Things to do in Hakodate

Activities, attractions and tours

Hakodate which includes heritage elements and a sunset
Hakodate featuring landscape views, night scenes and a city
Hakodate featuring street scenes and a sunset
Hakodate showing snow and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Hakodate

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What to do in Hakodate

Popular places to visit

Fort Goryokaku which includes snow

Fort Goryokaku

Walk around the enchanting grounds of this repurposed military fort shaped like a star and see historic architecture and magnificent cherry blossoms in springtime.

Fort Goryokaku
Mount Hakodate featuring landscape views, night scenes and a city

Mount Hakodate

Appreciate captivating views of Hakodate’s skyline, surrounding coast and glittering city lights from atop this central city mountain, accessible via a scenic cable car.

Mount Hakodate
Hakodate Ropeway

Hakodate Ropeway

With panoramic views of Hakodate and the sea, one of the best nighttime vistas in the world is visible from the top of this gondola ferry.

Hakodate Ropeway
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Shop, eat, drink and shop some more in renovated 19th-century warehouses that now feature prominently in a Hakodate-area hot spot.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Goryokaku Tower which includes views as well as a large group of people

Goryokaku Tower

Enjoy a unique overlook of Hakodate’s city skyline, surrounding mountain ranges and distant coastline from this modern observation tower and history gallery.

Goryokaku Tower
Hakodate featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people

Morning Market

Start your day with delectable fruit, vegetables and freshly made breakfast in this buzzing market selling Hakodate’s freshest seasonal produce and seafood.

Morning Market
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

Most famous for its surprisingly relaxed hot-tubbing monkeys, the complex is also home to Japan’s biggest collection of tropical plants.

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
Hakodate City Hall

Hakodate City Hall

After visiting Hakodate City Hall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Hakodate. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its shops.

Hakodate City Hall
Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

Learn about the local history of Hakodate when you spend time at Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its shops.

Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

Areas of Hakodate

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Yunokawacho

While you're in Yunokawacho, take in top sights like Yunokawa Onsen or Yunokawa Hot Spring, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Yunokawa-Onsen Station or Yunokawa Station.

Yunokawacho
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Motomachi

Discover Motomachi, memorable for its restaurants. Popular attractions in Motomachi include Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward and Hachimanzaka Slope, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Suehirochō Station.

Motomachi
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Bay Area

If you're spending some time in Bay Area, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse and Hakodate Takadaya Kahei Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Bay Area
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Shinkawachō

Even though there aren't top sights in Shinkawachō, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Morning Market. Jump on the metro at Chitose Station to see more of the city.

Shinkawachō
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Kikyō

Even though there aren't top sights in Kikyō, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Hakodate Kikyo Takadai Park Golf Course. Jump on the metro at Kikyō Station to see more of the city.

Kikyō
Muroran

Muroran

Nanae

Nanae

Frequently asked questions

Is Hakodate worth visiting?
Known for its walking trails and history, discovering cool things to do in Hakodate is a breeze. Make sure to add Yunokawa Hot Spring to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Hakodate?
Once you've checked off popular attractions like Yunokawa Hot Spring and Yunokawa Onsen, spend the rest of your day enjoying the retail and food options in Hakodate.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hakodate?
The top tourist attraction in Hakodate is Yunokawa Hot Spring, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Hakodate?
Three days in Hakodate is plenty of time to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travelers stay for two days on average. Yunokawa Hot Spring, Hakodate Ropeway and Yunokawa Onsen are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like Hokuto.
Is Hakodate a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, Hakodate is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between Yunokawa Hot Spring and Hakodate Ropeway. Then take a stroll around Motomachi, located 2 kilometers from downtown, and Shinkawachō, which is about 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Hakodate with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all ages, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Hakodate with kids.

What to do in Hakodate for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Hakodate, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Hakodate City Hall or Hakodate Bugyosho.
Are there free things to do in Hakodate?
From enjoying parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Hakodate. If you're stuck for ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Yunokawa Hot Spring is a must for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.