Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Mt. Hakodate offers a panoramic view of Hakodate's cityscape. The spectacular view created by the unique topography has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide. The observation deck at the summit, standing at 334 m above sea level, is a popular spot for enjoying panoramic views as well as beautiful night views. The mountain is rich in nature, and is the habitat of approximately 600 plant species and 150 wild bird species. There is a hiking route that takes about one hour to reach the base of the mountain, so you can take a walk while reveling in the beautiful natural scenery.

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.

This hot spring area, said to have opened in 1247, boasts the oldest history in Hokkaido. Known for its various benefits, such as healing burns and gastrointestinal diseases, it has long been cherished as a therapeutic hot spring. The solitary inn nestled in the vast nature features five naturally occurring hot spring sources, offering a variety of spring qualities. The two separate indoor baths for men and women are proud of their robustly built rock baths, with layers of petrified hot spring deposits 'yunohana' as a testament to its history. In recent years, the inn has added more barrier-free rooms and also accepts day-trip visitors.

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.