HAKODATE Travel Tips

〜Hakodate through my lens: Real stories, Real advice〜


The Ultimate Hakodate Food Tour: Iconic Ramen, Sushi, and Sea-View Sweets

Hakodate is a city that speaks to the soul through its flavors. From the delicate clarity of salt ramen to world-class seafood, every meal here is a celebration. Here are four iconic food experiences that define Hakodate, curated by a local hotelier.

1. The Symbol of Hakodate: Last-Minute Salt Ramen at the Airport

“Visiting Hakodate without eating Salt Ramen is like going to Paris and missing the Eiffel Tower.”

That’s how essential “Shio” (Salt) Ramen is to this city. If you missed it downtown, don’t worry—Hakodate Airport has you covered for a perfect final bowl.

  • 1F Arrival Lobby: Onjiki Niwamoto — Quick and convenient.
  • 3F Food Court: Matsukasa — My personal favorite. Enjoy your ramen while watching planes take off from the expansive windows.
  • A bowl of traditional Hakodate Salt (Shio) Ramen with clear broth, bamboo shoots, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg.
    The “final curtain” to your trip: Traditional Shio Ramen.
  • Ordering counter of ramen shop "Matsukasa" located in the 3rd-floor food court of Hakodate Airport.
    Matsukasa’s service counter on the 3rd floor.
  • A wide, panoramic view of the bright and clean food court area on the 3rd floor of Hakodate Airport, showing numerous wooden tables and various restaurant stalls in the background.
    The bright and spacious “HAKODATE Hall” food court on the 3rd floor.

The clear, umami-rich broth and thin, curly noodles are the perfect “final curtain” to your Hakodate journey.

2. Freshness Reimagined: Marukatsu Suisan Sushi

Forget everything you know about conveyor belt sushi. Managed directly by a fishmonger, Marukatsu Suisan has evolved into a “made-to-order” powerhouse.

  • A variety of fresh sushi on a table, including squid topped with ginger, a large scallop, and three types of shrimp, all served on clean white plates.
    The local specialty: A comparison of fresh Hakodate squid and shrimp.
  • The exterior of Marukatsu Suisan in Hakodate's Bay Area, featuring a traditional Japanese-style building with a large iconic tuna model hanging near the entrance.
    Marukatsu Suisan: A landmark in the Bay Area.

Instead of fish circling on a belt, you order via a tablet (fully supports English!), and your sushi is delivered directly to your seat via an express lane. This means your sushi never sits out; it’s always served at peak freshness. It’s the highest quality sushi experience with total ease for international travelers.

3. A Hidden Gem with a View: Rokkatei Isaribi-dori

While Rokkatei is a household name for Hokkaido sweets, the Isaribi-dori branch is the one to visit for the atmosphere.

  • An iced coffee on a cafe table, with a breathtaking view of the deep blue Tsugaru Strait stretching to the horizon through a massive panoramic window.
    The Tsugaru Strait right before your eyes. Pure bliss.
  • The impressive modern exterior of Rokkatei Isaribi-dori in Hakodate, featuring a massive structure covered in sophisticated gray vertical slats under a clear blue sky.
    The striking modern exterior of Rokkatei Isaribi-dori.
  • A long, sophisticated entrance walkway at Rokkatei, featuring a beautiful wooden louvered ceiling and stone pavement.
    A peaceful walkway leading to the entrance.

Head to the 2nd-floor cafe, where a massive panoramic window overlooks the Tsugaru Strait. Watching the ocean waves while enjoying affordable, world-class pastries and iced coffee is a serene experience that most tourists overlook.

4. Cheers to History: Hakodate Beer Hall

End your night at Hakodate Beer, a majestic beer hall with high ceilings reminiscent of a Meiji-era mansion. They serve craft beer brewed with Hakodate’s pure groundwater.

  • A tasting flight of three distinct Hakodate craft beers served in a wooden holder.
    Start your night with the popular 3-beer flight.
  • The grand red-brick exterior of the Hakodate Beer hall, a historic building in the bay area.
    The grand, historic brick exterior.
  • A large, ornate ceramic beer mug with traditional embossed patterns held in hand.
    An oversized, uniquely designed mug perfect for photos.

Don’t miss: The “3-Beer Flight” for tasting different varieties and their uniquely oversized mugs that make for great photos. It’s the perfect place to toast to your Hakodate memories.

Enjoy every moment of your Hakodate journey, and travel safe!

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