Things to do in Hakodate

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Hakodate showing a city, night scenes and landscape views

Hakodate Attractions

Whether you'd prefer to hit the shops or delve into local history, there's a ton of fun activities in Hakodate. This city boasts a range of exciting attractions that'll keep your travel itinerary full and you on the move. Whatever you're into, this place has a surprise in store for you.

Find out what makes Hakodate tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Look into our {3 fun activities in Hakodate fun activities in Hakodate}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Hakodate must see attractions

1. Fort Goryokaku

Fort Goryokaku is an enormous star-shaped citadel built over 150 years ago as a defensive fortress for Hakodate’s government offices. After a brief period of wartime turmoil and imperial threat, the fort was transformed into a stunning public park, distinctive for its elegant architecture, magnificent cherry blossom trees, curving moat and pleasant grassy lawns. Stroll on the promenades along the moat, visit the site’s museum and enjoy the scenic park area and historic architecture.
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Fort Goryokaku featuring snow

2. Mount Hakodate

Mount Hakodate (Hakodateyama) crowns the southern end of Hakodate’s city center and peninsula area. Reach the top of the densely wooded mountain to experience unbeatable views of the cityscape and surrounding coastline. The 1,096-foot- (334-meter-) tall mountain offers a panoramic vista of Hakodate’s sprawling urban center, which is quite breathtaking at night. Visit the mountain just after sunset to see night falling over the city and a sea of twinkling city lights.
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Mount Hakodate showing night scenes, a city and landscape views

3. Hakodate Ropeway

There’s no better place for a view of Hakodate’s spit, jutting out into the sea, than from the top of the Hakodate Ropeway. Japan’s most popular gondola, ferrying more than 1,000,000 passengers annually to the top of Mount Hakodate, is popular for good reason. At night the glittering lights of the city fading down below offer a bewitching contrast with the still darkness of the nearby ocean. Stay strategically near some of the large windows of the gondola to watch as people, cars and buildings slowly appear smaller and smaller as you near the peak.
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Hakodate Ropeway showing a city and landscape views

4. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

There may be no better way to appreciate the mixture of tradition and modernity that has made Japan famous than by renting a traditional kimono and wandering around the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. The warehouses themselves are relics of Japan’s opening to international trade toward the end of the Edo Period. They were built in 1909 to store goods being shipped to and from Russia, Korea and the rest of Japan. Now, completely renovated, they welcome shops of all kinds. Spend the day hopping between each of the seven buildings, enjoying all the different delights here.
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Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

5. Morning Market

A visit to the Hakodate Morning Market (Hakodate Asaichi) is a morning ritual for many locals. Join the crowds of vendors and shoppers that flock to this buzzing marketplace each morning to begin the day with a vast array of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood. Stroll through the inner-city marketplace and experience a treat for the senses as you peruse colorful displays of ripe produce. Pick up made-to-order breakfasts and traditional Hakodate dishes that feature the city’s magnificent local seafood.
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Hakodate featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people

6. Goryokaku Tower

Appreciate captivating views of Goryokaku Fort and its surrounding park and the Hakodate city skyline from Goryokaku Tower, a tall observation tower next to the city’s famous fortress. Visit this impressive sightseeing structure and admire its modern design. Enjoy fantastic views across the city to outlying mountain ranges and coastlines.
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Goryokaku Tower which includes views as well as a large group of people

What to do in Hakodate

Free Things to Do in Hakodate

There's no need to run your credit card hot in Hakodate. The following won't cost a thing.

Hakodate City Museum - Bring the whole family and go on a journey of discovery through history with one another.

Hakodate City Office - Architecture buffs will enjoy marveling at the modern design of this landmark.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse - Amble through this historic attraction and find out a couple of secrets from long ago.

Yachigashira Onsen - Spend some time near the water to unwind and recharge your batteries.

Morning Market - Pull out your guidebook and discover why this place is worth a spot on your must-see list.

Motomachi Catholic Church - Take some time for a bit of meditation or prayer at this peaceful sacred place.

Mount Hakodate - Unwind and let the rugged natural beauty restore your mind.

Hakodate Park - Arrange a picnic date and enjoy a relaxing walk around the beautiful plants.

Things to Do in Hakodate with Kids

You'll find plenty of fun activities to do with your kids in and near Hakodate. Keep everyone happy with our family friendly experiences.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Hakodate? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What can you do in Hakodate for free?
You could store your money in the hotel safe for the day, because these great attractions won’t cost you a thing:

  • Yunokawa Hot Spring
  • Mount Hakodate
  • Ekini Fish Market
  • Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Discover the most popular places to visit in Hakodate

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Fort Goryokaku

4.5/5(17 reviews)

Walk around the enchanting grounds of this repurposed military fort shaped like a star and see historic architecture and magnificent cherry blossoms in springtime.

Fort Goryokaku
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Mount Hakodate

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Appreciate captivating views of Hakodate’s skyline, surrounding coast and glittering city lights from atop this central city mountain, accessible via a scenic cable car.

Mount Hakodate
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Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

4/5(21 reviews)

Shop, eat, drink and shop some more in renovated 19th-century warehouses that now feature prominently in a Hakodate-area hot spot.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
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Hakodate Ropeway

4/5(30 reviews)

With panoramic views of Hakodate and the sea, one of the best nighttime vistas in the world is visible from the top of this gondola ferry.

Hakodate Ropeway
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Morning Market

4.5/5(27 reviews)

Start your day with delectable fruit, vegetables and freshly made breakfast in this buzzing market selling Hakodate’s freshest seasonal produce and seafood.

Morning Market
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Goryokaku Tower

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Enjoy a unique overlook of Hakodate’s city skyline, surrounding mountain ranges and distant coastline from this modern observation tower and history gallery.

Goryokaku Tower
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Hakodate Park

4.5/5(3 reviews)

See the cherry blossoms bloom in a slightly more relaxed atmosphere or spend a kid-friendly day at the foot of Mount Hakodate.

Hakodate Park
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Hakodate City Office

4.5/5(3 reviews)

After visiting Hakodate City Office, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Hakodate. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its shops.

Hakodate City Office
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Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

4/5(2 reviews)

Most famous for its surprisingly relaxed hot-tubbing monkeys, the complex is also home to Japan’s biggest collection of tropical plants.

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Hakodate

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Motomachi

5/5(3 area reviews)

Discover Motomachi, memorable for its restaurants. Popular attractions in Motomachi include Hakodate Harisutosu Seikyokai and Hakodate City Museum of Photographic History, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Suehirochō Station.

Motomachi
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Shinkawachō

Even though there aren't top sights in Shinkawachō, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Morning Market. Jump on the metro at Chitose Station to see more of the city.

Shinkawachō
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Kikyō

Even though there aren't top sights in Kikyō, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Fort Goryokaku. Jump on the metro at Kikyō Station to see more of the city.

Kikyō
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