Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Begin your first day in Hakodate by exploring the city’s rich history and savoring its fresh seafood. From JR Hakodate Station, you can stroll through charming streets, visit historical landmarks, and enjoy local delicacies such as fresh seafood bowls and sweet treats. Walking around the city allows you to experience both the cultural heritage and the scenic views that make Hakodate a must-visit destination in Hokkaido.

A visit to Hakodate Morning Market is a must for any Hokkaido traveler. Every morning, fresh squid are delivered directly from the sea, ready to be enjoyed. The popular “squid fishing experience” lets you catch squid from a tank and take it straight to a market eatery to be served as sashimi. The translucent, sweet flesh is a true highlight of Hokkaido gourmet. Suitable for both children and adults, this hands-on activity creates memorable moments.

Be careful of squid ink when you catch your squid—it’s all part of the fun!

Hokkaido Sakamoto Ryoma Museum is a must-visit spot for anyone interested in the life of the famed Bakumatsu-era samurai, Sakamoto Ryoma. Inside, you can see two of Ryoma’s original letters and documents from his descendants who settled in Hokkaido, offering insight into the passion Ryoma held for the development of Hokkaido.

Across from the museum stands a 6-meter-tall statue of Ryoma, a popular photo spot among visitors. This museum provides a perfect opportunity to combine historical exploration with Hokkaido sightseeing.

Hakodate is a city filled with history and romance. Join an experienced volunteer tour guide who knows the town inside and out, and discover many of Hakodate’s hidden charms. New encounters and exciting discoveries await you!

Reservations are required. Please contact the Hakodate Goodwill Guide Association (函館善意通訳会) through the official website’s “Tour Booking Form.”

A relaxing stay at Yunokawa Hot Spring is a perfect way to enjoy Hakodate, soothing both your mind and body.

Known as Hakodate’s hidden retreat, Yunokawa Hot Spring is one of Hokkaido’s three major hot spring areas. With a history dating back to 1653, it has been cherished by visitors for centuries. A popular feature is the footbath in front of the tram station, making it easy for both locals and tourists to stop by and relax.

Just 5 minutes by car from Hakodate Airport, Yunokawa Hot Spring is a convenient base for exploring Hokkaido.

The Hakodate Magistrate’s Office is a historical site faithfully reconstructed using modern technology to depict the Tokugawa shogunate’s office, which was responsible for northern defense during the Bakumatsu period. The museum is divided into three zones, allowing visitors to easily experience the office’s roles and daily life during that era.

After exploring, you can relax at the rest area and enjoy soft serve ice cream or traditional sweets. This is a highly recommended spot for anyone interested in combining Hokkaido sightseeing with a journey through history.

Goryokaku Tower offers a panoramic view of Goryokaku, the famous star-shaped fort. From the observation deck, you can enjoy sweeping vistas that extend to Mt. Hakodate and the Tsugaru Strait. For a thrilling experience, the reinforced glass floor lets you look straight down at the scenery below.

Inside the tower, exhibits provide insight into the history of Goryokaku and the Hakodate War, making it a popular spot where visitors can enjoy both Hokkaido sightseeing and historical exploration.

The Trappist Monastery, founded in 1896, is Japan’s first male monastery. Inside, monks live under strict rules, following the principle of “pray and work.”

The surrounding walking paths are especially beautiful in spring, when cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, when the foliage turns vibrant. Visitors can enjoy a tranquil stroll, immersed in both nature and history. This is a unique spot in Hokkaido where peace and heritage come together.

Michi-no-Eki Misogi-no-Sato Kikonai is a convenient stop just next to Kikonai Station on the Hokkaido Shinkansen, making it an ideal base for sightseeing. For lunch, the Italian restaurant supervised by a chef selected among the world’s top 1,000 offers a variety of dishes made with fresh local ingredients.

The tourist information corner introduces regional traditions and seasonal attractions, including the famous Kan-chu Misogi Festival. This is a unique spot where visitors can enjoy both Hokkaido’s flavors and cultural heritage.

Fukushima Town is known as the “Hometown of Yokozuna,” having produced two legendary grand champions: Chiyonoyama and Chiyonofuji. At the memorial hall, you’ll find fascinating exhibits that showcase their remarkable careers, including ceremonial aprons, replica championship trophies, and even the prestigious People’s Honor Award certificate.

If you plan your visit during the Kokonoe Stable’s summer training camp, you may have the rare chance to watch a real sumo practice session (advance inquiry required).

Don’t miss taking a commemorative photo in front of the bronze statues of the two yokozuna at the entrance — a favorite spot among visitors. This is a truly unique place in Hokkaido where you can experience the spirit and tradition of Japan’s national sport.

The Seikan Tunnel, which opened in 1988, stretches beneath the Tsugaru Strait and holds the record as the world’s longest undersea tunnel. Built under extremely harsh conditions, this engineering marvel is often called the “construction project of the century.”

At the Fukushima Town Seikan Tunnel Memorial Hall, visitors can explore the tunnel’s history through immersive exhibits featuring sound, video, and detailed 3D models.

Right at the entrance, a massive tunnel boring machine greets you with its overwhelming scale — a favorite photo spot for travelers. This museum is a must-see attraction for anyone curious about Japan’s engineering achievements during a trip to Hokkaido.

In Matsumae Town, you can enjoy a hands-on experience preparing Matsumae-zuke, a beloved local dish of Hokkaido. This flavorful delicacy is made by mixing dried squid and kelp with a special sauce — a simple process that anyone can try.

The best part? You can take home the Matsumae-zuke you made as a unique souvenir, filled with the flavors of Hokkaido.

This popular activity is the perfect way to combine culinary adventure with cultural discovery, leaving you with both an unforgettable taste and memory of your Hokkaido journey.

In the heart of Matsumae Town, you’ll find long-established hot spring inns and cozy guesthouses that exude traditional charm. A stay here lets you soak in the relaxing atmosphere while gazing at the historic streets of this former castle town.

In spring, Matsumae is also renowned as one of Hokkaido’s best cherry blossom destinations, drawing many visitors to its vibrant streets.

This is the perfect lodging choice for travelers who want to experience both the timeless beauty of a historic town and the comfort of a hot spring during their Hokkaido journey.

Join a guided walking tour through Matsumae, a historic castle town filled with stories from the late Edo period. Over the course of about 4.5 km, you’ll visit key sites connected to the Boshin War (also known as the Hakodate War), including the dramatic defense of Matsumae Castle.

One highlight is the Matsumae Clan Mansion, where you can try on traditional samurai armor — an experience that delights history enthusiasts and first-time travelers to Hokkaido alike.

This immersive activity is a perfect way to discover Matsumae’s unique role in Japan’s history while enjoying a scenic stroll through its atmospheric streets.

One of Matsumae Town’s proudest specialties is the “Matsumae Hon-Maguro Don,” a rice bowl topped with fresh bluefin tuna caught in the rich waters of the Tsugaru Strait. The tuna is prepared quickly to ensure its natural flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture remain at their very best.

For those who want to compare different cuts, we recommend trying the more affordable “Obachi Maguro Don” alongside it—you’ll be surprised by how the taste and texture differ.

Another rare treat available only in limited quantities is the traditional local dish “Nori Danju,” made with precious rock seaweed. If you’re lucky enough to find it, it’s the perfect way to complete your culinary journey in Matsumae.

When visiting Hokkaido, don’t miss the chance to enjoy these unique flavors of the sea, available only in Matsumae.

Esashi Town, once a bustling hub thanks to the Kitamaebune trade ships and herring fishing, is rich with history and culture. It proudly holds the distinction of being the very first town in Hokkaido recognized as a “Japan Heritage” site.

One of the best ways to experience Esashi’s past is by joining a guided walking tour. With a knowledgeable local guide, you can explore Inishie Kaido, a historic street lined with traditional buildings and cultural treasures that bring the town’s vibrant history to life.

A stroll through Esashi offers more than just sightseeing—it’s an immersive journey into the romance of history. For travelers to Hokkaido, this is a destination where you can truly step back in time and savor a unique cultural experience.

At the Esashi Oiwake Kaikan, you can discover the charm of Esashi Oiwake, a folk song born from the daily life and natural surroundings of northern Japan. On certain days, visitors can enjoy live performances of Esashi Oiwake and other Hokkaido folk songs, bringing this soulful tradition to life.

Right next door, the Esashi Yama Kaikan showcases magnificent yama floats from the Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival, the oldest festival in Hokkaido. These elaborately decorated yama, displayed year-round, capture the spirit and artistry of a tradition that has been celebrated for centuries.

For travelers to Hokkaido, this is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in both traditional music and festival culture, all in one place.

Around Onuma, Konuma, and Junsainuma, there are various hotels, inns, and pensions scattered throughout the area. Enjoy the rich natural beauty of Onuma Quasi-National Park.

Onuma Quasi-National Park offers a perfect escape into Hokkaido’s great outdoors. Rent a bicycle and enjoy a leisurely ride along the lakeside paths, or take a sightseeing boat to admire the breathtaking views of the lake and Mt. Komagatake reflected on the water.

For those seeking more adventure, try a guided canoe experience led by an instructor, or spend a relaxing afternoon fishing for carp and crucian carp at the park’s fishing pond. Whether you’re visiting with family or friends, this park is an ideal destination to fully enjoy nature and outdoor activities during your Hokkaido trip.

From here, you can easily connect to the Shinkansen, major train lines, or Hakodate Airport for your journey home.