One Day in Hakodate: A Charming Port City in Hokkaido

Last Updated on 18th July 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Fresh seafood, a star-shaped fort and breathtaking views: Hakodate is a charming port city found on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. Nestled at the foot of a mountain, Hakodate is a blend of cultures, where the East meets the West. Here’s how to spend one day in Hakodate, as well as top tips and what to know before you go!

Where is Hakodate?

Located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate (函館) is the island’s third-largest city and has a population size of just over 260,000 people. The city is situated at the foot of Mount Hakodate and is a port city in the Oshima Subprefecture.

What is Hakodate known for? 

Hakodate is famed for its historical five-point-fort, Goryokaku, which is particularly beautiful when viewed at night-time. Also, thanks to its location by the coast, it’s known for its abundance of delicious fresh seafood (see more on this below)!

How long do you need in Hakodate?

Although we loved our visit to Hakodate, I would suggest prioritising other destinations if you have limited time as there are more famous sights to see in Hokkaido, including its capital, Sapporo. Therefore, one full day and night in Hakodate is plenty of time to see the main sights and get a feel for the city.

Suggested one day in Hakodate itinerary

Hakodate isn’t enormous and so can easily be seen over a single day. If you’re taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sapporo (the capital of Hokkaido), then you’ll have to stop over at Hakodate as this is where the Shinkansen transforms into local (slower) tracks which will take you the rest of the way to Sapporo.

Hakodate Morning Market, 函館朝市

Start your day by tasting some local delights! Located just a few minutes walk away from Hakodate Station and known locally as Hakodate Asaichi, this is a vibrant morning market. The indoor hall is open daily from 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM (from 6:00 AM from January to April).

The market’s main focus is on fresh seafood, and because of its opening times, it makes a great spot for picking up breakfast or lunch. Here are some of the best ones to try:

• Asaichi Goshoku-don (seafood bowl) – To get a taste of everything, sample this 5-ingredients bowl, usually consisting of salmon roe, salmon, shrimp, sea urchin and one more ingredient of your choice.
• Squid sashimi – Known as the ‘dancing squid’ dish. You won’t get fresher seafood than this! Visitors are welcome to catch their squid from the tank and eat it straight away
• Ikkatei Tabiji – A homemade gratin loaded with fresh crabmeat.
• Ikura-tei – This dish consists of unpeeled sweet shrimp, egg, and spring green onion shoots, cooked with rice in a soup stock made from white fish.
• Shio Ramen (Salt-Flavored Ramen) – The oldest style of ramen, containing no miso paste and no soy sauce. This popular Hakodate broth tastes light and salty.

Goryōkaku, 五稜郭

After the morning market, walk over to the Hakodate Ekimae station and take a short 20-minute tram to GORYOKAKU-KOEN-MAE. From here, it’s a 10-minute walk to Hakodate’s most iconic sight, the Western-style citadel, Fort Goryōkaku.

The fortress has a fascinating history. Completed in 1866 (just two years before the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate) it was originally built as a defence against the imperialist threat posed by Western powers.

Its unique five-pointed star shape allowed for several more gun placements that are typically found on traditional Japanese fortresses…which happened to be convenient considering this site was where a battle of the Civil War took place for a week!

Today, since the fortress has lost its military purpose, it has been transformed into a public park and has also been declared a Special Historical Site.

Much of the park itself is free to visit. For the best view, you can go up the tower. The park is especially popular in springtime, with over 1,000 cherry trees planted along the moat of the park, it is one of the best places to view Sakura!

Pieberry Café

If you’re feeling hungry, a great spot to stop for lunch is Pieberry Café, which is situated next to Goryōkaku. Here they serve light lunches and snacks including, potato buns, salads etc.

There’s also an outdoor terrace where you can sit out if it’s warm, overlooking views of the park. In cherry blossom season, the terrace is surrounded by sakura.

Port of Hakodate, 函館港

Next, get the train back to the Port of Hakodate (which is situated just a short walk away from the morning market). This particular area of the city is characterised by its red brick buildings.

The port opened its gates to the world in 1859 as one of Japan’s first international trade ports, in turn, the city has absorbed other cultures which can be seen throughout.

Today, it is the location for one of the city’s main events, the Hakodate Port Festival. This annual summer event is typically held across five days in early August. With displays of up to 20,000 costumed performers taking part, it’s quite the spectacle!

One of the most special things about the festival, that has made its way as a famous dance around all of Japan is the Squid Dance. Celebrating the humble squid with quite a unique dance, people will chant “Ika-ika-ika-ika-ika-odori!” (squid squid squid squid squid dance!) as they make the wobbly moves.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, 金森赤レンガ倉庫 

Within the port area is a former warehouse which has been redeveloped and repurposed as a commercial complex. Here you can shop for cute souvenirs and clothes, sightsee the boats at the port or grab a beer. There’s even a chapel inside the complex where you can get married!

Motomachi Park, 函館元町

Located a 10-minute walk from Kanemori, is the historic district, Motomachi. This charming pocket of the city is filled with picturesque Western-influenced streets and is home to a well-kept small park situated on a slope.

Simply strolling around this western district and soaking up its unusual architecture and historic sights is the best way to spend an afternoon in Hakodate. This area is popular among tourists and photographers alike! The park is also home to the former Hakodate branch of the Hokkaido government office.

Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, 旧函館区公会堂

Found within Motomachi is the notable and historic building, the Old Public Hall. Completed in 1910, it has since been designated as an important cultural property and is a magnificent showcase of elegant colonial architecture.

The striking, yellow-framed building was built on the site of the former old town hall (which was lost in the Great Fire of Hakodate in 1907). Previously used as guest rooms for Imperial visitors, today the hall is used for concerts and other events.

Funadama jinja shrine

This Shinto shrine lies at the foot of Mount Hakodate in the Motomachi district and guards the “Tomoe Port”. There are unsubstantiated claims that this is the oldest shrine in Hokkaido!

Hakodate Orthodox Church, 函館ハリストス正教会

Also found within the Motomachi district is a high concentration of churches. Of particular interest is the Orthodox Church, which was founded in 1858 by the Russian Consulate.

It is the oldest Russian Orthodox church in Japan and, as a result, it is considered an Important Cultural Property. It’s also situated just across the road from the Roman Catholic Church.

The original church was wooden and burnt down in the Great Fire. The existing building seen today was built in 1916 and is yet another example of a Western-style building in Hakodate.

The iconic 19th-century church is famed for its bell tower. Locals have nicknamed it Gangan-dera or Ding-dong because of the sound the bells make when they toll. It is the oldest Russian Orthodox church in Japan and as a result, it is considered an Important Cultural Property.

Mt. Hakodate ropeway, 函館山ロープウェイ

Known as one of the ‘ten million dollar night views of Japan,’ end your day of sightseeing with the best view in all of Hakodate! A round-trip costs 1,800 yen, and the journey across the sky takes just 3 minutes in a carriage which can hold around 40 people.

At the top, visitors are rewarded with stunning panoramic views. Be sure to check out sunset times before heading up, it’s said that the best time to visit is 30 minutes after sunset when the city lights are aglow.

There’s also a restaurant at the top and a souvenir shop where you can warm up after spending time in the cool night air. There’s also a small snack stand selling local foodie treats (though beware that, since they have a captive audience, the prices are somewhat elevated).

Hakodate BeerHall

After your fill of exploring the city, end your day with a delicious local beer! Hakodate BeerHall is a microbrewery which is within the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse complex. Locally brewed, crisp and refreshing, it’s a picturesque spot to enjoy a pre-dinner beverage.

A personal favourite was the Sapporo Classic, a German pilsner-style beer!

Daimon Yokocho

For dinner, the best place to go is Daimon Yokocho. This tiny alley is filled with all kinds of hole-in-the-wall eateries, all serving traditional mouthwatering Japanese cuisine.

As mentioned, some of the most popular food in the city is fresh seafood. Alternatively, Hakodate ramen is a tasty pork-based soup and a local delicacy.

Where to stay

We opted to stay nearby to the Morning Market, the location was ideal as it’s the perfect spot to spend your day! Here are a few suggested places of where to stay:

FAV Hotel Hakodate – We stayed here. There were free pyjamas! The rooms were clean and modern, offering free WiFi, there was also a helpful reception area. Located just a 2-minute walk from the Morning Market, it’s the perfect location. Check prices and availability here.

JR Inn Hakodate – Situated next to Hakodate train station, this hotel offers free WiFi as well as a communal indoor bath and an open-air bath. Offering views over the water, it’s a casual spot to stay and the guest area boasts views overlooking Hakodate Mountain. Check prices and availability here.

Watch the Hakodate travel guide

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