Southern Hokkaido

Historically speaking, Southern Hokkaido was the commercial and also for a limited time, political center of Hokkaido and offers a look into the past of this region. During the cold winter months this area also offers slightly more mild weather than the rest of the prefecture. Besides history, there is also still plenty of natural beauty and one of the oldest hot spring areas in Hokkaido.

Hakodate - Mount Hakodate Lying at the southern end of the central Hokkaido peninsula Mount Hakodate (Hakodateyama) is 334 meters high and allows a spectacular view of both the city and the Tsugaru Strait. On clear days and especially at night, the view of Hakodate from the mountain is quite amazing and is said to be amongst the three most beautiful views in the world. The cable car connects to an observatory at the top of the mountain. Inside there are souvenir shops, a restaurant with incredible views, and an events hall where monitors play a show about the four seasons of Hakodate. The temperature at the top of the mountain, even in summer, is slightly cool and winds can cause even cooler temperatures. The cable car which holds up to 125 people will depart every ten minutes in peak times. It is possible to drive to the top of the mountain in the warm months after the cable car service has finished operation for the day. (After approximately 10 pm) Top Admission ¥640 one way / ¥1 160 return Opening Hours 10 am to 10 pm April 26 to October 31 10 am to 9 pm Nov 1 to Aril 25 Closed For a short time in early November for yearly service. Getting There - Phone 138-23-3105 Address (Ropeway) 19-7 Motomachi Hakodate     Hakodate - Fort Goryokaku Constructed from 1857 to 1864 as Japan's first Western style fort Goryokaku, is now a park and home to some 1 600 cherry trees. Shaped like a star boats can be rented for use in the moat that completely surrounds this beautiful area. The fort is also famous as the area where the Edo Shogunate Samurai had there last stand against the newly formed Meiji Imperial Army. Inside the park there is a small museum that displays weapons, uniforms and other historical articles related to these events. The whole area can be viewed from the Goryokaku Tower. Approximately 50 meters high and standing near the park entrance it gives you a great view of the star shape and the general area. Top Admission Tower - Adults ¥520 Opening Hours 8 am to 8 pm Daily Closed - Getting There From JR Hakodate Station, take a tram to the "Goryokaku Koen Mae" stop (10 minutes). From there, the fortress is another 5-10 minutes on foot. Phone -         Hakodate - Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses Originally built in 1909 by the Kanemori Beer and Shipping Company, these warehouses were remodeled in 1988 into a beer hall, shopping area and multi use hall. The harbor area and warehouse area a lovely place to spend a relaxing morning or a romantic stroll at night. Try the famous Hakodate beer which has been in production since 1898. Top Admission - Opening Hours - Closed - Getting There The Warehouses are approximately a ten minute walk from JR Hakodate Station between the station and Mt Hakodateyama. Phone 138-23-0350 Address 14-16 Suehiro-cho Hakodate     Hakodate - Trappistine Convent This beautiful brick building with a green tinted roof was Japans first all female convent and was constructed in 1898 by eight nuns from France. Today, there are about 70 nuns still living and working in the convent. They are self sufficient and support themselves by managing fields and dairy farms. While visitors are not permitted to enter the convent itself you may enter the front yard and there are also some photographs displayed in the visitors reference room that show the history of the convent and its inhabitants. There is also a convent store where particularly delicious and well known home-made biscuits, sweets, butter and handicrafts are for sale. Top * Please note that whether you are religious or not this is a fully working convent and some Nuns may have taken vows of silence. Please be respectful at all times. Admission - Opening Hours - Closed - Getting There Approximately ¥ 2,500 by taxi from JR Hakodate station or Five minutes from Hakodate Airport. Phone 138-57-3331 Address 346 Kamiyunokawa-cho Hakodate     Yunokawa Onsen - This hot spring area was discovered about 360 years ago and is the oldest hot spring area in Hokkaido. There are many hotels, inns and restaurants situated in this area overlooking the Straits of Tsugaru. It is also a popular swimming spot during the summer. The night scenery can be quite lovely with the lights of the fishing boats reflecting on the water. The spring water is salty but clear and is said to be of great value for your health. There are also some bathing areas for local monkeys where you may take some photos. Top * If you are unsure of Japanese hot spring bathing etiquette, please click here for our help page. Admission - Opening Hours - Closed - Getting There Take the streetcar from JR Hakodate Station to the Yunokawa Onsen Station Approximately 40 minutes. Phone -