Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

The “Hakodate Haikara-Go” is a limited-time-only chin-chin train that runs through the streets of Hakodate. The train is popular among tourists for its retro exterior and interior, which give the train an atmosphere of the Taisho era (the service is suspended in case of rain or other bad weather). In 1993, it was restored as a sightseeing train. It can be used not only for sightseeing in the city, but also for transportation within the city, just like a regular streetcar. The fare is paid inside the train by the conductor, which is rare nowadays. After paying the fare, you can take home a ticket stub with the “Hakodate Haikara-Go” design as a souvenir. Hakodate and Sapporo are the only cities in Hokkaido where visitors can ride streetcars!

The large gondolas, each accommodating 125 people, travel at a speed of 7 meters per second, reaching the 334-meter summit of Mt. Hakodate in about 3 minutes. The seasonal views unfolding below the ropeway – cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, autumn foliage, and snow-covered landscapes – are so beautiful they'll undoubtedly elicit gasps of admiration. Operating from 10:00 with the last downhill trip at 22:00 (21:00 from October 1st to April 19th), you can fully appreciate the scenery, from the nature-rich daytime views to the diamond-like sparkling nightscape (barrier-free access, free wheelchair rentals available).

When it comes to iconic night views in Japan, Mt. Hakodate is a must-mention. The twinkling lights of the city, nestled between the sea, as seen from the 334-meter summit, are breathtakingly beautiful, like a jewelry box. From summer to autumn, during the squid fishing season, the lights of the fishing boats add a magical sparkle to the jet-black sea, making the scene even more enchanting. Furthermore, are you aware of the "Hakodate Night View Heart Legend"? It's said that if you find the hidden "heart" within the night view and make a wish, your love will come true. Why not enjoy the panoramic night view from the summit and search for the "heart" together with someone special?

Hakodate Daimon Yokocho is a collection of 26 bars and eateries in downtown Hakodate. Located directly in front of the Hakodate JR Station, the strip includes a wide variety of cuisines, including sushi, crab, tempura, yakitori, kushikatsu, Jingisukan, Korean food, ramen, and more! Because of its convenient location next to the famous Hakodate Morning Market, Daimon Alley’s restaurants are amply supplied with the freshest ingredients daily. Most establishments are little more than a small counter area which lends to the cozy atmosphere where customers dine and drink shoulder to shoulder.

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.

One of the most famous night views in the country, Okurayama Viewing Point, an observation deck in a ski jump stadium from the 1972 Winter Olympics, is a must-see in greater Sapporo. From a height of 307 meters, enjoy a panoramic view of Sapporo and the Ishikari Plains. If you turn towards Odori Park, the well-placed twinkling lights are well-known to look like an airport runway while Sapporo’s glimmering cityscape extends beyond. For this view and more, take the lift just after sundown to see the city lighting up the night sky. You may even encounter a skier training on the ski jump below!

Susukino, located south of Odori Park and spanning roughly from South 4th to 8th Streets north to south and West 2nd to 5th Streets east to west, is the largest entertainment district north of Tokyo. Its neon-lit streets, famous for the Nikka Whisky sign, are renowned nationwide and considered one of Japan's three major entertainment districts.

Its history began around 1870 during the Kaitakushi (Hokkaido Development Commission) era as a red-light district. Around 1920, the red-light district was relocated to Shiroishi, and restaurants and other establishments sprang up in its place, laying the foundation for the current neon district.

Susukino is a sleepless town with an estimated nighttime population of around 80,000, and its defining characteristic is the sheer number of establishments. About 3,500 shops are concentrated in this area, and on weekends, it's bustling with customers until dawn.

You'll find a wide range of establishments catering to various needs, including local cuisine restaurants, izakayas (Japanese pubs), clubs, bars, karaoke parlors, show pubs, ramen shops, and hotels, all packed closely together.

Various events are also held, such as the summer "Susukino Festival" where Oiran (courtesan) processions are recreated, and the "Susukino Ice World" during the Snow Festival, where ice sculptures line the streets. These events further enhance the vibrancy of this lively district.

Located in downtown Sapporo, Nijo Market is easily accessible for tourists. Offering with an array of Hokkaido souvenirs, fresh seafood, and specialty agricultural products, the market is filled with the cheerful calls of shopkeepers and exudes a vibrant atmosphere. There are also eateries in the market, so visitors can indulge in Hokkaido's unique natural bounty, such as sushi and rice bowls filled to the brim with fresh seafood. The retro Noren Yokocho (meaning "Curtain Alley") is also a popular area lined with distinctive eateries.

This confectionery theme park is enjoyable for everyone, from children to adults. You can observe the production process of "Shiroi Koibito," Hokkaido's iconic confection, as well as explore exhibits on the history of chocolate and relax in a café offering ISHIYA's original sweets.

At the "Study Base Cacao Pod," you can learn about chocolate through projection mapping before comparing two types of chocolate that highlight the cacao. In the "Sweets Workshop Dream Kitchen," try your hand at making treats. The most popular activity is the "My Shiroi Koibito Baking Course," where you create your own original Shiroi Koibito by adding illustrations or messages to a heart-shaped langue de chat cookie about 14cm in size. The finished large Shiroi Koibito makes a perfect souvenir for your trip.

The park's courtyard is an English garden. In the summer, around 200 roses and seasonal flowers bloom beautifully, and in the winter, illuminations sparkle, making it a fantastic photo spot.

JR Tower is a commercial complex directly connected to Sapporo Station. From the reception desk on the 6th floor, take the elevator to the top 38th floor, where you will find the observation deck with a panoramic view 160 meters above the ground. The breathtaking view will take your breath away.

The scenery, which changes with the seasons and with the time of day, is also an attraction. From the floor that boasts the highest point in Hokkaido, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city that you cannot see in everyday life.

At night, enjoy the sparkling night view of Sapporo, which has been selected as one of Japan's top three new nightscapes.

The observation deck has a relaxing atmosphere with an acoustic performance created from a special musical scale called the “Planetary Scale. The artworks by Hokkaido's leading designers scattered throughout the ceiling and walls are also not to be missed.

The concept of the restrooms located on the north corner is to “have the overwhelming sense of openness all to yourself. The men's room, in particular, is known as a spot with a spectacular view where you can take a break while enjoying the view.

On the south side, “T'CAFE” where you can relax with a view of the city offers a wide variety of light meals and cake sets. At night, in addition to beer and wine, there are more than 30 cocktails available, and you can enjoy a relaxing bar time while admiring the night view.

Next to the cafe is a souvenir store selling original items such as stationery, postcards, and railroad goods. Some of these items are only available here, so be sure to check it out.