Hakodate
Country: Japan · Region: Japan · Currency: Japanese Yen
Hakodate is a historic port city on southern Hokkaido that served as one of Japan's first open trade ports, featuring European architectural influences and stunning views of the city and surrounding Tsugaru Strait. As the third-largest city on Hokkaido, it offers a blend of cultural heritage, natural attractions, and local cuisine.
Top sights
Mount Hakodate, Fort Goryōkaku, Goryōkaku Tower, Motomachi historic district, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, Hakodate Museum of Northern Peoples
Things to do
- Fort Goryōkaku
- A star-shaped Western-style fortress completed in 1864 that now functions as a large park with a small museum on local history and is a popular cherry-blossom spot in spring.
- Goryōkaku Tower
- A 90-meter viewing platform offering striking views of the star-shaped fort and dioramas depicting the Ezo Republic, with seasonal views of cherry blossoms, green trees, or snow.
- Mount Hakodate
- A 334-meter mountain accessible by ropeway (¥780/1280 one-way/return) or bus offering one of the three best night views in the world according to locals.
- Hakodate Museum of Northern Peoples
- A museum dedicated to Ainu culture and indigenous northern peoples with English translations and pamphlets available for ¥300.
Where to eat
- Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses
- Historic warehouses from the Meiji era housing commercial facilities and restaurants serving fresh seafood with night views of Hakodate Bay.
- Hakodate Morning Market
- A market near JR Hakodate Station offering local food and produce.
Forecast for Hakodate
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Weather in Hakodate by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F | 21°F | 2.4 in | 10 |
| February | 33°F | 21°F | 2.3 in | 9 |
| March | 43°F | 30°F | 3.2 in | 12 |
| April | 52°F | 39°F | 3.4 in | 11 |
| May | 61°F | 48°F | 3.7 in | 12 |
| June | 66°F | 56°F | 4.5 in | 12 |
| July | 74°F | 65°F | 4.6 in | 13 |
| August | 76°F | 68°F | 7.3 in | 14 |
| September | 72°F | 61°F | 5.2 in | 12 |
| October | 61°F | 49°F | 4.6 in | 11 |
| November | 49°F | 37°F | 3.7 in | 11 |
| December | 36°F | 26°F | 2.8 in | 11 |
Getting around
Hakodate is served by streetcar lines and roughly 200 bus lines; day passes cost ¥600-¥1,000 for streetcar, bus, or both.
What to eat
The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses area features restaurants serving fresh seafood, and there is a Morning Market near Hakodate Station.
Tips
Visit Mount Hakodate at sunset or before for the best views and to avoid the 40-minute waiting queue for the cable car back from the summit.
Best for
Historic architecture and views
More ports in Japan
Kagoshima · Kobe · Nagasaki · Okinawa (Naha) · Osaka · Tokyo (Yokohama)