Situated on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, the port of Hakodate boasts a superb natural harbor. Hakodate has been strongly influenced by Western culture, evident in its “exotic” cityscape of European architecture, churches and consulates

Attractions

Consulates

In 1859, the port of Hakodate was opened to foreign shipping, thus ending the country’s over 200 years of self-imposed isolation. Soon various nations established consulates here, some of which, including the former Russian and British consulates, still stand.

Former British Consulate: This two-story brick building (1913), is a designated Tangible Cultural Asset which now houses an exhibition on the history of the port.

Red Brick Warehouses: The first commercial warehouses in Hakodate, built in the early 1900s, retain their original facades. The restored interiors feature restaurants, shopping and a multipurpose event hall.

Waterfront

Since the fourteenth century, Hakodate’s deep natural harbor was well known among sailors. Shipping brought prosperity and growth to the port, and after signing a fishing treaty with Russia in 1907, the city developed further as a northern fishing base.

Night Views

Hakodate offers breathtaking scenery, including famous night views from Mt. Hakodate (334m). The vast panorama from the summit embraces Hakodate harbor, the Pacific Ocean, and the city of Hakodate fanning out between them. Cable cars carry visitors to the top.

Unique to Hakodate

Trappist cookies: One of Hakodate's specialties, made at a nearby Trappist monastery founded by French monks in 1896.

Morning market: Fresh seafood including squid, sea urchin and salmon roe at bargain prices from 350 eateries and stores among the alleys and back streets of the city.

Eco-friendly: Hakodate’s environmentally friendly streetcars emit one-fifth the carbon dioxide of cars. Initiated into service in 1913, today they serve 10.9 km of track in the central city.

Access Information

Location: About 900km north of Tokyo

Getting there: Hakodate is a convenient 80-minute flight from Tokyo. The airport is 30minutes by car to downtown. Hakodate is also accessible from Tokyo by train.

Links to More Information about Hakodate:

Official Hakodate City Website

Information on Hakodate from Japan National Tourist Bureau (JNTO) – pdf file

Photo Credits: Sekai Bunka Photo & Shikoku Photo Service