Hakodate is a port city in the Hokkaido Region of Japan, on the southern tip of the island. Its harbor has long shaped the place, and its streets still carry traces of the foreign traders and residents who came through it, which gives the city a multicultural heritage that sets it apart from many other Japanese towns.
Visitors come for the setting above all. The city is known for its night views, when the lights of the town and harbor are seen from the surrounding heights, and for its star-shaped fort, which is a distinctive sight in its own right. The harbor itself makes an easy base for an unhurried walk, with the water and the old waterfront buildings close at hand.
What to see and do
- The night views: the city is well known for its evening vistas over the harbor, a reason many travelers plan their day around sunset.
- The star-shaped fort: a striking landmark whose unusual outline is worth seeing up close and from above.
- The morning market: a lively start to the day, where local food from the sea is sold.
- The harbor and old streets: strolling the waterfront and the historic districts shows the port city's character.
Planning your visit
Hakodate suits a stay of a day or two, with time for the market in the morning, the fort and the harbor during the day, and the night views once evening comes. Because the city is compact around its port, most of its main sights can be reached on foot or by local transport. Check ahead for the current hours of the market and any sights you wish to visit, as these can change.
