Ever wondered what it feels like to see one of Japan’s most spectacular night views? I’ve been waiting to share this special experience with you! Mount Hakodate Observatory offers what many consider the perfect panoramic view, and I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know before your visit.
Hakodate is a charming port city in southern Hokkaido that’s packed with hot springs and fascinating attractions. Today, I’ll guide you through visiting Mount Hakodate Observatory – from how to get there to ticket prices and my personal experience.
1. What Makes Mount Hakodate Observatory Special?
Mount Hakodate Observatory is recognized as one of “Japan’s Three Best Night Views” (alongside Nagasaki and Kobe). The breathtaking nightscape makes this spot an absolute must-visit on any Hokkaido itinerary. Trust me, the pictures don’t do it justice!
When I first laid eyes on the twinkling cityscape nestled between two bays, I literally gasped. There’s something magical about seeing the city lights reflect off the water on both sides.
2. Location & How to Get There
There are several ways to reach the observatory: ropeway (cable car), bus, taxi, or even hiking if you’re feeling adventurous. The most popular and convenient option is definitely the ropeway.
I took the streetcar to Jujigai Station and then walked to the ropeway boarding area. From Hakodate Station, it takes about 10 minutes by streetcar to reach Jujigai Station, followed by approximately a 15-minute walk to the ropeway entrance.
The walk itself is quite pleasant, taking you through some charming historical streets. Just follow the signs – they’re pretty clear even if you don’t speak Japanese.
3. Ropeway Ticket Prices & How to Use
The current round-trip ropeway fare is 1,800 yen for adults and 900 yen for children. When you enter the ropeway building, helpful staff will guide you through the process. I visited on a weekend, and wow, there were tons of tourists!
Actually, when I visited, tickets were only 1,500 yen roundtrip, but prices have increased since then.
You can check current prices and information here: Mount Hakodate Ropeway Official Website
The official website even provides congestion forecasts because this place gets seriously packed. Since Mount Hakodate is famous for its night views, it gets particularly crowded around sunset. Check the link above for detailed congestion information before planning your visit.
4. Operating Hours
- April 20 – September 30: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- October 1 – April 19: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
The last ropeway down from the mountain departs 10 minutes before closing. Keep in mind that operating hours may change due to weather conditions or maintenance. It’s always good to double-check the website before heading out.
5. The Spectacular View
After riding the ropeway to the summit, you’ll climb some stairs to reach the observation deck. From there, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Hakodate city, Hakodate Bay, and the Tsugaru Strait all at once. In the evening, the city lights create a truly memorable scene that I couldn’t stop photographing.
I heard that Hakodate’s population has decreased over the years, meaning the night lights aren’t as bright as they once were. Nevertheless, the view remains absolutely breathtaking and worth every yen of the ticket price.
6. Other Facilities
The observatory complex houses souvenir shops and restaurants where you can grab a drink or meal while enjoying the view. There’s something special about sipping hot chocolate while gazing at one of Japan’s most famous night views!
I recommend trying the Mount Hakodate-themed desserts – they’re not only Instagram-worthy but delicious too.
7. Waiting Time for Return Trip
As this is such a popular tourist destination, the line for the return ropeway can get quite long. I was a bit worried about getting back too late, but thankfully, two ropeways operate simultaneously and can accommodate many passengers at once. My wait was only about 20 minutes, which wasn’t bad considering how crowded it was.
If you’re visiting during peak season (especially cherry blossom time or summer vacation), consider heading down a bit before the major rush starts after sunset.
8. Hachimanzaka Slope
After visiting Mount Hakodate Observatory, I couldn’t resist stopping by Hachimanzaka Slope before returning to my hotel. This is another famous spot in Hakodate, known for its straight road with a view of the sea, making it a popular photo location.
It’s within a 10-minute walk from the ropeway building, so I visited despite the late hour. Night photos didn’t capture the sea in the background properly, so I returned the next day to take some daytime photos. The daytime view of the sea and scenery was equally impressive in its own way.
The slope is particularly beautiful during spring when cherry blossoms line the street, creating a picture-perfect tunnel of pink flowers with the ocean as a backdrop.
9. Final Thoughts
I’ve shared my experience visiting Mount Hakodate Observatory and how to get there. Hakodate is a small city in southern Hokkaido with many diverse attractions worth exploring. If you’re looking for other things to see in Hakodate besides the observatory, check out my other blog posts about this charming port city.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, Mount Hakodate offers a view that will stay with you long after your trip to Hokkaido ends.
