Journey to the South of Japan's Far North: Hakodate on Hokkaido Island
Located at the extreme south of Hokkaido island, Hakodate city is a destination in summer for its mild temperatures but also in winter for the beauty of its northern landscapes. The city has long history, which dates back to the 8th century when the imperial court sent punitive force from Honshu (the main land of Japan) to the island (its name then Ezo), then began seriously immigration from 14th century at the time of the Muromachi era. In the 17th century, Russian particularly from Sakhalines and Kuril Islands reached the south of the island and engaed in trade with Ezo then later with Japan. You will see those historical background in architectural structures, which representing the cultural melting pot.
Indeed, Hakodate has rich culture and history and that makes the city differs widely from what can be seen in the rest of Japan. As in many historic ports such as Nagasaki, there are many traces of foreign civilizations in building construction.
When you walk along the sea in Hakodate city, there you will find the broad streets extended to Mt. Hakodate, and also you will find the Russian Orthodox Church, which stands a 5-minute walk from the Jujigai Tram Station. The church was built in a small green field, its architecture is superb, and contrasts perfectly with the landscape.
As you continue walking in small cobblestone streets surrounded by stone walls, there is also the church, the beautiful Roman Catholic Motomachi church on your left.
When you walk along the sea in Hakodate city, there you will find the broad streets extended to Mt. Hakodate, and also you will find the Russian Orthodox Church, which stands a 5-minute walk from the Jujigai Tram Station. The church was built in a small green field, its architecture is superb, and contrasts perfectly with the landscape.
As you continue walking in small cobblestone streets surrounded by stone walls, there is also the church, the beautiful Roman Catholic Motomachi church on your left.
The Orthodox Russian Church of Hakodate built by Goshkevich, the First Russian Consul in Japan
Close to these two monuments, you are not far from Mt. Hakodate, whose summit is accessible by cable car. It is a recommended viewing point at night because it offers a superb panorama of the entire illuminated city and the Hakodate bay. Back to the tram line, take it to the next station, Suehirocho, there is "Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples" dedicated to the Ainu civilization.
East of Mount Hakodate, near Yachigashira Station, there is a magnificent 100-year-old temple surrounded by Mt. Hakodate Forest. You can also admire the beautiful architecture of Koryu-ji Temple north of the Mountain, a 10-minute walk from Hakodate Dock Mae Station. We also reccommend to visit the Goryokakaku Park in the center of the city, where covered with cherry blossoms in spring.
One of the three most beautiful night views in Japan from Mt. Hakodate
In spring and summer, many festivals are organized each year. In May, the Goryokaku Festival celebrates the Battle of Hakodate that took place in 1869 and pitted the latest samurai against government forces in the new era of Japan. Thousands of people dressed in traditional fighting clothes march through the streets and also commemorate the death of a very popular samurai, Hijikata Toshizo. In August, the Hakodate Harbor Festival hosts many parades of traditional dancers who roam the streets of the city. In the evening, a big fireworks is pulled from the port, take the opportunity to go to the top of the mountain and watch the show!
Firework on the port
From Hakodate, you will have easy access to some of Hokkaido's most beautiful natural sites. The Onuma quasi-national park offers many activities: hiking, walking or kayaking on the great Lake Onuma along more than 10 kilometers.
From Hakodate Station, the park can be reached in approximately 30 minutes by JR train.
On the south east coast of Hokkaido, from Hakodate, you will reach in around 2 hours the region of Mt. Esan, offering a very nice walk on the mount itself or by the sea. You will find hot spring baths from the volcano overlooking the sea to Mizunashikaihin onsens.
From Hakodate Station, the park can be reached in approximately 30 minutes by JR train.
On the south east coast of Hokkaido, from Hakodate, you will reach in around 2 hours the region of Mt. Esan, offering a very nice walk on the mount itself or by the sea. You will find hot spring baths from the volcano overlooking the sea to Mizunashikaihin onsens.
With its Scandinavian city tunes, winter is the perfect season for a cool walk before heading to the hot springs to relax
The Hokkaido island is known for its tasty food and its cuisine mainly based on seafoods. In Hakodate, you will savor the bowls of rice with seafood on the top such as sea urchin, prawns, and other freshly caught fish. The izakayas, (Japanese tapas type restaurants) will offer a wide variety of choices of these dishes accompanied by a delicious local sake.
Sashimi and ikura (salmon eggs) on a bowl of rice and topping: seafood caught in Hokkaido is something you should try
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Click here and discover our self-guided tours in Japan!
We are a Japan-based travel agency based in Tokyo, click here to contact our experts for more information about your next stay.