Are you craving an adventure centered on seafood, unique Japanese-Western culture, hot spring relaxation, and mesmerizing nature far from the crowds of popular tourist cities? Well, it sounds like Hakodate is the place for you.
Located in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture, and encircled by the sea on three sides, Hakodate is a port city best known for its high-quality seafood, picturesque cityscape, and breathtaking nature—from coastal landscapes to mountains and forests. As one of the first cities to reopen to international trade after Japan’s isolation period, Hakodate is home to numerous sites that showcase international influence, including the historic Motomachi district.
The city also has beautiful shrines that embody traditional Japanese aesthetics, providing you a diverse architectural experience. Outside its main urban area, Hakodate is defined by its wilderness, boasting countless hiking opportunities for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. In between Hakodate’s sightseeing spots, the rejuvenating hot springs and unparalleled seafood act as perfect ways to rest and recharge.
Hakodate Kokusai Hotel, located just 30 minutes from Hakodate Airport by bus and eight minutes from Hakodate Station on foot, is a convenient and luxurious accommodation that deeply immerses you in the city’s charms. Overlooking Hakodate Port, this hotel promises a memorable stay with delicious dining options—including authentic Hakodate seafood breakfasts—healing hot spring baths situated on the hotel’s top floor, numerous guest room types, and family-friendly amenities, such as a stroller-sharing service.
Learn more about this lively city below and start imagining your next trip to Japan.
What can I do in Hakodate?
Hakodate is a treasure trove of culture, history, gastronomy, and nature.
Eat your fill of seafood
One of the city’s greatest lures is its seafood, and you can find some of the best seafood in Hakodate at the Hakodate Morning Market. Open daily from 5am (May to December) or 6am (January to April) and just a two-minute walk from Hakodate Station, this morning market sells a wide array of seafood, including salmon roe, sea urchin (uni), crab, and oysters, across four city blocks. The bustling area also has no shortage of restaurants serving up mouthwatering seafood bowls. The marriage of soft, fresh seafood and warm, fluffy rice will energize both your body and soul.
Admire Japanese-Western architecture
For roughly 200 years during the Edo period (1603–1868), Japan isolated itself from the rest of the world. However, around the mid-1800s, Japan reopened its borders—with Hakodate being one of the first cities to engage in international trade again. During this time, Motomachi became a popular district for foreign residents, and today, its heritage is still well represented in the remaining Western-style buildings.
Starting with the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, this grand structure was completed in 1910 and boasts a Meiji-period (1868–1912), Western-style design that uniquely showcases foreign architecture through Japanese craftsmanship. The blue-gray walls, vibrant yellow detailing, and masterful carpentry pop attractively against the greenery of Mount Hakodate. Thanks to its elevated position, the building’s balcony also affords stunning views of Hakodate Port. Explore the vast structure—from its large dining room to its luxurious bedrooms—grab a coffee from the atmospheric cafe, and rent a Meiji-period costume to fully immerse yourself in the past.
Nearby, the Hachiman-zaka Slope offers a scenic view of city life that has been featured in numerous TV shows and magazines. The stone-paved street, flanked with trees, is about 270 meters long and gently declines as it approaches the ocean. Across the bay, the scenery continues, showcasing urban life melding into forest-clad mountains. It is one of Hakodate’s most photographed spots.
Another one of Motomachi’s prized landmarks is the Hakodate Orthodox Church, built in 1916. The impressive building is characterized by its Byzantine style, white facade, and eye-catching green domes. Inside, beautiful icons and an ornate iconostasis lend the interior a sacred ambience. Even more, the chimes during Saturday evening and Sunday morning are designated as one of Japan’s 100 soundscapes, making the church a visual and auditory treasure you won’t want to miss.
Resting outside Motomachi, yet still nearby, the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses offer a preserved glimpse into Hakodate’s trading history. Today, these historic buildings house shops, restaurants, cafes, and even a beer hall. Enjoy shopping, dining, and savoring local Hakodate Beer in a photogenic area—day and night—that still embodies the city’s historic port opening.
Explore traditional Japan
In addition to its foreign-influenced attractions, Hakodate is also home to stunning sites that boast conventional Japanese aesthetics.
Hakodate Gokoku Shrine, nestled at the foot of Mount Hakodate, was built in 1869 as a tribute to the imperial soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of Hakodate. The solemn, yet peaceful grounds are home to beautiful wooden structures that harmonize with the encircling trees. Since the shrine is located on a hill, it also provides scenic views of Tsugaru Strait, Hakodate Bay, and the cityscape. The viewpoint from the vermillion torii (gate) is especially captivating.
Nearby, Hakodate Hachimangu, founded in 1445, has long been revered as Hakodate’s guardian shrine. Also situated at Mount Hakodate’s base, this sacred haven, featuring masterful craftsmanship, combines spirituality and nature for a truly serene experience. It is a popular destination for New Year’s festivities and is well known among locals for its good fortune in victory and protection from misfortune.
Once Hakodate reopened for foreign trade, the shogunate (Japan’s feudal military government) established the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office as an institution for diplomatic policy. The office was completed in 1864 in the heart of Goryokaku, Hakodate’s famous star-shaped fort. Although the office was shortly dismantled in 1871, it was partially reconstructed in 2010 using original construction techniques and materials from the region—giving you a chance to authentically step back in time. The interior epitomizes Japanese elegance with tatami floors, shoji paper windows and sliding doors, decorative nailhead covers, and remarkable wooden detailing. Once you finish exploring the past, you can enjoy the natural splendor of Goryokaku, now a park renowned for its cherry trees, wisteria, and azaleas.
If you are interested in traveling further into the past, the Ofune Site brings you to the Jomon period (ca. 14,000–ca. 300 BCE). Located about a 45-minute drive from Hakodate’s main urban area, this settlement is recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site as part of the “Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan.” It is home to well-preserved pit dwellings, hearth remains, and a museum displaying ancient artifacts.
Embark on a nature adventure
Like Hokkaido, Hakodate is home to breathtaking nature. It also serves as a great base for day trips to nearby outdoor destinations, such as Onuma Quasi National Park, also called Onuma Park for short. This stunning landscape is located in Nanae, a town adjacent to Hakodate, and about a 45-minute train ride from Hakodate Station—making it a convenient and popular getaway for city folk.
The quasi national park is characterized by its island-dappled lakes, lush forests, and incredible views of Mount Komagatake. Enjoy scenic walking and cycling paths, bird-watching, boating, canoeing, sightseeing cruises, and more. During winter, you can even partake in snowmobiling and ice fishing. The park’s inspiring beauty flows with the seasons, leaving you in awe no matter the time of year.
Another notable destination is Mount Esan, an active volcano that still emits volcanic gas to this day. Situated in Hakodate and about an hour’s drive from Hakodate Station, this natural landmark is part of Esan Prefectural Natural Park and boasts beginner-friendly hiking trails that offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
For a spectacular Hakodate night view, visit Mount Hakodate, famous for its three-Michelin-star view. From the mountain’s 334-meter-tall peak, accessible via a ropeway, the city’s nightscape sparkles like jewels. The rare geography, featuring the sea on both sides of the city, creates a beautiful contrast of blackened ocean water and glowing nightlife. The alluring view is recognized as one of the “Three Major Night Views of the World.”
Unwind in nourishing hot springs
Hot spring baths have long been a part of Japanese wellness, and for tourists, they offer a reprieve from the busyness of travel. Near Mount Esan, Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen invites you to indulge in a unique hot spring experience. The rocky, outdoor bath rests directly next to the ocean and at first glance, appears to merge with the sea. Although you can only enter the bath during low tide, the unobstructed ocean views and full immersion in nature are well worth the visit.
Yunokawa Onsen, resting in Hakodate’s urban area, offers a more typical Japanese hot spring experience. It is recognized as one of Hokkaido’s three major hot spring resorts and has been cherished since the Edo period for its therapeutic waters. The resort town is home to numerous ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) that provide relaxing, hot-spring-centered stays, as well as sightseeing destinations, including the Trappistine Convent—Japan’s first contemplative convent for women. For a quick hot spring experience, stop by Yumeguri Butai (湯の川温泉足湯「湯巡り舞台」), a foot bath located in front of the Yunokawa Onsen streetcar stop.
Where can I stay in Hakodate?
With its convenient city location, close proximity to Mount Hakodate (10-minute drive), and diverse amenities that suit a variety of travelers, Hakodate Kokusai Hotel is an excellent option for your home away from home. The moment you enter the hotel, the lobby envelopes you in a warm, yet elegant atmosphere inspired by the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses at Hakodate Port—just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. From the start, it promises a carefully cultivated hotel stay that highlights the city’s charms and prioritizes top-notch hospitality.
Dining options aplenty
One of the hotel’s greatest assets is its plethora of restaurants. In tasteful spaces designed to impress, you can savor teppanyaki (food prepared on a flat, iron griddle), Japanese eel cuisine, fresh seafood, authentic Chinese dishes, and Western cuisine. One of the hotel’s prized dishes is its executive chef-supervised, Sichuan-style mapo tofu. You can enjoy this extra spicy meal at Restaurant Azalea. If you are interested in sampling some regional cuisine, don’t miss the Hakodate shio ramen, Hakodate shellfish curry, and “Moo Moo Sweets” made with local milk.
As night descends on the sparkling cityscape, adults can retreat to Sky Lounge Le Mont Gagyu. This cozy space features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer priceless views of Hakodate Bay and Mount Hakodate. It is a perfect place to enjoy a romantic evening with a glass of wine or a cocktail. Sunset is an especially popular time, as you are granted unobstructed views of the orange-yellow sky against the sea. From 5pm to 8pm, you can purchase a “Magic Hour” for ¥1,000. The 60 minutes include free-flowing beer, wine, and soft drinks.
Lounge Le Havre also provides a homey retreat, serving delicious coffee, tea, and sweets in a warmly lit setting.
As for the most important meal of the day, Hakodate is known for its exceptional breakfasts. You can opt for a Japanese-style meal centered on eel or a breakfast buffet. The buffet has no shortage of quality seafood, such as squid sashimi, salmon roe, and sweet shrimp—ideal for creating a personalized seafood bowl. There is also a live kitchen station with chefs who prepare freshly grilled beef. The nourishing and flavorful options are guaranteed to energize your body for the start of the day.
Hot spring oases
Resting on the Main Building’s 13th floor, Shiomi-no-Yu creates an enchanting hot spring experience. The indoor hot spring baths, separated by gender, are equipped with massive floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Hakodate Port. The men’s bath is also home to an open-air bath, where guests can admire the scenery while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze. The spring itself is a sodium chloride strong saline hot spring, meaning it has a high salt content that is comparable to seawater. It is known for its excellent moisturizing properties and helps the body retain heat after bathing. When you need a moment of peace, the healing waters and ever-beautiful vistas—from the sun-illuminated mornings to the glittering evenings—provide the perfect retreat.
A variety of guest rooms
Hakodate Kokusai Hotel is home to 435 guest rooms and 17 different room types across its West, Main, and East Buildings. Choose from standard or premium twins, family rooms, connecting rooms, and more. The natural-toned color palettes, comfortable amenities, and views of either the port, Mount Hakodate, or the cityscape create wonderful spaces to unwind and make memories during your trip.
Family-friendly offerings
Thanks to its spacious room types, diverse food options, and easy access, Hakodate Kokusai has become a popular accommodation for families. In fact, it is the only hotel in Hakodate that offers a stroller-sharing service. This service also operates in the Kanto region, meaning that guests can rent a stroller at Haneda Airport before flying to Hakodate to reduce luggage—eliminating some of the difficulties of traveling with infants or young children. Also, given its close proximity to popular tourist areas, like Motomachi, parents can rest assured that their accommodation is always within reach if their children need a break from exploring.
Regional souvenirs
If you are looking to take a piece of Hakodate home with you, the hotel’s gift shop is a great place to start. Here, you can find local sweets, wine, and sake, as well as works of art from painters and writers who are active in Hakodate. A sauce base for the hotel’s original Sichuan-style mapo tofu is also available, so you can recreate the dish at home!
However, arguably, the store’s most beloved offering is its freshly baked bread, available every morning. The bakery items are pretty popular and tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to head to the shop early to savor the smile-inducing flavors.
Hakodate: Explore a little bit of everything
Hakodate is home to a wide range of destinations, featuring seafood delights, distinct Japanese-Western architecture, traditional aesthetics, natural beauty, and relaxing hot springs. The city’s varied collection of spots allows you to weave a fulfilling story that best aligns with your interests. And when you pair your trip with a stay at Hakodate Kokusai Hotel, you will leave feeling simultaneously fulfilled and desiring more.
Access to Hakodate
You can reach Hakodate by plane, shinkansen, and even ferry. Since Hokkaido is not attached to Honshu, Japan’s largest main island, car travel is not possible (unless you are traveling to Hakodate from within Hokkaido). If you enter Japan through Tokyo, rest assured that there are several Tokyo to Hakodate flights.
- Plane: Hakodate Airport services numerous flights daily from airports inside and outside of Hokkaido, including Haneda Airport (Tokyo), Osaka Itami Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya), New Chitose Airport (Sapporo), Sapporo-Okadama Airport (Sapporo), and Okushiri Airport. The travel times from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya are all around one hour and 35 minutes, give or take 10 minutes. The flights within Hokkaido are approximately 30 to 40 minutes. From Hakodate Airport, you can take the airport bus directly to Hakodate Kokusai Hotel (about 30 minutes).
- Shinkansen: Thanks to the Hokkaido Shinkansen, which travels under the ocean, connecting Honshu and Hokkaido, you can also reach Hakodate via train. From Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, the train ride is about five hours. The journey starts with the Tohoku Shinkansen and then transitions into the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Shin-Aomori Station (no transfer is necessary for trains bound for Hokkaido). Hakodate Station is about a 20-minute train ride from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station on the Hakodate Line. Of course, you can also reach Hakodate from numerous stops along the Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinansens, including Sendai Station, Morioka Station, and Shin-Aomori Station. From Hakodate Station, Hakodate Kokusai Hotel is eight minutes away on foot.
- Ferry: If you are in Aomori Prefecture, you can also catch a ferry to Hakodate. Seikan Ferry and Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry both operate numerous ferries daily between Aomori Port and Hakodate Port. The travel time is between 3.5 and four hours. From the ferry terminal, Hakodate Kokusai Hotel is about a 20-minute car or taxi ride away.
Looking for more hotels in Hakodate?
Check out other superb accommodations in this exciting city.
HOTEL MYSTAYS Hakodate Goryokaku
This hotel is located just a one-minute walk from the Goryokaku Koen-mae tram stop, which provides direct access to Hakodate Station, the Bay Area, and Yunokawa Onsen. It is also centrally situated in the Goryokaku area and a short 10-minute walk from Goryokaku Park and Tower—perfect for early morning strolls. Surrounded by Hakodate’s largest entertainment district, Honcho, with a plethora of restaurants, including sushi, izakaya (Japanese bars), and ramen, you will never run out of things to do. From the guest rooms on the top, north-facing floors, you can enjoy captivating views of the illuminated Goryokaku Tower at night, and if you find yourself staying up late admiring the scenery, there is a 24-hour convenience store directly connected to the hotel’s first floor for easy shopping.
In the morning, enjoy a Hakodate-style breakfast, boasting a rich selection of seafood alongside local ingredients, including squid sashimi, Matsumae pickles, and shiokara, a seafood dish. Like Hakodate Kokusai Hotel, the Sichuan Mapo Tofu is an especially popular dish. Be sure to pair your meal with local drinks, like Hakodate Milk and Katsugen—a lactic acid fermented drink.
HOTEL MYSTAYS Hakodate Station
Once you exit Hakodate Station, the hotel is right in front and within walking distance of popular destinations, such as the Hakodate Morning Market and the large-scale stall village “Hakodate Hikari no Yatai Daimon Yokocho.” It was rebranded and fully renovated in July 2025—unveiling three and four-bed guest rooms perfect for groups and families. In September of the same year, the hotel also opened an old-style, British oyster bar on the first floor that serves the day’s freshest oysters.
For breakfast, the expansive buffet offers Hokkaido seafood and local dishes, such as grilled squid, shiokara potato with butter, seafood jingisukan (a Japanese grilled mutton dish), Hakodate salt ramen, and Hakodate Kokusai Hotel’s famous Shichuan Mapo Tofu.
