Hakodate is
located on the southern end of Hokkaido. After the end of Japan’s
long isolationist policy, Hakodate become open to American ships in
1854 and open to general trade in 1858. It is also the site of Japans
first western style fort, called Goryoku, built in the shape of a five
pointed star. Hakodate also served as the capital of Hokkaido for two
years from 1869 to 1871. Although its importance has declined somewhat
in recent years, it still serves as a sea port and transit area to
the main island of Honshu and also as a trading port to other parts
of Japan and the world. It is the third largest city in Hokkaido, has
many places to
visit and a population of approximately 287,637 people. Major industries
include fishing, ship building and food processing.
Located on a peninsula with two bays
cutting in at each side, the city of Hakodate stretches in a north-west
to south-east direction. Hakodate main station and Hakodate pier are
both approximately located in
the center of the city. Most of the historical sections of the city
are near the southern end. Also located at the southern end of the
city is Mt Hakodateyama. It rises well above the city and offers a
spectacular view over the city and surrounding ocean. It is said to
be one of the most beautiful views in the world.
The northern area of the city is the most modern area
and offers the best shopping. What remains of the first western style
fort built in Japan and and the last hold-out of the Tokugawa Shogunate
sammurai warriors, named Goryoku fort, can also be seen in this area.
Hakodate offers a small tram system and bus
network to get around the city. The trams are a very convenient way
to see most of the sights in Hakodate and are reccomended.
English
is
located on the southern end of Hokkaido. After the end of Japan’s
long isolationist policy, Hakodate become open to American ships in
1854 and open to general trade in 1858. It is also the site of Japans
first western style fort, called Goryoku, built in the shape of a five
pointed star. Hakodate also served as the capital of Hokkaido for two
years from 1869 to 1871. Although its importance has declined somewhat
in recent years, it still serves as a sea port and transit area to
the main island of Honshu and also as a trading port to other parts
of Japan and the world. It is the third largest city in Hokkaido, has
many 
in
the center of the city. Most of the historical sections of the city
are near the southern end. Also located at the southern end of the
city is Mt Hakodateyama. It rises well above the city and offers a
spectacular view over the city and surrounding ocean. It is said to
be one of the most beautiful views in the world.
bus
network to get around the city. The trams are a very convenient way
to see most of the sights in Hakodate and are reccomended. 
