Hakodate is Hokkaido's most historically rich city, positioned at the southern tip of the island where it was Japan's first major port to open to Western trade in 1854. The city combines a famous morning seafood market, the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort (site of the last battle of Japan's 1869 civil war), the charming Motomachi hillside with its Meiji-era Western buildings, and the spectacular night panorama from Mount Hakodate — one of Japan's famous 'three great night views'.
| Travel time | 3h 30min by JR Limited Express; 45 minutes by plane |
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How to get there
- Mode
- JR Limited Express
- Service
- JR Hokkaido Super Hokuto or Hokuto limited express from JR Sapporo Station to Hakodate Station
- Duration
- 3h 30min - 4h
- Cost one way jpy
- 6800
- Cost usd approx
- 45
- Frequency
- Multiple daily departures
- Mode
- Flight
- Service
- JAL or ANA from New Chitose Airport (CTS) to Hakodate Airport (HKD)
- Duration
- 45 minutes flight + transfers
- Cost one way jpy
- 9000
- Cost usd approx
- 60
- Note
- Flying makes the most sense for a day trip to maximize time; last return flights allow evening night view
- Mode
- Car
- Route
- National Expressway via Muroran
- Duration
- 3h 30min - 4h
Highlights
- Hakodate Morning Market (Asaichi) — fresh seafood breakfast, live crab and uni
- Goryokaku Fort and Tower — star-shaped Western-style fort, Boshin War history
- Motomachi historic district — Western-style consulates, churches, Hakodate Old Public Hall
- Mount Hakodate night view — panoramic hourglass-shaped city lights from 334m
- Hakodate tram — functioning Meiji-era tram network still in daily use
Tips for visiting
- The morning market is essential; arrive before 9AM for best seafood selection
- Night view is best on clear nights; check weather before committing to evening departure
- Tram day passes (¥600) are cost-effective for exploring the city
- Consider staying overnight to enjoy both the morning market and the night view without rushing