Hokkaido (北海道) is one of Japan’s most popular regions among visitors, with its plethora of delicious foods, larger-than-life winter festivals, and numerous landmarks and tourist destinations. As the country’s largest region and prefecture, Hokkaido is a favourite among visitors throughout the seasons, be it in summer or winter, and one of the most popular cities is Hakodate (函館市), located in the southern part of the prefecture.
Hakodate is a port city that is a favourite among tourists, with its stunning views of Mount Hakodate (函館山) and Hakodate Port, fresh seafood caught off the coast, and beautiful buildings steeped in history and culture. Additionally, thanks to the Hokkaido Shinkansen (北海道新幹線), transportation to the port city from Tokyo is made easier, providing more access options for visitors.
Although Hakodate is worth visiting at any time of the day, did you know that it is especially magical to explore after sundown? When night falls, the city transforms into a wonderland, and visitors will be awe-struck by the difference in how famous landmarks look during the day and at night.
Want some inspiration for a night itinerary in Hakodate? Then read on!
Start the night with a robata-yaki dinner
Before embarking on a night tour around Hakodate, why not start with a luxurious dinner first? When in Hakodate, seafood is not to be missed, and one of the best ways to enjoy Hakodate’s freshest seafood is by robatayaki (炉端焼き). Robatayaki is a method of grilling food over hot charcoal on a traditional hearth called irori (囲炉裏), and ingredients such as seafood and vegetables are best enjoyed with it.
A robatayaki dinner is best enjoyed if you are dining with a group of friends, where you can experience grilling the ingredients yourselves. Better yet, Hokkaido is home to delicious locally grown ingredients, so imagine enjoying the best tastes that Hokkaido has to offer. It is the best start you can ask for before touring around Hakodate!
Behold, the iconic panoramic night view from Mount Hakodate
After a scrumptious robatayaki dinner, we are off to explore the nightlife of Hakodate, and we start off with perhaps the most iconic view of the city. The observatory atop Mount Hakodate is a favourite among visitors to Hakodate, but many would wait until nightfall simply because the panoramic view of the city from the observatory is considered the best after dark.
Visitors can head up to Mount Hakodate’s observatory by hopping on the city’s tram and getting off at Jujigai (十字街), followed by a 10-minute walk to the ropeway station and a 3-minute ride on the ropeway to get to the summit. Once there, visitors should get their cameras ready to start snapping photos away at the magnificent view that awaits them.
Mount Hakodate Observatory (函館山展望台)
Address: Hakodateyama, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0000
Access: 5-minute tram ride from JR Hakodate Station, followed by 10-minute walk to ropeway station and 3-minute ropeway ride
Learn more about Hakodate’s historical landmarks
After admiring the unforgettable view of Hakodate’s night skyline from atop Mount Hakodate, it is time to head back down and explore the city’s other landmarks firsthand. Just a short walk from Jujigai tram stop 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.
Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church of Hakodate (函館ハリストス正教会)
Address: 3-13 Motomachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0054
Access: 10-minute walk from Jujigai tram stop
If you plan to check out the Kanemori Bay area, then the one landmark you won’t miss is the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (金森赤レンガ倉庫). The iconic building was first established in 1869, and is now a popular commercial complex where visitors can enjoy shopping and dining against the Kanemori Bay backdrop. It is the perfect way to end the night of memorable exploration around Hakodate!
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (金森赤レンガ倉庫)
Address: 14-12 Suehirocho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0053
Access: 5-minute walk from Jujigae tram stop
See you in Hakodate!
Hakodate is the gateway city into Hokkaido from Tohoku, and is a must-visit destination for everyone, whether they are arriving by flight or train. The port city has something to offer for all types of visitors, and is one of the most popular destinations in the region.
If you want to explore Hakodate’s nightlife, then check out a special tour plan available on JAPAN RAIL CLUB! Together with an English-speaking guide, you will take a trip in a private taxi with an audio guide in your preferred language. Picking you up from Hakodate Station, the tour will include a lavish robatayaki dinner, a round trip to Mount Hakodate Observatory, a tour around famous landmarks in the Motomachi district, and even a pub crawl experience! Click here and follow the steps to find out more, and what’s more, there are different variants of the tour, whether you are going by yourself, with a friend, or in a small group of friends. See you at Hakodate soon!
Header image credit: ©photoAC
