Mount Hakodate (函館山 ''hakodate-yama'', 334m), (A ropeway will take you up for ¥640/1160 one-way/return. There are also buses from platform 4 of the main bus station in front of Hakodate Station. A trip back and forth will cost ¥360, however, the Day Pass is valid, making it a great deal! The bus frequently stops at stunning points along its venture up - this can be important as the top station is often covered in clouds.), . Offers spectacular views of the city of Hakodate in clear weather and offers, according to locals, one of the Three Best Night Views of not merely Japan but the entire world (the other claimants being Naples and Hong Kong).It is said to be one million dollars worth.From the end of April to the middle of November,people can go to drive there.This is popular amoung men and women of all ages.Then,this mountain is called "Gagyuu mountain.""Gagyuu" means that the cow seems to be lying down and Hakodate mountain looks like that.Ropeway: ¥640/1160 one-way/return; Bus: ¥360 return or included in Day Pass. �
Fort Goryōkaku from observation tower
Tsugaru Fort (津軽要塞 ''Tsugaru-yōsai''), . Tsugaru Fort (津軽要塞) is located on Mount Hakodate. This was a World War II battery (though it predates World War II as a fort) which now has been recreated with camping tables where the air batteries used to be. From the upper ropeway station, use the lower exit on the left of the arrival/departure deck and follow the stairs downward to a second parking lot. There you'll see a sign of the west battery, just follow the path. For the east and south battery you have to hike or take a car there. �
Fort Goryōkaku (五稜郭), (Streetcar Goryōkaku-kōen-mae (五稜郭公園前) stop). Completed in 1864, this was Japan's first Western-style fortress and finished just in time for it to be occupied by the Ezo Republic as their headquarters. It never saw any action though, as the rebels surrendered peacefully.This was built to strengthen defense.And also,this place is inoling in war.This shape is star.When you look at this form from top,you will understand this shape. Most of the fort was consequently demolished and this is now a large park and popular cherry-blossom spot in spring.Many people bring box lunch and enjoy seeing cherry-blossom. The fort also houses a small museum with exhibits on local history (rotating each year). �
Goryōkaku Tower (五稜郭タワー), (Streetcar Goryōkaku-kōen-mae (五稜郭公園前) stop nearby Fort Goryōkaku (五稜郭)). From the 90-meter viewing platform you can get a striking view of the star-shaped fort. Neat dioramas tell the story of the the Enomoto and Ezo Republic (see sidebox), and the role of the fort in Hakodate's history; an English pamphlet is available. The views from Goryōkaku Tower is different on each season. In spring, you can enjoy seeing 1,600 cherry blossoms and the view from the tower is a best place to see them. However, it takes at least 3 hours to go up the tower in cherry blossom season because of the crowds. In summer, you can enjoy full green trees, and in fall you can enjoy the changing leaves. In winter, Goryōkaku is covered with snow and is illuminated at night.Adults ¥840, child & group discounts. �
European influences within Hakodate
Motomachi (元町), (Near the foot of Mount Hakodate, all the way up to Kōrūjimae (高龍寺前)). This is the historical district. One popular attraction is the Old Public Hall (旧公会堂 Kū-kōkai-dō), a European-style building which housed Hakodate's government in the early 1900's. The various churches and consulates in the area, dating to the early days of foreign trade with Japan, are also frequented by tourists. There is a pleasant walk up going from the Higashi Honganji Temple (東本願寺函館別院 higashi-honganji-hakodate-betsuin) all the Way up to the Foreign Cemetery (外国人墓地 gaikokujin-bochi). On your way you will pass the Russian Orthodox Church,the Roman Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church as well as the old British Consulate, the Old Public Hall, the Old Russian Consulate, as well as other temples in the vicinity of the cemetery. There is also the Gokoku Shrine which houses the remains of the imperial dead following the Battle of Hakodate, as well as the remains of the Choshu rebels that died in the Satsuma Rebellion, although their memorials are not open to the public. �
Red Brick Warehouses (Kanemori Warehouse) (金森倉庫 ''kanemori-sōko''), (Streetcar Jūjigai (十字街) stop). These Warehouses built at the end of the Meiji era now house a variety of commercial facilities, as well as restaurants serving seafood. There is also the first concrete electricity pole of Japan located near there. A night view of Hakodate can be seen from the The Blue Moon bay cruise. Located at the vicinity of the red brick warehouses. �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Hakodate
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Hakodate - updated Apr 2024
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Hakodate Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
