Happy New Year to all my readers!
It has been about three months since my last post, and I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. We are now in 2026, and although I took a short break, I am excited to restart this blog. This year, I will continue to share the “real” Hakodate—from its hidden gems to practical tips—to help make your travels better than ever. Thank you for staying with me!
To kick off the year, I want to address two pieces of news from late 2025 that might affect your travel plans.
Great Value for Travelers: A Shift in Hotel Trends
Recently, due to changes in international relations, there has been a significant decrease in large group tours from China. While this is a challenge for some hotels that rely on group bookings, it is actually excellent news for individual travelers and families!
Many hotels are now offering much lower rates than usual to attract more visitors. This is a rare chance to stay at some of Hakodate’s most popular or high-end hotels at a very reasonable price. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere and great value, now is the perfect time to book your stay.
About the December 8th Earthquake: Hakodate is Safe
On December 8th, 2025, a strong earthquake occurred, and a tsunami advisory was briefly issued. In Hakodate, we felt a “Seismic Intensity 5” (Shindo 5) shake. Even for us Japanese, who are used to earthquakes, it felt quite scary for a moment.
However, I am happy to report that there was no major damage in the city. By the very next day, transportation and shops were back to business as usual. Hakodate has already returned to its peaceful daily life, so please do not worry about visiting us.
Coming Soon: I realized that many international visitors might feel anxious about how to react during an earthquake. In my next post, I will explain the different “Seismic Intensity Levels” in Japan and how we locals typically feel and react to each one.
Closing: Winter is the Best Season for Food!
Despite the news, the charm of Hakodate in winter remains unchanged. The air is crisp, making the night view sparkle even more, and the seafood is at its absolute peak of flavor.
I am committed to making your 2026 trip to Hakodate unforgettable.
HAKODATE Travel Tips 
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