Northern areas of Japan such as Hokkaido and Aomori are known for winter snow activities, but the snowfree early summers also bring plenty of new sights and fun discoveries. Here, we introduce sightseeing spots and events in Aomori and Hokkaido’s Hakodate, connected by ferry and the Hokkaido Shinkansen for a leisurely excursion.
Aomori→https://att-japan.net/684/
＜Access＞
■From Tokyo
Tokyo Sta. → about 4 hr by JR Hokkaido Shinkansen → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Sta. → 15 min by Hakodate Liner → Hakodate Sta.
Tokyo Sta. → 3 hr 10 min by JR Tohoku Shinkansen → Shin-Aomori Sta. → 6 mi by JR Ou Line → Aomori Sta.
■Aomori ↔Hakodate
60 min by Hokkaido Shinkansen (Shin-Aomori Station ↔ Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station)
3 hr 40 min by ferry (Aomori ↔ Hakodate)
Hakodate City, located on the southern part of Hokkaido and one of Hokkaido’s main cities, is characterized by its diverse townscape with an exotic atmosphere. With many hills, its distinctive topography often makes it the settings of various movies and anime works.
Admire Hakodate’s stunning nightscape from 334 meters above sea level. You can easily ascend to the top of Mt. Hakodate on the large ropeway. On the summit is a restaurant offering a sweeping view of the vast nightscape, and more, allowing you to enjoy a romantic dinner while gazing down at the city.
| Address | 19-7 Motomachi, Hakodate City |
| Access | 10-min walk from Jujigai Sta. (City Tram) |
| URL | https://334.co.jp/en/ |
The Dosanko is a horse native to Hokkaido, slightly smaller than thoroughbreds and with a mild temperament. On this 30-minute trekking course, slowly make your way to the grasslands from which you can enjoy the expansive panorama of Mt. Hakodate and the Tsugaru Strait. Even beginners easily can try this trek.
| Address | 180-14 Higashiyama-cho, Hakodate City |
| Access | 30 min by car from Hakodate Sta. or 15 min by car from Hakodate Airport |
| URL | https://dosanko-hakodate.com/ |
This beautiful wooden Western-style building was completed in 1910. You can rent dresses and tuxedos and take photographs in the Hakodate Haikara Isho-kan.
| Address | 11-13, Motomachi, Hakodate City |
| Access | 3-min walk from Kokaidomae Bus Stop (Hakodate Bus) |
| URL | https://hakodate-kokaido.jp/ |
Enjoy an “edible flower cake” at this cafe. Our recommendation is the Flower Cake Set consisting of cupcakes adorned with realistic buttercream flowers. Be sure to check out the cafe’s swing chairs and the cute interior.
| Address | 7-9 Motomachi, Hakodate City |
| Access | 5-min walk from Suehiro-cho Sta. (City Tram) |
| URL | https://www.flowerpicniccafe.com/ |
This is a place to go for a taste of Hakodate’s seafood and market atmosphere. You will find everything from fresh seafood, dried and salted fish, to produce. The “Original Squid Fishing Pond” is a one-of-a-kind find where you can experience fishing squid from a fish tank.
| Address | 9-19 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate City |
| Access | 1-min walk from JR Hakodate Sta. |
| URL | https://asaichi-ekini.com/ |
・Shio Ramen (salt-based broth ramen)
Eat it Hakodate style with clear soup and straight, thin noodles. Mildly flavored, you’ll be able to slurp it up soup and all.
・LUCKY PIERROT’s Chinese Chicken Burger
Founded in Hakodate, this fast-food restaurant is popular even among international travelers and has been crowned the best local burger place in Japan. Don’t forget to try their famous Chinese Chicken Burger!
One of Hakodate’s biggest summer festivals. During the festivities, various events such as dances and parades will have the entire city brimming with excitement. On the first day of the event, fireworks are dynamically launched over the port.
Period: Early August
＜June＞
Average temperature: 15.8℃
You will need a cardigan to wear over a long-sleeved shirt.
＜July and August＞
Average temperature: Around 21℃
A t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt will suffice in the daytime, but we recommend carrying something to wear on top as temperatures tend to dip during the nighttime.
＜September＞
Average temperature: 18.3℃
You will need a long-sleeved shirt or a cardigan.
