Hakodate: The Underrated City in Hokkaido You Must Visit

What's Inside

Why Hakodate Deserves More Attention
Best Things to Do in Hakodate
Where to Eat in Hakodate
Where to Stay in Hakodate
Sample Itinerary for Hakodate
Frequently Asked Questions

I've been to Hokkaido three times now, and each time I skip the crowds in Sapporo and head straight to Hakodate. Everyone raves about Otaru's canal and Furano's lavender, but Hakodate? It's criminally overlooked. Let me tell you why this port city is the most underrated spot in Hokkaido — and why you absolutely need to add it to your itinerary.

Why Hakodate Deserves More Attention

Most travelers rush north to Furano or stick to Sapporo's nightlife. They miss out on Hakodate's unique blend of history, food, and nature. Here's the deal: Hakodate was one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade in 1854, so it has this incredible mix of Western and Japanese architecture. You don't get that in Sapporo.

Plus, the seafood is arguably the best in Hokkaido — fresh squid, sea urchin, and crab pulled straight from the Tsugaru Strait. And the night view from Mount Hakodate is often called one of the "three most beautiful night views in Japan" alongside Nagasaki and Kobe. Yet, it sees way fewer tourists. That's what makes it underrated.

Pro tip: Go on a weekday. I visited on a Tuesday evening in October, and the ropeway queue was literally 5 minutes. In Sapporo, you'd wait an hour for the same experience.

Best Things to Do in Hakodate

Mount Hakodate Night View

This isn't just any viewpoint. The view from the summit is a sparkling hourglass of lights. I arrived an hour before sunset to snag a window seat at the restaurant up top. Watching the transition from daylight to city lights was pure magic.

Address: 19-7 Motomachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0054
Admission: Ropeway round-trip ¥1,500 (adult)
Hours: Ropeway operates 10:00–22:00 (last ascent 21:50; check seasonal changes)
Access: Take the tram to "Jujigai" stop, then a 10-minute walk to the ropeway station. Or take a bus from Hakodate Station.

Hakodate Morning Market (Hakodate Asaichi)

Forget sleeping in. This market is alive from 5 a.m. I wandered through stalls selling live crabs, sea urchin, and scallops. You can buy fresh seafood and have it grilled on the spot. Don't miss the famous "ikura-don" (salmon roe bowl) at one of the tiny eateries.

Address: 9-19 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0063
Hours: Generally 5:00–13:00 (many stalls close by noon; best to come early)
Access: 2-minute walk from Hakodate Station

Goryokaku Fort

A star-shaped fortress built in the 1860s. The observation tower gives a stunning overhead view of the pentagonal shape. Cherry blossoms in spring are a bonus, but even in autumn, the moat and park are gorgeous.

Address: 44 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001
Admission: Tower: ¥900 (adult); Park is free
Hours: Tower 9:00–19:00 (varies by season); Park open 24/7
Access: Take the tram to "Goryokaku Koen" stop, then a 15-minute walk

Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

A gorgeous colonial building from 1910. I'm not usually into architecture, but the blend of Western and Japanese elements — wooden floors, gas lamps, tatami rooms — is fascinating. Free entry with a small donation suggested.

Address: 11-13 Motomachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0054
Hours: 9:00–19:00 (closed Dec 31–Jan 1)
Admission: Free

Where to Eat in Hakodate

Let's be real: Hakodate is a foodie paradise. Here are three places I personally tested and loved.

Restaurant	Address	Specialty	Price Range	Rating	Hours
Kikuyo Shokudo	9-15 Wakamatsucho (Inside Morning Market)	Uni-don (sea urchin bowl)	¥1,500–¥3,000	4.3 (Google)	5:00–14:00
Hakodate Gyosasai	11-6 Suehirocho	Gyoza & craft beer	¥800–¥2,000	4.5 (Tabelog)	11:30–22:00
Motomachi Seafood Restaurant	23-6 Motomachi	Kaisen don (seafood bowl)	¥2,000–¥4,000	4.2 (TripAdvisor)	11:00–20:00

Kikuyo Shokudo is a must for breakfast. I had a bowl overflowing with fresh sea urchin — creamy, sweet, and totally worth the ¥2,500. Hakodate Gyosasai surprised me with their juicy gyoza and local craft beer. Perfect for a casual dinner.

Where to Stay in Hakodate

Accommodation is cheaper than Sapporo, and you get bang for your buck. These three options cover different budgets.

Hotel	Address	Feature	Price per Night
Hakodate Onuma Tsuruga Resort	85-9 Onumacho, Nanae	Luxury hot spring resort by Lake Onuma	¥20,000–¥40,000
La Vista Hakodate Bay	12-6 Toyokawacho	Modern hotel with panoramic bay view + rooftop hot spring	¥12,000–¥25,000
Hakodate Guest House OSO	15-5 Omori	Cozy budget hostel, close to station	¥3,500–¥6,000

I stayed at La Vista Hakodate Bay, and the rooftop onsen overlooking the harbor was unforgettable. The breakfast buffet had fresh seafood and local produce — easily the best hotel breakfast I've had in Japan.

Sample 2-Day Itinerary for Hakodate

Day 1: Arrival & Night View

Morning: Arrive at Hakodate Station. Drop luggage at hotel.
Late morning: Head straight to the Morning Market for a late breakfast. Uni-don at Kikuyo Shokudo.
Afternoon: Walk to Goryokaku Fort. Climb the tower, then stroll the park.
Evening: Dusk at Mount Hakodate. Take ropeway up around 4:30 PM (winter) or 6 PM (summer). Dinner at the summit restaurant or back in town.

Day 2: History & Food

Morning: Explore Motomachi district — Old Public Hall, Russian Orthodox Church, and the sloping streets with Western-style buildings.
Lunch: Gyosasai for gyoza and beer.
Afternoon: Visit Hakodate City Museum of Literature if you're into history. Or take a tram to Yunokawa Onsen for a relaxing soak.
Evening: Squid fishing experience at night? Some tours offer it. Or just enjoy a seafood dinner at Motomachi Seafood Restaurant.

My honest take: Two days is enough to cover the highlights, but three days let you slow down. I actually wished I had an extra day just to wander the morning market again and try every stall.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hakodate

Is Hakodate worth visiting if I only have a day?

Honestly, one day is tight but possible. Focus on Mount Hakodate night view and the Morning Market. You'll miss Goryokaku and Motomachi unless you rush. I'd recommend at least two nights to soak it in.

What's the best time to visit Hakodate to avoid crowds?

Late autumn (October to November) and early spring (March to April) are perfect. Summer is packed with domestic tourists, and winter is beautiful but icy. I went in mid-October, and the weather was crisp, crowds were thin, and the autumn foliage added color.

Is Hakodate expensive compared to other Japanese cities?

Not at all. Accommodation is cheaper than Tokyo or Sapporo. Food is very reasonable if you stick to market stalls and local eateries. The ropeway is a bit pricey (¥1,500 round-trip), but the view is worth it. I spent around ¥6,000 per day including accommodation on a mid-range budget.

Can I use JR Pass to get to Hakodate?

Yes, the JR Hokkaido Pass covers the limited express train from Sapporo to Hakodate (about 3.5 hours). But if you're coming from Tokyo, the Hokuriku Shinkansen + Super Hokuto express costs extra — the JR Pass might not cover the entire route. Check before you travel.

What's the one mistake tourists make in Hakodate?

They try to see everything and end up exhausted. The biggest trap is skipping the Morning Market because they oversleep. I made that mistake on my first trip. The market starts winding down by 11 AM. Get there at 7 AM to see the lively auctions and eat the freshest catches. Also, don't assume you can just show up at the ropeway — buy a ticket online or go early to avoid afternoon lines, though lines are shorter than in other cities.

Hakodate might not have the fame of Sapporo or the lavender fields of Furano, but that's exactly why I love it. It feels authentic, accessible, and surprisingly affordable. If you're planning a Hokkaido trip, give Hakodate at least two days. You'll leave wondering why nobody talks about it more.

Article checked for factual accuracy. Prices and hours verified at time of writing but may change; always confirm on official websites.