Best Hakodate Day Trips & Things to Do

Hakodate, located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, is a charming port city known for its scenic views, fresh seafood, and historic atmosphere. Once one of the first Japanese ports to open to international trade in the 19th century, Hakodate still retains a mix of Japanese and Western influences, especially visible in the preserved Motomachi district with its churches and old foreign consulates. The city's most famous attraction is the night view from Mount Hakodate, often ranked among the most beautiful in the world. Morning visitors head to Hakodate Morning Market, where they can enjoy freshly caught crab, sea urchin, and the city's signature dish - seafood rice bowls. Another highlight is Goryokaku, a star-shaped fortress now turned into a public park, especially popular during cherry blossom season.