HAKODATE Travel Tips

🍂 October Diary: A Chilly Turn and Seafood Returns!

10/12/2025

Hello from Hakodate! It’s mid-October now, and the autumn atmosphere has definitely settled in.

Time to Bundle Up!

The weather here is getting quite crisp. We’re seeing daytime highs around 18°C (64°F), and the overnight lows are increasingly dropping below 10°C (50°F).

If you’re traveling here from Tokyo, where the daytime temperatures are still around 25°C, you will definitely feel the chill! It’s that tricky season where choosing the right clothes is essential. Make sure you pack layers—a light jacket or sweater for the daytime and a warm coat or puffer jacket for the evenings, especially if you plan to see the night view.

Good News for Seafood Lovers!

October is known in Japan as the season of shokuyoku no aki (the appetite of autumn), and I have some excellent news, especially for those of you craving the famous Hakodate seafood!

You are likely looking forward to our incredible marine cuisine, and the most iconic local fish is the squid (Ika). For the last few years, the squid catch has been sadly low. However, I’m happy to report that this year, the catch volume is recovering! This means you have a great chance to enjoy fresh, delicious Hakodate squid during your visit.

In addition to squid, we are also having a bumper harvest of Pacific saury (Sanma) this year. Both of these autumn treasures are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Don’t Forget the Rice!

It’s also the season for New Rice (Shinmai). In Hakodate and Hokkaido, that means it’s the best time to try our locally grown, high-quality rice, Fukkurinko. The name means “plump and delicious,” and it truly lives up to its name! There is no better way to enjoy fresh sashimi or grilled fish than with a bowl of perfectly cooked, warm, fluffy rice. Eat plenty while you’re here!

Hope to see you out and about, enjoying the beautiful autumn leaves and the delicious food of Hakodate!

Enjoy every moment of your Hakodate journey, and travel safe!
Must-See: 3 Postcard-Perfect Spots in Hakodate’s Western District

10/12/2025

The area at the foot of Mount Hakodate, known as the Western District (Motomachi), is famous for its beautiful blend of Japanese and Western historical architecture. If you want to capture the true essence of Hakodate, these three spots are essential.

1. Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

This is a stately, bright blue-and-yellow mansion that stands out immediately.

• What it is: A magnificent example of Western-style architecture from the Meiji era, built in 1910. It served as a gathering place for the wealthy citizens of Hakodate.

• Why you should go: It offers fantastic views of the harbor and the city from its second-floor balcony. It’s a perfect spot for family photos with a grand, historical backdrop.

2. Hakodate Orthodox Church

Often referred to as the “gan-gan” church by locals because of the distinctive sound of its bells, this is one of the most recognizable sights in the city.

• What it is: The oldest Russian Orthodox church in Japan, founded in 1860. The current structure features beautiful white walls and six distinct green onion domes.

• Why you should go: Its serene, picturesque setting on the hillside makes it a favorite for photographers. Check the schedule to hear the calming Sunday bells—a unique sound of Hakodate.

3. Hachiman-zaka Slope

This is arguably the most famous street in Hakodate, often featured in movies, TV shows, and tourist brochures.

• What it is: A steep, iconic slope that runs directly down to the harbor. When you stand at the top, the street perfectly frames the port and the ships below.

• Why you should go: It offers the ultimate postcard view! The juxtaposition of the historic street, the tram lines, and the sea at the end makes it a spectacular photo opportunity, especially around sunset.

・Note: We know Hachiman-zaka is beautiful for photos, but please remember it is an active road. Safety first! Step aside when taking pictures and avoid standing in the middle of the street.

These beautiful spots are all within easy walking distance of each other!

Enjoy every moment of your Hakodate journey, and travel safe!
🚨 IMPORTANT ACCESS ALERT! How to Reach Mt. Hakodate During Ropeway Maintenance

10/12/2025

Don’t worry, the famous Million Dollar Night View is still waiting for you!

The Hakodate Ropeway undergoes its annual inspection and maintenance every autumn, meaning it takes a necessary break for about a month.

• Ropeway Closure Period: October 9 – November 9, 2025

If your trip falls within this time, the Ropeway is closed. But don’t let that stop your plans! Your best (and most reliable) way to the top is the Mt. Hakodate Summit Bus.

Your Best Alternative: The Direct Summit Bus (Route 1)

The local Hakodate Bus provides a direct route from the city center right up to the observation deck.

Where to Catch the Bus (The Golden Rule)

While the bus stops at several locations, we strongly recommend starting your journey at the first stop:

• Departure Point: Hakodate Station Bus Terminal, Platform No. 4

Why start at the station?

The biggest issue during the Ropeway closure is that the buses often fill up completely at the station. If you try to catch the bus at a later stop, there is a high chance the bus will already be full, forcing you to wait much longer!

Tickets, Fares, and Payment

Since this is a fixed-route local bus, the fares are straightforward:

• Adult One-Way Fare: 700 Yen

• Child One-Way Fare (Elementary School Age): 350 Yen

Payment Method: You can pay using cash (Japanese Yen) or any major IC Card (like Suica, PASMO, etc.).

• Travel Tip: If paying by cash, please prepare the exact fare before you board!

Key Strategy: Avoid the Queue Disaster

With the Ropeway closed, the lines for the Summit Bus at Hakodate Station can get extremely long, especially around sunset.

• Our Strongest Advice: Arrive Early!

Lines often form well in advance of the bus departure time. You might not get on the bus you want if you show up just minutes before the scheduled departure. Give yourself plenty of extra time to wait in line.

Don’t let the maintenance period discourage you. By following these simple steps—starting at Hakodate Station Platform 4 and arriving early—you’ll secure your spot and reach the summit with ease!

Enjoy every moment of your Hakodate journey, and travel safe!
Mount Hakodate Access Guide: How to Reach the Million Dollar View

10/02/2025

1. The Fastest Way Up: Hakodate Ropeway (Recommended for the Night View!)

The Mount Hakodate Ropeway is the most popular, quickest, and easiest way to reach the summit, especially for the famous night view.

Fare & Tickets

• Round-trip Ticket Price: 1,800 Yen per adult. (Note: A one-way ticket is also available.)

• Where to Buy: Purchase your tickets directly at the Automatic Ticket Machines inside the Ropeway station

• Payment Options:

• Japanese Yen (Cash)

• Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)

• Japanese IC Cards like Suica and Pasmo are generally accepted.

The Golden Rule for the Descent

While the trip up is usually smooth, the trip down is the biggest challenge.

The line for the downhill Ropeway can be incredibly long right after sunset—sometimes 30 minutes to an hour or more!

• Our Tip: Plan to wait. Allocate plenty of extra time for the descent, especially if you have a dinner reservation or need to catch a train. The most crowded time is typically between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

For the latest operating hours and maintenance schedules, please check the Official Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Website.

2. The Alternative: Private Night View Tour by Taxi

If waiting in line for the Ropeway isn’t your thing, or if you prefer a more private and comfortable experience, consider a taxi tour.

This option is great for families and groups who want guaranteed comfort.

• What It Is: Many local taxi companies offer a dedicated 1-hour Night View Course. This typically includes pick-up, a wait time at the summit, and drop-off back at your hotel.

• How to Book: The easiest way to arrange this is to ask the reception desk at your hotel to book a taxi tour for you. They often have partnerships with local companies.

• Estimated Price: The price varies slightly by company, but expect it to be around 7,000 Yen in total. When splitting the cost among a group, it’s a very convenient option compared to the Ropeway.

• Bonus: Taking a taxi means you avoid the long Ropeway queues completely!

We hope this guide helps you choose the best route to the top. Enjoy the spectacular night view!

Enjoy every moment of your Hakodate journey, and travel safe!
Hello and Welcome! Introducing HAKODATE Travel Tips

09/28/2025

Hello and welcome to HAKODATE Travel Tips!

Before we dive into the beautiful city, let me tell you a little bit about myself.

My Connection to Hakodate

I was born and raised right here in this gorgeous city, Hakodate.

For a while, I lived in Sapporo and Tokyo for school and work. However, I eventually missed my hometown and moved back a few years ago. Now, I’m here enjoying life as a local resident.

Because I’ve seen this city both as a local and as someone who has experienced life outside of it, I believe I can offer insights that you won’t find in typical guidebooks.

The Goal of This Blog

I created “HAKODATE Travel Tips” to give every foreign traveler the best possible advice for their trip to Hakodate.

You’ve come all this way for the famous night view from Mount Hakodate and the historic Bay Area scenery. I want to make sure you get deeper, more practical information to make your journey perfect.

• Sightseeing : We’ll explore everything from the classic must-see views to hidden gems only locals know about, all with great photos.

• Practical Tips : The focus here is on useful T.I.P.S.—everything from navigating the public transport system and finding the best local ramen or izakaya (Japanese pub), to solving common travel problems.

Let Me Know What You Need!

When traveling to a new place, even small things can cause anxiety.

If you have any requests for information—”I need tips for Hakodate!” or “Tell me more about this specific spot!”—please leave a comment on this post. Your questions will inspire my next article!

Let’s make your Hakodate trip the best it can be!