Famed for its fresh seafood and mouthwatering sushi, Hakodate is a haven for foodies. During the Hakodate Port Festival each August, locals even get together to perform the Ika-odori (Squid Dance) in honour of their favourite dish.

Things to do

Steeped in rich history, Hakodate has been a port city on the southern shore of Hokkaido for more than 500 years. It’s still possible to visit a number of the Meiji-era buildings.

You can start your visit by exploring Goryōkaku, a 19th-century fortress built in the shape of a star. Recognised as a Special Historical Site, the fortress has been converted into a lush public park. Within its walls, you’ll find the Hakodate City Museum and one of Hokkaido’s most popular locations to view the cherry blossoms in spring.

For the best views of the Hakodate, you can climb Mount Hakodate to find views over the city. The mountain is just 334 metres in height, but that’s more than enough to see clearly across the city and the bay. You can hike or bike to the top if you’re feeling active, or travel up by cable car instead.

Getting around

Hakodate Transportation Bureau runs a clean, efficient public tram service across the city. Four tram lines cover two major routes, taking you to popular places such as Hakodate Station and Motomachi. When it’s not snowing, rental bicycles are a great way to get around and explore the city.