When it comes to the most visited prefecture or region in Japan, Hokkaido (北海道) would usually come on top. The northernmost region of Japan has everything that a visitor would hope for: the freshest and most delicious of foods, stunning winter festivals, the best snow resorts, and much more. One of the cities that visitors often include in their itineraries in Hokkaido is Hakodate (函館市), the port city located right at the southern end of the region.
Visitors who have been to Hakodate would laud the amazing view from the summit of Mount Hakodate (函館山), fresh seafood, and beautiful buildings steeped in history and culture. What’s more, thanks to the Hokkaido Shinkansen (北海道新幹線), transportation to the port city from Tokyo is also made easy, as visitors can simply get off at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station and take a short train ride to the city.
I previously wrote about how visitors can discover the port city with a taxi tour at night. But what if one only has half a day to explore a city that has so much to offer? Well, this article will introduce you to a way to explore it in just a few hours, all of which can be done with a taxi tour as well. Want to know how? Then keep reading!
Start your trip from Hakodate Station or Hakodate Airport
Hakodate is a city that has plenty to offer, yet is very easy to explore because of its relatively small area. The two main ways of accessing the city are by train or by domestic flight, so most visitors would enter the city either via Hakodate Station (函館駅) or Hakodate Airport (函館空港).
Either way, visitors can begin touring the city from either mode of entry, as public transportation is readily available at both the train station and the airport. From the station or the airport, one can make their way first to one of the most popular tourist destinations in central Hakodate.
Motomomachi, Hakodate’s iconic historical district
Japan opened up to foreign countries in the mid-19th century, and Hakodate welcomed foreign influences via its port. Hence, visitors can see many Western influences in the overall architecture of the city, and Motomachi (元町) is a prime district that exemplifies the city’s rich history.
Of the many historical buildings located on this street, one outstanding example is the Motomachi Roman Catholic Church (カトリック元町教会), which was founded in the mid-19th century and is one of the few in Japan.
Motomachi Roman Catholic Church (カトリック元町教会)
Address: 15-3 Motomachi, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido 040-0054
Access: 10-minute walk from Jujigai tram stop
Just across Motomachi Roman Catholic Church is another church that doubles as a landmark: the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church of Hakodate (函館ハリストス正教会). Also established in the mid-19th century, the church was founded by the Russian consulate and is a popular landmark among visitors to the city, with its impressive architecture.
Visit Japan’s First Women’s Abbey
If you are really into Hakodate’s Western architecture, one landmark building you should not miss is located not far from Hakodate Airport. Our Lady of the Angels Trappistine Monastery (天使の聖母トラピスチヌ修道院) is Japan’s first women’s abbey, and was established in the late 19th century. The iconic building exemplifies Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and the surrounding garden is particularly popular during spring when cherry blossoms bloom and autumn when the complex is covered in warm colours.
Our Lady of the Angels Trappistine Monastery (天使の聖母トラピスチヌ修道院)
Address: 346 Kamiyunokawacho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 042-0914
Access: 40-minute bus ride from Hakodate Station, followed by 10-minute walk
Say hello to Goryokaku!
Perhaps the most recognisable landmark in Hakodate is Goryokaku (五稜郭), a uniquely star-shaped fortress that was first built in the mid-19th century. The park was opened to the public in the early 20th century after the fall of the Japanese feudal system, and has since been loved both by the locals and tourists for its stunning landscape.
To get an aerial view of the surrounding park, visitors can make their way up Goryokaku Tower. Standing at a height of 107 metres, the tower offers a panoramic view of the park and the surrounding city from the observation deck, and visitors can also enjoy the different views throughout the season, be it in spring when the park is covered in pink cherry blossom petals, or in winter when the park is enveloped in white snow.
Goryokaku (五稜郭)
Address: 44-2 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001
Access: 15-minute tram ride from Hakodate Station to Goryokaku Koenmae Station, followed by 10-minute walk
See you in Hakodate!
There are many ways to explore the port city of Hakodate, and with public transportation easily available, it is simple to get around the city too. Regardless of the amount of time one has to explore the city, there is always something to look forward to in Hakodate, a city that is beautiful in daytime or after nightfall.
If you want to explore Hakodate on a short day tour, then check out a special tour plan available on JAPAN RAIL CLUB! The tour allows you to have a private taxi with an audio guide in your preferred language. Picking you up from Hakodate Station or Hakodate Airport, the tour will include a trip to the Motomachi district, Our Lady of the Angels Trappistine Abbey, Goryokaku Park, and then a drop-off service to selected hotels in Hakodate. Click here and here and follow the steps to find out more. See you at Hakodate soon!
Header image credit: ©Linktivity
