Hakodate

Goryokaku Special Historic Site

Hakodate Lucky Pierrot Marina Suehiro Shop

Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market

Mt. Hakodate

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Goryokaku Special Historic Site

Site of Historical Events such as Commodore Perry's Visit and the Battle of Hakodate

address

44 Goryokakucho, Hakodate

0138-21-3456

Official website　https://www.goryokaku-tower.co.jp/

The opening of Japan due to Commodore Perry's visit triggered the construction of Goryokaku Fortress

In 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry, leading the East Indian Squadron of the United States Navy, visited Japan. Perry's expedition resulted in the end of Japan's policy of national seclusion, which had lasted over 200 years, and the signing of the Convention of Kanagawa between the United States of America and Japan. Hakodate was Japan's first port to be opened as a result of Perry's visit. The opening of Japan brought new needs, such as negotiation with foreign nations and defense of Ezochi (now Hokkaido). To oversee these tasks, the Hakodate Magistrate was installed. At that time, the government office was located near the port, but it was moved inland due to defense concerns. This place is now the location of the Goryokaku historic site.

Modeled after European walled cities

Completed in 1864, Goryokaku was designed by Ayasaburo Takeda, a scholar of Dutch learning. At that time, he gained information and guidance from soldiers on a French warship which docked at Hakodate, and modeled the fortress after advanced European walled cities. The name 'Goryokaku' is derived from 'go', meaning 'five', and 'ryo', referring to the five defensive emplacements known as 'ryoho' which gave the fortress its characteristic star-shaped configuration. This shape offered the benefit of reducing the defenders' blind spots. Goryokaku was also the scene of the 1868 Battle of Hakodate, but after the war ended, it was never used as a government office.

An abundant selection of souvenirs

Since 1914, the site has been open to the public as Goryokaku Park, and is now a popular tourist attraction. Within the park, the 107-meter Goryokaku Tower offers panoramic views for every season: pink cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant green foliage in summer, crimson leaves in autumn, and the beautifully illuminated fortress in winter. On the first floor of the observation deck, the 'Observation Gift Shop' offers original Goryokaku Tower souvenir items. The second floor includes a Japanese-style restaurant and a curry restaurant, both of which are very popular with locals and visitors alike - an ideal place to enjoy local Hakodate cuisine.

Hakodate Lucky Pierrot Marina Suehiro Shop

Hakodate Lucky Pierrot Marina Suehiro Shop

Home to Hakodate's Beloved Local Burger

address

14-17 Suehirocho, Hakodate

0138-27-5000

Official website　http://luckypierrot.jp/

Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market

This Bustling Market Boasts Hokkaido's Freshest and Finest Seafood

address

9-19 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate

0138-22-7981（Hakodate Morning Market Federation of Cooperatives Office）

Official website　http://www.hakodate-asaichi.com/

Look no further for the freshest seafood

Attracting two million tourists from throughout Japan and around the world every year, Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market is an iconic sightseeing and shopping venue. The market's long history reaches back to 1945, when farmers from surrounding communities began standing in front of Hakodate Station to sell fruits and vegetables. Later, they started to sell Hokkaido's renowned fresh marine products, such as crab and salmon. Perfect for early risers, the shops open from 5:00, with energetic sales banter echoing through the marketplace. Items may begin to sell out after noon, so it's best to visit as early as possible.

Also try your hand at squid fishing

The marketplace comprises nine areas, including 'Hakodate Asaichi Plaza', 'Ekini Market', 'Enkan Market', and 'Donburi Yokocho Market', with about 250 businesses standing side by side. Of these, 'Hakodate Asaichi Hiroba' marks the starting point of the morning market's development, and offers a glimpse into authentic Hakodate daily life, with producer-direct shops, greengrocers, florists, and more. Also worth mentioning is 'Ekini Market', where you can try your hand at fishing for live squid. To savor the ultimate fresh squid experience, you can have your catch prepared as sashimi right on the spot, and enjoy it immediately after slicing.

Tabiyaku, the market's own local interpretation service

So that people from around the globe can enjoy shopping at Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market with peace of mind, the market has implemented its own local interpretation service known as 'Tabiyaku'. This innovative system bridges the gap between businesses in need of foreign language assistance and locals keen to improve their language skills. The translation benefits local businesses, encourages local residents to use their skills, and aids visitors to shop with confidence in the quality and price of their purchases. This peace-of-mind system is just another reason to plan on shopping at this iconic Hakodate location.

Mt. Hakodate

Hokkaido's foremost night view offers some surprisingly profound experiences!

address

19-7 Motomachi, Hakodate (Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Sanroku Station)

0138-23-3105 (Mt. Hakodate Ropeway General Information Desk)

Official website　https://334.co.jp/

Take the Ropeway or the Climbing Bus to the peak

Lying to the west side of Hakodate's urban district, with a peak elevation of 334 meters, Mt. Hakodate is actually a general name encompassing thirteen mountains, namely Mt. Goten (the highest peak, and location of Mt. Hakodate Observation Deck), Mt. Yakushi, Mt. Tsutsuji, Mt. Shiomi, Mt. Hachiman, Mt. Mizumoto, Mt. Kurakake, Mt. Jizo, Mt. Irie, Mt. Ezodate, Mt. Kanon, Mt. Ushinose, and Mt. Senjojiki. In addition to the well-known Ropeway, the peak can also be conveniently accessed by the 'Mt. Hakodate Climbing Bus', which departs from locations such as Hakodate Station and Bay Area. The bus operates from mid April to early November. At 400 yen one way, this bus provides direct access, without the hassle of changing vehicles.

Hokkaido's preeminent night view changes with the seasons

When visiting Mt. Hakodate, we recommend to arrive at the observation deck shortly before sunset. This allows you to enjoy the best of both daytime scenery and night views in one visit. And, the best night view timing is thirty minutes after sunset. As the sky darkens to a deep blue, the city lights shine below, creating a scene so beautiful that you may lose track of time as you look on. Views also change with the seasons: in early summer, fog creates dreamlike night views, and in colder seasons, neon lights reflect from the snow creating romantic scenes.

Rewarding hikes explore historic fortification remains

If you have enough time and energy, hiking at Mt. Hakodate is highly recommended. The ten hiking trails on Mt. Hakodate offer abundant variation, ranging from strolling courses with few ups and downs, to hiking courses lasting about an hour one way. Of these, we recommend Mt. Irie Course and Mt. Yakushi Course, both of which provide opportunities to observe historic fortification remains. These fortifications were built during the Meiji era (1868-1912) to strengthen defense of the Tsugaru Strait. You might experience the mysterious sensation that your hike has taken you back in time.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

An Iconic Landmark of Hakodate Bay Area

address

14-12 Suehirocho, Hakodate

0138-27-5530

Official website　https://hakodate-kanemori.com/

Commercial warehouses founded by Kumashiro Watanabe

In 1887, Kumashiro Watanabe founded the first commercial warehouses in Hakodate, providing storage services for goods such as marine products, rice, and wheat. The original warehouses burned down in the 1907 Hakodate Fire, but were soon rebuilt, and in 1963, were designated as a tangible cultural property of Hokkaido. As the times changed, it became too difficult to continue the warehouse business due to economic depression, and in 1988, the site was opened as the 'Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse' commercial facility. It has since become a popular attraction and iconic landmark of the Hakodate Bay Area.

A collection of 42 shops, each with unique personality

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse consists of four facilities: 'Hakodate History Plaza', 'Kanemori Yobutsukan', 'Bay Hakodate', and 'Kanemori Hall'. Rows of shops await, each with their own unique personality. One such shop is 'Aoi Mori', which sells original Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse products. A number of shops convey the beauty of Japanese culture, specializing in items such as chopsticks and glasswares. 'Made in Japan' boots and leather goods are also particularly popular among tourists visiting from overseas. A favorite Hakodate souvenir is the Cheese Omelette from 'Hakodate Pastry Snaffle's', which you can try right at the store for just 200 yen, with a mini coffee included.

Frequent events are part of the fun

Throughout the year, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse holds many events, including large-scale events such as 'Hakodate Christmas Fantasy' (held every December), as well as events oriented for local residents. Part of the fun of visiting is experiencing the lifestyles and sensibilities of Hakodate locals through children's art displays, art galleries, live concerts, and more. There is also a tourism promotion corner for nearby communities, including the Tohoku area, with a variety of helpful pamphlets available. You might just find inspiration for your next trip.

Video Gallery

These are some of the destinations in Hokkaido served by AIRDO.
Watch some videos that showcase their appeal.

　A Trip for Enjoying Flowers

　A Trip for Admiring the Moon

　A Trip in Pursuit of Light

　A Trip with an Ocean View

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Hakodate

Goryokaku Special Historic Site