Places to Visit in Hakodate

The Hakodate Morning Market is open daily from 5:00 AM (6:00 AM in winter) until noon. It is famous for its fresh seafood, including crabs (kani), salmon roe (ikura), and sea urchin (uni), as well as locally grown produce like melons.

Visitors can also enjoy fresh seafood breakfasts at the many restaurants in the market area, such as uni-ikura donburi, offering a true taste of Hakodate’s culinary delights.

Fort Goryokaku was originally built for military defense of Hakodate. It was transformed into a public park in the early 20th century and is now among Hokkaido’s prime cherry‑blossom viewing locations (with hundreds of trees blossoming typically from late April to early May). The adjacent Goryokaku Tower houses an observation deck open daily from about 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Adults’ admission is around ¥1,200 (subject to change)

The Hakodate Red Brick Warehouse is a historic complex of red brick buildings offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Visitors can explore boutiques, enjoy local and international cuisine, and experience live events or seasonal festivals in a charming historic setting.

Mount Hakodate is a 334-meter high, forested mountain located near central Hakodate. On clear days and nights, it offers breathtaking panoramic views and is renowned as one of Japan’s most beautiful nightscapes.

The summit, accessible by ropeway, bus, or car, features observation decks (free of charge), souvenir shops, a café, and a cafeteria-style restaurant, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery at any time of day.