Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

The Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is home to about 300 species and 3,000 tropical plants, including rare and uniquely named trees such as the Ice Cream Tree and the Breadfruit Tree, which are seldom seen in Hokkaido.

In addition to its diverse plant life, the garden offers plenty of attractions for families. There is a Monkey Mountain, footbaths, playground equipment for young children, battery-powered cars, and a refreshing water plaza that make it a perfect day-trip destination for locals and visitors from the Hakodate area.

One of the garden’s most popular features is the Japanese macaques bathing in a dedicated hot spring during the cold months. From December until about the Golden Week holidays in May, visitors can enjoy watching these adorable monkeys warming themselves in the hot spring—a heartwarming and uniquely Hokkaido experience.

The garden also occasionally hosts photography and pottery workshops, so be sure to check the official website for the latest event information.

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?

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.