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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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. 
