Hakodate, a picturesque port city on the island of Hokkaido, is nestled between mountains and the Sea of Japan. Its attractions can be explored in a single day.

Popular tourist attractions include the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, the Red Brick Warehouses, the waterfront port area, the Motomachi district, Motomachi Park, and the panoramic views from Mount Hakodate.


Hokkaido Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Nijo Fish Market / Maruyama Park + Hokkaido Shrine

Nijo Fish Market:

  • A bustling market offering a wide variety of fresh seafood, including salmon, crab, and uni (sea urchin).
  • Visitors can enjoy a lively atmosphere and sample delicious seafood dishes at the market's restaurants.

Maruyama Park:

  • A beautiful park located in the center of Sapporo, featuring cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful foliage in the fall.
  • The park is also home to the Hokkaido Shrine, a popular tourist destination.

Hokkaido Shrine:

  • A Shinto shrine dedicated to the pioneers who settled Hokkaido.
  • The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

Additional notes:

  • The Hokkaido Shrine is located within Maruyama Park.
  • Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in the park, such as walking, picnicking, and birdwatching.
  • The Nijo Fish Market is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.

Hokkaido University / Former Hokkaido Government Office / Sapporo Clock Tower / Sapporo TV Tower / Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Day 2: Jozankei

Day 3: Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill / Otaru

Day 4: Hakodate

Day 5: Aomori and return to Tokyo


We traveled from Sapporo to Hakodate by LTD. EXP train according to the schedule.


We booked our tickets in advance using the JR Rail Pass, but we accidentally booked the wrong date. Haha, we must have been too tired in the morning when we booked them.

Looking at the tickets on the morning of the trip, she remarked to her friends, "Guys, the date on our tickets is yesterday..." "Don't worry," she continued, "we'll ask at the station if we can rebook or wait for the next trip."


The second problem we encountered was that we had forgotten that we were staying near Susukino Station, where the subway only starts operating around 5:30 AM. The first train departs at 5:58 AM.

We dragged our luggage to the station, anticipating that we would miss the train. We couldn't bear the thought of dragging the heavy luggage any further.


Rushing to the JR Sapporo Station, we arrived at nearly half past six. We inquired with the staff and were informed that all reserved seats were fully booked, including the next train. We were advised to board the unreserved seat on the next train. However, we realized that the train had not yet departed. We decided to check the first unreserved seat train instead. With that thought, we ran. In the end, we managed to board the same train, in an unreserved car with some remaining seats. We sat separately.

After 10 am, we arrived at Hakodate Station and purchased a 1-day pass for trams and buses.

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The fare is 600 yen. To ride the tram, board at the rear door, pull a ticket, and insert it into the slot when exiting. For a 1-day pass, swipe your card. If it doesn't work, present it to the driver, who will swipe it for you.


This card was used for travel on trams within the city and buses up Mount Hakodate, as the cable car was closed during our visit.

After purchasing our tickets, we headed to the Hakodate Morning Market for lunch. Conveniently located next to the station, the market is just a short walk to the right upon exiting the station.


Hakodate is renowned for its squid cuisine.

Before we started looking for a restaurant, we walked into a souvenir market. One of the shopkeepers spoke Thai. Of course, we ended up buying dried squid and snacks from his shop. When my friend asked him how he knew Thai, he said he learned it to increase his sales. He added that knowing other languages makes people more interested in his shop.


We then stopped by a nearby restaurant, opting for a simple place with few customers. Our choice was arbitrary, driven solely by hunger.

This dish brings together a variety of seafood, including the region's famous squid.


We then stored our luggage at our accommodation, the Hakodate Park Hotel. This small hotel had staff who were not very fluent in English, but they provided good service. We left our luggage with them, and when we returned, they had already taken it up to our room.


The Hakodate Tramway has two lines:


Our accommodation is located near DY-13 Showa-bashi Station. To reach the star-shaped fort, take the tram to DY-9 Goryokaku-koen-mae Station.


Top view


Lower hall


From the star-shaped fort, we will visit the Motomachi District.


Take tram line 5 and get off at D21 Suehiro-cho station.


The main tourist attractions in this area include the Chinese Memorial Hall, the Old Hakodate Public Hall, the Russian Orthodox Church, the Old British Consulate, the Old Soma Residence, the Hakodate Higashi Honganji Temple, the Motomachi Roman Catholic Church, and the Motomachi Slope.


Map according to Google Maps

This is a map of the walking sequence for your reference.

This area is beautiful everywhere, so we walked around leisurely.

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Feeling peckish, we returned to the Red Brick Warehouse area and stopped by the famous Lucky Pierrot hamburger restaurant. We ordered a hamburger and the restaurant's signature soft drink.


After a satisfying meal, I went for a walk around the Red Building. Unfortunately, it was already quite dark and the wind was strong.



After that, the must-visit place when arriving in Hakodate is to enjoy the view from the top of the mountain. Since the cable car was closed during our visit, we had to take the tram back to Hakodate Ekimae Station and walk to the bus stop to go up the mountain.

The scenery on the way up was breathtakingly beautiful. It was so much more stunning than the pictures could ever convey. The grandeur of the view was truly awe-inspiring.

Unfortunately, during the winter season, it was impossible to stand and watch. We had to run outside to see it, take pictures, and then run back inside because it was both extremely cold and windy.



The image is breathtaking, despite the wind almost blowing it away.


Don't miss the chance to see it if you have the opportunity.


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