On the southern edge of Japan’s northernmost island, Hakodate welcomes visitors to Hokkaido with its enticing blend of Japanese and global influences—a legacy of the port city’s long engagement in international trade. Most visitors come here to ride the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway to soak up one of Japan’s top night views, but you’ll find plenty of other things to do while you’re here, from strolling up and down hilly streets lined with historic buildings to soaking in steamy hot springs and savoring ultra-fresh seafood.
Seasonally, there’s really no bad time to visit Hakodate. In the spring, cherry blossoms—which are particularly attractive around Goryokaku Park—come to life in the city, and summer is festival and hiking season. Fall paints Hakodate in rich reds and shades of gold, while winter brings beautiful snow flurries. Whenever you visit, be sure to plan an evening in the city so that you can enjoy the view from the top of Mt. Hakodate.
Hakodate is easy to get around by using the city’s efficient and extensive tram system. Trams can get you to most of Hakodate’s main tourist attractions, including Motomachi district, Goryokaku Park, and the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway, and you’ll rarely have to wait more than 10 minutes for one to show up. Trams accept common contactless smart cards (known as IC cards), including Pasmo and Suica.
If you plan to make extensive use of Hakodate’s tram system, you can save money by buying a 1-day or 24-hour pass, which allows unlimited rides during its period of validity. If trips farther afield are in your plans (to the airport or Onuma Quasi-National Park, for example), you can buy a combination bus and tram pass valid for one or two days.
