delicacies, snacks, and even daily necessities. Since some shops may sell out by early afternoon, it’s best to visit in the morning.

At the “Ekini Market” area, don’t miss the Live Squid Fishing Pond, where you can catch a squid yourself and enjoy it as fresh sashimi—an experience you can only find in Hakodate. Be sure to explore every corner of the market, including the “Hakodate Morning Market Plaza,” which features a local goods area, fresh produce section, and food court, as well as “Donburi Yokocho Market,” where you can indulge in top-quality seafood rice bowls made with the freshest ingredients.

In recent years, the market has introduced new services such as the unique “Select Morning Market” certification system, value-packed gift assortments called Tamatebako, and the convenient Smartphone Morning Market online shopping site.

Yunokawa Hot Spring, one of the three major hot spring resorts in Hokkaido, is a long-established hot spring in Hakodate with a rich history. According to legend, a feudal lord of the Matsumae Clan was once cured of a serious illness after bathing in these therapeutic waters.

Yunokawa Hot Spring is conveniently located about 10 minutes by car from Hakodate Airport and offers excellent access from downtown Hakodate, making it an ideal base for sightseeing in the city. The hot spring town is lined with many ryokan and hotels where you can savor fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido. The open-air baths with breathtaking views of the Tsugaru Strait are especially popular.

From June to December, the sight of squid fishing boats illuminated by beautiful fishing lights creates a magical scene over the night sea—a unique memory to take home from your trip. The free foot baths in the hot spring district are popular spots where both locals and tourists can relax together. They are perfect for a short break during your sightseeing.

Why not spend a heartwarming and relaxing time at Yunokawa Hot Spring, where both your body and soul can truly unwind?

The Hakodate Magistrate's Office was a government office newly established by the Edo shogunate in the late Edo period. With the opening of Hakodate port during the final years of the shogunate, it served as a base for northern defense and a site for diplomatic interactions with foreign countries.

In 1864 (Genji 1), the office was newly rebuilt and relocated within the star-shaped fortress of Goryokaku, constructed to protect the magistrate's office at the foot of Hakodate Mountain. Following the end of the Hakodate War, in 1871 (Meiji 4), the office building was dismantled by the Meiji government.

However, after approximately 140 years, it was restored in 2010 (Heisei 22). The restoration utilized construction techniques and materials from the same regions as those used in the original structure, and approximately one-third of the building was brought back to life.

Inside, visitors can experience the Edo period through features like the 72-mat grand hall and learn about the history of Goryokaku and the restoration process.

Rising 107 meters above Goryokaku Park, Goryokaku Tower’s second-floor observatory, at 90 meters, affords an almost complete panorama of the fortress’s unique star shape. In spring, the moat blossoms into soft pink hues; in summer, fresh greenery blankets the ramparts; autumn brings fiery foliage; and winter drapes the scene in snow and festive illumination. On clear days, you can gaze out over Hakodate city, Mt. Hakodate, the Tsugaru Strait—and even the distant Shimokita Peninsula—across a full 360° vista.

At the heart of the observatory floor, the “Goryokaku Historical Gallery” presents the site’s story in engaging displays. A detailed scale model recreates Goryokaku as it appeared at completion, sixteen dioramas depict key moments, and vivid graphic panels trace the intertwined history of Hakodate and the fortress. You’ll also encounter a bronze statue of Hijikata Toshizo, vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, who fell defending the fortress during the Battle of Hakodate.

Down on the sun-lit first-floor atrium, visitors find a welcoming rest area open to all. A café stand offers light refreshments—perfect for a quick pause between explorations. The central stage hosts rotating exhibitions and live performances year-round. And nearby, a well-stocked gift shop and restaurant feature original souvenirs and dishes inspired by Goryokaku and Hijikata Toshizo.

Founded in 1896, the Trappist Monastery in Hokuto City is the very first Catholic Trappist monastery for men in Japan. The majestic avenue of cedar and poplar trees leading to the monastery, along with the nearby walking trails, offers visitors beautiful seasonal scenery throughout the year.

The monastery is also renowned for its locally made cookies, fermented butter, and butter candies, which are available at the on-site shop. Among the highlights is the special soft-serve ice cream made with Trappist butter, which is so popular that some visitors travel from afar just to taste it.

Please note that, as this is a men’s monastery, women are not permitted to enter the premises, and men must make an advance reservation if they wish to take a guided tour inside.

Esashi Oiwake Kaikan
Located in Esashi, a port town in southern Hokkaido, exhibits the long history of folk songs in Hokkaido. The place's origins and name derive from one of Hokkaido's most important folk songs, the melody and lyrics adapted from a song that was transmitted on merchant ships during the Edo period (1603-1868). In between learning about the form and content of folk music, its heritage and preservation in the Kaikan, why not take a singing lesson on-site? If you have the chance to visit Esashi in late Sep., be sure to see the finale of the Esashi Oiwake national competition, which will feature 440 of his singers from all over Japan.

Esashi Yama Kaikan (In Esashi, the Hikiyama is called "Yama")
The Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival is Hokkaido’s oldest festival, dating back 370 years. From August 9 to 11, the streets of historic trading town Esashi are filled with people as 13 magnificent multi-tiered floats, known as yama, parade through the town accompanied by traditional music as an expression of gratitude for the year’s herring catch. If you are visiting outside of the festival period, be sure to check out the Esashi Float Hall. Here, two of the eye-catching floats are displayed on rotation along with other goods and an explanation of the festival’s fascinating history.

Located in southern Hokkaido, Onuma Quasi-National Park is a stunning natural haven shaped by the powerful eruptions of Mt. Komagatake, an active volcano. The park features a diverse landscape of lakes—Onuma, Konuma, and Junsainuma—along with many smaller ponds, all set against a backdrop of lush greenery.

In spring, the wetlands come alive with blooming skunk cabbage, while in summer, the lake surfaces are adorned with water lilies and the rare yellow floating heart, known locally as Nemuro Kohone (Nuphar pumila). One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the park is by taking a peaceful rowing boat ride across the calm waters.

Another popular activity is cycling around the scenic lakeside route using rental bicycles, allowing visitors to take in the breathtaking seasonal beauty at their own pace. Whether you're exploring by boat or bike, this is the perfect place to experience the rich, ever-changing natural beauty that is uniquely Hokkaido.