Here are 10 things to do in Hokkaido (Hakodate).

Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse

It opened as a Western clothing store in 1869, and after going through various other businesses, became a warehouse in 1887. It is now a facility with around 50 stores in operation. The site is divided into four areas, with a variety of shops and halls lined up. There are also restaurants and souvenir shops where you can enjoy a taste of Hakodate. Brick warehouses line the port of Hakodate, making it a photogenic place all day long.

Yukura Shrine

It began in 1453 when an injured woodcutter built a small shrine as a token of gratitude for the boiling water that had healed his wounds. In 1655, Takahiro, the ninth feudal lord of the Matsumae domain, who had been suffering from an incurable disease, followed his mother's advice and took a dip in the hot springs here to heal, leading to the construction of the shrine and the installation of the Yakushi Nyorai. This is also said to be the origin of the shrine's name. The large torii gate at the entrance to the shrine is a spectacular sight. There is also a famous "petted rabbit" that is said to grant wishes when you pet it, so be sure to give it a try.

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

You can see between 300 types and 3,000 tropical plants. It is a warm place to visit even in the cold winter. There is also "Monkey Mountain" in the park, where you can see monkeys enjoying the hot springs from December to May, making it a popular spot. You can also feed the monkeys through the fence, so please give it a try. There is also a "foot bath" across from the Monkey Mountain Hot Springs, where you can casually enjoy the hot springs.

Hakodate Morning Market Ekini Market

Located in the center of the tourist spot "Hakodate Morning Market," "Hakodate Morning Market Ekini Market" is an indoor market that sells not only fresh seafood such as crabs and sea urchins, but also Hakodate souvenirs, dried fish, and clothing. We recommend the "squid fishing experience." Freshly caught squid is purchased every day, so it's fresh, and you can have it cooked and eaten immediately after catching it. It starts at 6am and you can do it until it sells out, but it's very popular so we recommend going early.

Goryokaku

It is said that Goryokaku was built in 1864 as the Hakodate Magistrate's Office, which was in charge of foreign affairs, when the port of Hakodate was opened. It was opened to the public as Goryokaku Park in 1914, and is also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in the spring.

At the Goryokaku Tower Observatory, you can get a 360-degree view of Hakodate city. The panoramic view of Goryokaku and its seasonal appearances are spectacular. In winter, Goryokaku is covered in snow, creating a fantastical sight. It is also lit up from December to February, so be sure to check it out.

Hakodate Magistrate's Office

It was established as an Edo Shogunate office in 1864 when the port of Hakodate was opened at the end of the Edo period. It was demolished after seven years, but after about 140 years, it has been restored to its original appearance. Inside, there is a tatami mat area and an exhibition space that explains the history of Hakodate and the end of the Edo period, so you can feel the Edo period even in the present day. At "Itakura Yanagi", you can drink Hakodate Magistrate's Office Coffee, which is a reproduction of the taste of that time.

Hakodate City Tram

In 1913, Hakodate flourished as the gateway to Hokkaido. It was during this time that the Hakodate City Tram began operating. Even today, it remains a popular daily means of transportation for local residents and tourists. As trams in Japan are becoming rarer every year, many people take photos of the trams running through the streets of Hakodate. The Hakodate City Tram only has two tracks, so you won't get lost. At the Komaba Shako-mae tram stop, there is a tram depot where you can see the retro tram cars that appear in the film.

Kosetsuen

The garden was created by Iwafune Minejiro, a kimono merchant living in Hakodate City, in 1898, and is the only garden in Hokkaido designated as a national cultural property. There are about 150 types of trees in the garden, which can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. The old architecture from around 1898 is also worth seeing. The garden is lit up from late October during the autumn foliage season, allowing you to enjoy a spectacular view.

Mount Hakodate

Mount Hakodate, which is 334 meters above sea level, offers a panoramic view of the city of Hakodate. The view was given three stars in the Michelin Guidebook. Approximately 600 species of plants and 150 species of wild birds live here.

 The observation deck at the summit is also popular as a spot where you can enjoy a magnificent panorama and beautiful night view. The Mount Hakodate Ropeway is recommended as it is a short ride while also enjoying the scenery.

Hakodate Hikari Food Stall Daimon Yokocho

This is the only food stall village in Hakodate, a downtown area that flourished along with the Seikan Ferry and the North Sea fishing industry. There are more than 20 restaurants lined up, and each one is small, with only 8 to 15 seats.

In addition to standard restaurants serving Hokkaido's specialty Genghis Khan, seafood, home-style cuisine, oden specialty restaurants, yakitori restaurants, ramen restaurants, and more, there are also Italian, Korean, and other Asian restaurants.

summary

We have introduced "10 things to do in Hokkaido (Hakodate)". Hakodate, which has the least snow in the winter, is famous as a tourist destination even within Hokkaido. Since the port of Hakodate opened in 1859, the city has adopted Western culture, and the modern yet retro Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse remains. The night view from Mount Hakodate is beautiful, and you can get a panoramic view of the city of Hakodate, which coexists with nature. Please come and visit us.