| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Contact | 013-821-3453 |
| Notes | Cemetery, historical site, no parking |
| Location / Getting There | Located in the southern part of Hakodate city on the headland near Mt. Hakodate. There is street parking around if you are driving. For public transport, the closest station is Yachigashira tram station (seven stops from Hakodate tram station). From here it is a 9 minute walk south. 16-1 Sumiyoshicho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0045 |
The cemetery of Hakodate Shiei Sumiyoshimachi Kyodo can be found on the headland in Hakodate. It is a very captivating place as it has views overlooking southern Hakodate and being on the edge of the bluff, it has great views overlooking the ocean. The ocean breeze and the peacefulness of this quiet place is home to a couple of sightseeing spots within the cemetery. These include the graves of Ishikawa Takuboku and his family, and monuments to Miyazaki Iku & Sunayama Kage Ji. These spots have plaques about the lives of these famous people.
The graves here of note are to do with prominent literary figures of the Meiji era. Ishikawa Takuboku was a prominent poet. Although he only spent a short time Hakodate, he is buried here. During his short stay in Hakodate, he enjoyed the support from a literary group called ‘Bokushukusha’ and was quoted as saying “I’d like to die here.” After succumbing to tuberculosis his brother constructed this grave in 1926. Miyazaki Iku was a poet and member of the Bokushukusha and supporter of Ishikawa Takuboku. The other monument is for Sunayama Kage Ji (real name Nakano Tarao). He was actively engaged in the literary magazine “Gin No Tsubo” which translates to “The Silver Pot”.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Contact | 011-3822-2608 |
| Notes | Shinto shrine, no parking, cherry blossom area |
| Location / Getting There | Located in the southern part of Hakodate city near the base of Mt. Hakodate. There is street parking around if you are driving. For public transport, the closest station is Yachigashira tram station (seven stops from Hakodate tram station). From here it is a 9 minute walk south. 1-7 Sumiyoshicho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0045 |
Sumiyoshi Shrine is a shinto shrine in Hakodate. It is located on the cape near the base of Mt. Hakodate. It is not a far walk from the ocean, on the eastern side of the headland. The founding date of the shrine is unknown, however according to local stories passed down, the shrine was built during the Kamakura period, which was established in 1192 (bringing the start of the samurai). The shrine (known then as Miyoshi Shrine), was rebuilt 600 years later during the An’ei era. The shrine was then rebuilt again in its current location, after it was burnt down in a great fire in 1937. The shrine was renamed Sumiyoshi Shrine.
The shrine is best to visit during the cherry blossom season from mid April to early May. The road leading up to the shrine is flanked by dozens of beautiful cherry blossom trees. Unlike other cherry blossom areas, this road is not crowded. Once up the top of the hill, the grounds of Sumiyoshi Shrine are a nice place to wander around and enjoy the tranquility. This area also makes for a good place to get some photos. The shrine serves as a place of worship for 350 households and sees special events held throughout the year.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Contact | - |
| Notes | Unique shrine, parking, part of Yachigashira Onsen |
| Location / Getting There | Located in the southern part of Hakodate city near the base of Mt. Hakodate. It is part Yachigashira Onsen. For public transport, the closest station is Yachigashira tram station (seven stops from Hakodate tram station). From here it is a 4 minute walk south towards Mt. Hakodate. 20-20 Yachigashiracho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0046 |
This may not be high on the must see things in Hakodate but it is certainly up there in terms of uniqueness. This appropriately named shrine can be found near the base of Mt. Hakodate. The Japanese word ‘Chinpo’ translates to ‘penis’ in English. Alternatively, the word Chinpō also translates into ‘rare treasure’. Whichever translation tickles your fancy, Ochinpo Shrine certainly makes for an interesting sightseeing spot. It is a small shrine, although the same can’t be said for the contents that are hidden within.
The large phallic stone here is a Dōsojin (a spirit or god) and is said to have energy to bring good luck. This particular Dōsojin brings fortune for childbirth, easy delivery, and child protection. The shrine can be found on the grounds of Yachigashira Onsen to the left of the building. The stone itself was excavated while the grounds were being leveled in 1952, and was placed where it was found. With plenty of parking and a spot to relax at the hot springs here, take a quick stroll and check out the Ochinpo Shrine.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:30 - 20:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0138-23-3763 |
| Notes | Park, historical buildings, photography spot, kids playground, toilets, wheelchair access |
| Location / Getting There | Hakodate Park is located in the southern end of Hakodate City. It is near the base of Mt. Hakodate. Without a car, the best way to get to the park is to take the tram from Hakodate station and get off at Aoyagi-cho (¥230). It is a 2 minute walk from here. 3-15 Aoyagicho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0044 |
Hakodate Park is one of the gems in Hakodate. During the cherry blossom season from mid April to the beginning of May, it is covered in beautiful cherry blossoms and is one of the top spots in Hokkaido to enjoy these flowers. The blossoms here are stunning and a must see if you are in Hakodate at this time. The park was established in 1874, but was transformed into its current layout in 1879. The new park was proposed by Richard Eusden, the British Consul of Hakodate. The park has western elements to it and is home to many attractions and sightseeing spots.
The park is hugely popular in the spring time due to the cherry blossoms. Throughout the park you can find many other attractions that are there throughout the year. There are several historic colonial buildings here. These include the Kyushiritsu Hakodate Library, and the Hakodate City Museum. For those with kids there is a small amusement park, and a small zoo down the bottom of the park. Other points of interest include the grave of a German consul, Ludwig Haber. He was a murdered in 1874 by an anti foreign Japanese national. And up near the top, overlooking the park is a stone carving plus a small pavilion.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 16:00 |
| Contact | |
| Notes | Shinto shrine, sightseeing spot, no parking, photography spot, views over Hakodate |
| Location / Getting There | Located in the southern part of Hakodate city at the base of Mt. Hakodate. The closest tram station is Aoyagi-cho station. From here, it is a 7 minute walk (uphill). On the way, it's nice to walk through the beautiful Hakodate Park, before getting the shrine. 9-23 Aoyagicho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0044 |
Hakodate Gokoku Shrine was originally built in 1869. After the battle of Hakodate it was constructed as a tribute to the imperial soldiers who had lost their lives in battle. The Battle of Hakodate during the Meiji Restoration, was between the government forces, who wanted to restore the emperor to the throne, in place of the samurai clans who had ruled Japan for hundreds of years. The shrine area is also dedicated to soldiers who died in other major battles. You can find monuments around the grounds. The shrine is on a slope that leads up to Mt. Hakodate. It is a bit of a walk but the views from the bright red Torii Gate overlooking the city are well worth it.
Once through the red Torii, you will find yourself inside the large courtyard of Hakodate Gokoku Shrine. To the left hand side is the hand washing area, and to the right is Gokoku Shrine. Here you can purchase amulets and souvenirs to take home. There is also a small stone owl perched out the front, on three stones. People like to touch this little owl and ask for good luck (or you can buy an owl talisman at the shop). Around the courtyard are stone plinths also dedicated to fallen warriors past. On the south east side is another large stone torii and the road from here leads to Hakodate Park, which is a must visit, especially during the cherry blossom season at the end of April.
| January 1st | New Year's Day festival |
| January 7th | Donto-yaki |
| February 3rd | Prayer festival |
| May 10th - 12th | Annual festival |
| August 15th | End of War Peace Memorial Festival |
| Mid-October to the end of November | Shichigosan pilgrimage |
| November 23rd | Niiname-no-Matsuri |
| December 31st | Oharae ceremony |
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Closed | - |
| Notes | Historical landmark, sightseeing spot, small park and walkway, no parking |
| Location / Getting There | Located in the central city of Hakodate. The closest tram station is Horai-Cho Station. It is only a 2 minute walk from here. The park is at the bottom of the hill that leads up to Gokoku Shrine. 〒040-0034 Hokkaido, Hakodate, Omoricho, 22, Unnamed Road |
In Hakodate, at the base of the slope that leads up to Mt. Hakodate there is a narrow green space that runs for about five blocks. This green space is a really pleasant area to take a stroll along. On both sides the park is flanked by some nice old buildings. The green space is home to various statues and there is a historical site here as well. The park is particularly nice during the cherry blossom season. The main statue that overlooks the space is of Takadaya Kahei. Takadaya Kahei was born in 1769 and came to Hakodate when he was 28. He was famous for developing the area and creating trade routes and fisheries. The statue was erected in 1958 to commemorate the centenary of the port of Hakodate opening.
The historical site that can be observed halfway along the park, is the place where Takadaya Kahei’s house once existed. He owned extensive property in Hakodate and there is a small plaque displaying this. Also in this park, you can find the poem monument of Takahashi Kikutaro. The monument here was built in 1961 by his fans, and inscribed on the monument is the lyrics to one of his most famous songs. Takahashi Kikutaro was a prominent song writer and had written lyrics to over 3,000 songs by the time of his death in 1970. This green space has a pleasant small path running through it and it is a great spot to stroll through.
