Hakodate Itinerary from Sapporo: Insider Tips from a 40-Year Resident

Hey everyone! Enjoying Sapporo? As a local who’s lived in Sapporo for 40 years, this time I want to introduce a little side trip to Hakodate. Sapporo is great, but Hakodate has its own unique charm that I think you’ll really like.

I’ll be sharing tips on how to enjoy Hakodate that only a local would know, along with some honest thoughts like, “This part might be a bit so-so, but hey!” So, relax and read on. I’m sure by the end, you’ll be thinking, “I want to go to Hakodate!” or “Glad I found this info!”

How a Sapporo Local Recommends Getting to Hakodate

If you’re going from Sapporo to Hakodate, the JR Limited Express “Hokuto” train is definitely the most convenient and comfortable option.

• Travel Time: About 3.5 to 4 hours.
• Estimated Fare: Around ¥9,000 to ¥10,000 one way for a reserved seat (prices can vary depending on the season). Look into round-trip discount tickets or online bookings for potential savings.
  • You can check details on the JR Hokkaido Official Website (English). They have timetables and fares, so take a look. Please note that fares and times are as of when this article was written, so be sure to check the latest information yourself before your trip.

The view from the train window is quite nice, especially when you’re running along Uchiura Bay – the ocean is so close, it’s a great feeling. Grabbing an ekiben (station bento box) and enjoying a leisurely train journey is a nice touch too. Of course, taking the JR to Hakodate Station and renting a car from there is convenient, but if you have the time, driving from Sapporo via the expressway in a rental car can also be a great option, especially on a nice summer day. It’s fun to stop at service areas and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Must-See Spots in Hakodate You Can’t Miss

Hakodate has tons of attractive places, but here are the ones you should definitely hit up!

The Night View from Mount Hakodate – Experience the Breathtaking “Million-Dollar Night View”

When you think of Hakodate, this is it. The night view from Mount Hakodate is truly breathtaking. The contrast between the city lights spreading across the unique, constricted terrain and the darkness framing it is simply spectacular. The night view is truly magnificent, a moment where you’ll genuinely feel it was worth coming to Hakodate.

• Access: The Mount Hakodate Ropeway is the common way to go. It’s about a 3-minute ride from the base station to the summit.
  • Mount Hakodate Ropeway Official Website (English)
• Best Time to See: From twilight after sunset into the night. Sunset times vary by season, so be mindful of that.
• Crowd Info: It gets extremely crowded, especially the ropeway and the summit observatory, during dusk on weekends and holidays. Honestly, you might find yourself jostling for a view. But it’s absolutely worth it! If you want to avoid the crowds قتل عام, try going earlier on a weekday or, conversely, a bit later in the evening. The air is clearer in winter, making the view particularly beautiful, but the summit is incredibly cold, so bundle up!

Hakodate Morning Market – Savor Fresh Seafood!

Worth waking up early for! The Hakodate Morning Market is a lively market bustling with fresh seafood and Hokkaido specialties.

• Location: Right next to JR Hakodate Station.
• Hours: Generally from around 5 AM to early afternoon. Hours vary by shop, so be careful.
• Recommendations: Definitely the kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl)! Some shops let you choose your own toppings. Squid fishing is also popular – you can eat the squid you catch sashimi-style right on the spot. Squid is, after all, what Hakodate seafood is famous for. Crystal-clear squid sashimi is a must, but also try “gangan-yaki” (seafood like scallops and oysters steamed in a can) at a seafood izakaya if you see it – it’s a hearty and delicious dish.

Goryokaku Park & Goryokaku Tower – A Collaboration of History and Scenic Views

Goryokaku Park is beautiful with its star-shaped citadel, a place where you can feel the history of the late Edo period.

• Goryokaku Tower: From the 107-meter high observation deck, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the entire star-shaped Goryokaku.
  • Goryokaku Tower Official Website (English)
• Seasonal Charm: It’s famous for cherry blossoms in spring, when the moats are dyed pink – it’s stunning. Enjoy fresh greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter; it’s a year-round destination.
• Access: Take the city tram from Hakodate Station to “Goryokaku Koen-mae,” then it’s about a 15-minute walk.

The view from the tower is truly unique, offering a panoramic vista of Hakodate’s cityscape, Mount Hakodate, and even the Tsugaru Strait. If you’re interested in history, visiting the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office (Bugyosho) is also a good idea.

Motomachi Walking – Stroll Through Beautiful, Exotic Streets

The Motomachi area, at the foot of Mount Hakodate, is an exotic district lined with churches and Western-style buildings. The cobblestone slopes make for a delightful walk.

• Main Sights:
  • Hakodate Orthodox Church: A beautiful church with white walls and a green roof.
  • Motomachi Roman Catholic Church: A solemn Gothic-style church.
  • Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward: An impressive Western-style building with blue-gray and yellow hues. The view from the balcony is also nice.
    • Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward Official Website (Japanese, but try using your browser’s translation feature!)
• How to Enjoy: It’s recommended to slowly walk up the slopes and find your favorite views. There are also stylish cafes dotted around, so you can take a break if you get tired. However, there are many slopes, so wearing comfortable shoes is a must. Be especially careful in winter as it can be slippery.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse – Shopping & Dining in a Stylish Spot

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse complex in the Hakodate Bay Area is a popular spot for shopping and dining.

• Features: The buildings, converted from Meiji-era warehouses, have a wonderful retro atmosphere.
  • Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Official Website (Japanese, but try using your browser’s translation feature!)
• Shops: You’ll find various shops, including Hokkaido souvenir shops, general stores, restaurants, and beer halls.
• Events: During the Hakodate Christmas Fantasy period, a giant Christmas tree is displayed, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Strolling along the waterfront or having tea at a cafe overlooking the sea is also pleasant. At night, it’s lit up, showing a different face.

Hakodate Gourmet – It’s Not Just Seafood! Local Recommended Flavors

Hakodate is famous for fresh seafood! That’s undeniable, but there are plenty of other delicious things too.

• Hakodate Shio Ramen (Salt Ramen): Hakodate Shio Ramen has a different appeal from Sapporo’s Miso Ramen, featuring a clear, light yet rich soup. You should try it at least once when you come to Hakodate. I’ve written more about Sapporo’s ramen scene in this other article (Sapporo Ramen Explained: A Local’s Guide to Must-Try Bowls & Tips), so if you’re a ramen lover, definitely check it out. But Hakodate’s Shio Ramen also has its own depth. There are many famous shops, but you can also find delicious ones in smaller, locally loved establishments.
• Lucky Pierrot: This is a hamburger restaurant chain founded in Hakodate, known locally as “Lappi.” Their made-to-order, hearty hamburgers are super popular with tourists too. Each store has a different theme, making just looking at the interiors fun. These burgers are seriously good, so you should definitely try one.
• Yakitori Bento (Hasegawa Store): It’s a convenience store, but their “Yakitori Bento,” grilled pérdidas in-store, is a specialty. They use pork instead of chicken, which is the Hakodate style. The sweet and savory sauce soaks into the rice, and it’s just delicious. This yakitori bento is also seriously good, perfect for when you’re a bit peckish.

How Many Nights in Hakodate? Sample Itineraries Too!

If you want to enjoy Hakodate thoroughly, 2 nights and 3 days will give you plenty of time, but you can still see the main sights 충분히 in 1 night and 2 days.

1-Night, 2-Day Whirlwind Course (Example)

• Day 1: Travel from Sapporo to Hakodate → Lunch: Kaisen-don at Hakodate Morning Market → Visit Goryokaku Park & Tower → Stroll through Motomachi → Dinner → Night view from Mount Hakodate
• Day 2: Breakfast at hotel → Shopping at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse → Enjoy Hakodate gourmet (Shio Ramen, etc.) → Souvenir hunting → Return to Sapporo

2-Night, 3-Day Relaxed Course (Example)

• Day 1: Travel from Sapporo to Hakodate → Check into hotel → Stroll through Motomachi → Dinner → Night view from Mount Hakodate
• Day 2: Breakfast & stroll at Hakodate Morning Market → Visit Goryokaku Park & Tower → Lunch → Shopping & cafe time at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse → Extend your trip a bit to Yunokawa Onsen (a day trip bath is nice too)
• Day 3: Hakodate gourmet tour (Lucky Pierrot, Yakitori Bento, etc.) → Souvenir shopping → Return to Sapporo

This is just an example, so feel free to arrange it according to your interests and time. Making sure to check the operating hours of each facility and travel times in advance is the key to a smooth trip.

Where to Stay? Recommended Accommodation Areas in Hakodate

Hakodate has various types of accommodations, but these areas are generally popular.

• Around Hakodate Station: Convenient for JR and bus travel. A wide range of options from business hotels to city hotels. Also close to the Morning Market.
• Motomachi Area: Stylish hotels and pensions are dotted around the exotic streetscape. It’s also attractive to be able to return to your lodging quickly after seeing the night view.
• Bay Area (around Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse): Some hotels offer sea views, making it romantic. Evening strolls are also enjoyable.
• Yunokawa Onsen: A bit far from Hakodate city center, but it’s one of Hokkaido’s leading hot spring resorts. Also close to the airport. Soaking away your travel fatigue in an onsen is the best.

As a local, let me tell you, Hakodate’s city trams are convenient for sightseeing and cover most of the main tourist spots. So, you don’t necessarily have to stay right in front of the station; a place near a tram stop might not be inconvenient at all. Choosing based on your travel style is best.

Handy Tips for Your Hakodate Trip

• Trams & Buses: Trams and buses are convenient for getting around Hakodate city. There are things like a “City Tram 1-Day Pass,” which can be a good deal if you plan to ride a lot.
• Clothing: Even in summer, it can be cool in the mornings and evenings, and windy and cold atop Mount Hakodate, so having an extra layer is a good idea. Needless to say, solid cold-weather gear is essential in winter.
• Souvenirs: Seafood is a given, and classic Hokkaido souvenirs like Shiroi Koibito are good too, but it’s also fun to look for Hakodate-specific sweets, local beer, or wine. The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Hakodate Station, and Hakodate Airport have a good selection of souvenir shops.
• Popular Tourist Destination: Hakodate is a popular tourist destination even among Hokkaido residents. Many tourists also come from Honshu (Japan’s main island), and you’ll often see students on school trips or study tours. So, when you visit Hakodate, you’ll likely encounter a lively scene with many tourists. That’s part of the travel charm, isn’t it?

Finally, to Everyone Enjoying Their Hakodate Trip

Just a short trip from Sapporo, Hakodate offers a different kind of charm. It has history, beautiful scenery, and lots of delicious food – you’re sure to make plenty of wonderful memories.

I hope this article helps you plan your Hakodate trip. I’ve tried to share it from a local’s perspective, with my honest feelings.

Please find your own way to enjoy Hakodate and have the best trip!