If you want to see a different side of Japan, Hakodate in southern Hokkaido is an excellent choice. This historic port city combines beautiful sea views, Western-style buildings, fresh seafood, hot springs, and traditional Japanese culture.
Hakodate is already a popular destination, but it still feels more relaxed than some of Japan’s biggest tourist cities. Hokkaido is also seeing strong growth in international tourism, with foreign visitors to the prefecture increasing sharply in recent years.
For travelers who want something special, Hakodate offers a great mix of food, history, nature, and Japanese hospitality.
Must-Visit Spots in Hakodate
1. Mount Hakodate
Start with the most famous view in the city.
From the top of Mount Hakodate, you can see the city stretching between Hakodate Bay and the Tsugaru Strait. At night, thousands of lights create a beautiful view that is one of Hakodate’s best-known attractions.
It is currently ranked as Hakodate’s top attraction on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews, ratings, page views, and other data.
Tip: Visit around sunset and stay until after dark. You can enjoy both the daytime scenery and the famous night view.
2. Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku is a huge star-shaped fortress built in the 19th century.
Today, the former fortress is a peaceful park surrounded by trees. From nearby Goryokaku Tower, you can clearly see its unusual star shape from above.
Spring is especially beautiful when the park’s cherry trees are in bloom.
3. Hakodate Morning Market
For food lovers, this is a must.
Located just about one minute from Hakodate Station, the market has around 250 shops selling seafood and local food.
Try a seafood rice bowl topped with fresh crab, salmon, or sea urchin. You can also experience live squid fishing and have the squid prepared as sashimi right in front of you.
It is a fun way to experience Hakodate’s local food culture rather than simply eating at a restaurant.
4. Motomachi Historic District
Take a slow walk through Motomachi and you will see a very different side of Japan.
Hakodate opened its port to international trade in the 19th century, and the area still has historic Western-style buildings and churches. This mixture of Japanese and Western architecture gives Hakodate a special atmosphere.
5. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
The old red-brick buildings near the harbor are now home to shops, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores.
It is a great place to take photos, enjoy the waterfront, and look for gifts before returning home.
Stay at Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort
For an authentic Japanese experience, Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort is an excellent choice.
This traditional ryokan was founded in 1922 in Yunokawa, Hakodate. It has nearly a century of history and was once the designated ryokan for the Showa Emperor when he visited Hakodate. The property has also been featured in the Michelin Guide to Hokkaido.
But the biggest attraction may be the location.
The ryokan sits directly beside the sea, giving guests beautiful views of the Tsugaru Strait. Its natural hot spring is fed by its own source, and the outdoor bath offers ocean views.
Why foreign travelers will love it
Experience a real ryokan
Sleep on traditional Japanese futon bedding in a tatami room and experience the quiet atmosphere of a classic Japanese inn.
Relax in an ocean-view onsen
Imagine sitting in a hot spring bath while looking toward the sea. In summer, you may see fishing lights on the water, while winter brings a completely different snowy landscape.
Enjoy Japanese cuisine
Wakamatsu focuses strongly on traditional Japanese cuisine, using seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood. Dinner can include a Japanese course meal, while breakfast is also served in a traditional style.
Friendly service
The ryokan emphasizes personal Japanese hospitality. Recent Booking.com reviews also highlight the ocean views, peaceful atmosphere, and excellent service.
For a first-time visitor to Japan, staying here is more than simply booking a hotel. It is an opportunity to experience Japanese hospitality, food, bathing culture, and traditional architecture in one place.
Must-Buy Souvenirs from Hakodate
🧀 Snaffle’s Cheese Omelette
This soft, bite-sized cheesecake is one of Hakodate’s famous sweets.
It is made with Hokkaido milk and cheese and has a light texture that almost melts in your mouth. It is an easy gift for friends and family.
🦑 Squid Products
Hakodate is famous for squid, so squid-based souvenirs are a natural choice.
Look for dried squid, shredded squid, and other packaged seafood snacks. They are easy to carry and give visitors a taste of Hakodate even after they leave Japan.
🍚 Ikameshi
Ikameshi is squid stuffed with rice and cooked in a sweet-savory sauce.
You can find packaged versions that are suitable for taking home, making this a fun souvenir for travelers who want to try something very local.
👜 Handmade Leather Goods
Hakodate also has local leather brands and handmade products.
For a non-food souvenir, consider a handmade leather bag or small accessory. These can be a more useful and long-lasting reminder of your trip.
🍵 Wakamatsu Original Matcha Cakes
If you stay at Wakamatsu, look for its original Japanese matcha cakes as a special souvenir from the ryokan itself.
Travel Tips for Hakodate
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Cherry blossoms and comfortable weather make this a beautiful season.
Summer: Mild temperatures are ideal for walking around the city and enjoying the harbor.
Autumn: Fall colors add another layer of beauty to parks and mountain views.
Winter: Snow, hot springs, and seafood create a classic Hokkaido experience.
Hokkaido is attractive throughout the year because each season offers a different type of nature and outdoor experience.
How to Get There
Hakodate can be reached by air or train.
If you fly, Hakodate Airport is very convenient. Wakamatsu is only about a 7-minute drive from the airport. From JR Hakodate Station, the ryokan is about a 13–15 minute drive.
You can also arrive by the Hokkaido Shinkansen and continue to Hakodate by local train.
How Long Should You Stay?
2–3 nights is a good starting point.
This gives you enough time to see Mount Hakodate, Goryokaku, Motomachi, the Morning Market, and the harbor area without rushing. Staying at Wakamatsu for at least one night also lets you enjoy the ryokan experience properly.
Final Thoughts
Hakodate is a wonderful choice for travelers who want to experience Japan beyond Tokyo and Kyoto.
Here, you can eat incredibly fresh seafood in the morning, walk through a historic port district in the afternoon, watch the city lights from a mountain at night, and finish the day relaxing in an ocean-view hot spring.
And at Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort, you can experience one of the most memorable parts of Japanese travel: staying at a traditional ryokan where food, nature, bathing, and hospitality come together.
If you are looking for a Japanese destination that feels both beautiful and authentic, Hakodate deserves a place on your itinerary.
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