Top 6 Must-Visit Hakodate Attractions: Ultimate Guide to Observatory, Shopping and Hidden Gem

Have you ever witnessed a night view so breathtaking it literally stops you in your tracks? That’s exactly what happened on a drizzly evening at Mount Hakodate Observatory. The spectacular view of Hakodate’s glittering cityscape nestled between two bays is truly an unforgettable sight.

Hakodate, tucked away in southern Hokkaido, might be a small city by Japanese standards, but don’t let its size fool you. This charming port town punches well above its weight when it comes to unforgettable attractions. It’s a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and unique experiences away from the crowded tourist destinations of Sapporo.

In this guide, I’ll explore the unmissable spots that make Hakodate truly special, complete with practical tips you won’t find in standard guidebooks.

1. Mount Hakodate Observatory: Japan’s Premier Night View

Mount Hakodate Observatory isn’t just famous—it’s legendary, consistently ranked among Japan’s top three night views alongside Nagasaki and Kobe. If you experience only one attraction in Hakodate, make it this one.

The most popular way to reach the summit is via the Mount Hakodate Ropeway. As the cable car slowly ascends through the evening mist, the city lights begin to twinkle below like scattered diamonds on black velvet. The narrow land bridge connecting the two sides of the city creates that distinctive “sandglass” shape that makes Hakodate’s night view so unique.

But here’s a little secret that most tourists miss: while the night view gets all the glory, visiting just before sunset lets you witness the magical blue hour when the sky and sea blend into an indigo canvas before the city lights fully illuminate. Arriving at the observation deck about 30 minutes before sunset is absolutely worth it for this spectacular transition.

Visitor Information:

• Round-trip Ropeway Fare: Adults 1,800 yen, Children 900 yen
• Operating Hours:
  • April 20-September 30: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • October 1-April 19: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

2. Goryokaku Tower: Experience Japan’s First Western-Style Fortress

Standing tall at the edge of the spectacular star-shaped Goryokaku Fort, this tower offers a completely different perspective of Hakodate. Unlike anything else in Japan, this unique pentagonal fortress was the scene of the last stand of the Tokugawa shogunate—a pivotal moment in Japanese history that forever changed the nation’s course.

During cherry blossom season, the contrast between the geometric precision of the fort’s design and the organic beauty of hundreds of sakura trees in full bloom is simply mesmerizing. From the 107-meter-high observation deck, visitors can appreciate the perfect symmetry of this architectural marvel while learning about its fascinating history.

The tower itself houses excellent historical exhibits, but it’s that bird’s-eye view that makes the trip worthwhile. Many visitors spend an hour or more circling the observation deck, watching how the shadows shift across the fort’s distinctive star shape as the day progresses.

Visitor Information:

• Admission Fee: Adults 1,000 yen
• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Goryokaku Park Hours: 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Free entry to the park grounds)
• Transportation: Accessible via streetcar or bus (slightly longer walk from the streetcar)

3. Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden: Hot Spring Monkeys

Nestled in the Yunokawa hot spring district, this compact botanical garden might seem unassuming at first glance. But it harbors one of Hakodate’s most delightful attractions: Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing in natural hot springs.

The garden itself isn’t particularly extensive, but there’s something undeniably charming about watching these expressive creatures soak in the steaming waters, their faces the picture of blissful relaxation. During winter visits, light snowfall often dusts the scene, creating a quintessentially Japanese winter tableau.

The nearby Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari Hewitt Resort makes visiting the garden a convenient morning excursion before exploring other parts of the city. For animal lovers or photographers, early morning visits are recommended when the monkeys are most active.

Visitor Information:

• Admission Fee: Adults 300 yen
• Operating Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
• Best Time to Visit: Winter months for the classic snow monkey experience

4. Hachimanzaka Slope: The Perfect Postcard Shot

Some places seem designed specifically for Instagram, and Hachimanzaka Slope is definitely one of them. This long, straight road creates a perfect frame for the sparkling bay beyond, making it one of Hakodate’s most photographed spots.

Visiting after descending from Mount Hakodate in the late afternoon is ideal, when the slanting sunlight casts long shadows down the slope and illuminates the harbor with a golden glow. The slope is lined with charming Western-style buildings—remnants of Hakodate’s past as one of Japan’s first international trading ports.

Many travelers initially consider skipping this spot, thinking it would be just another scenic overlook. However, it often becomes one of the most memorable parts of a Hakodate trip. Something about the perspective, the way the road seems to plunge directly into the sea, captures the unique character of this port city perfectly.

Visitor Information:

• Location: Near the Mount Hakodate Ropeway Lower Station
• Best Timing: Late afternoon for golden hour lighting or early evening when street lamps create a romantic atmosphere
• Photography Tip: Position yourself at the top of the slope for the classic shot looking down toward the harbor

5. Motomachi Park and Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall

While walking from Hachimanzaka toward the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, visitors will encounter what might be Hakodate’s most distinctive building. The Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall, with its striking combination of yellow walls and turquoise domes, is an unexpected architectural gem.

This elegant structure, built in 1910, blends Western and Japanese architectural elements in a style that perfectly represents Hakodate’s unique cultural heritage. The surrounding Motomachi Park offers a peaceful retreat with excellent views over the harbor.

Many visitors don’t plan to spend much time here, but often end up lingering for an hour or more, captivated by the building’s photogenic façade and the tranquil atmosphere of the park. These unplanned discoveries frequently become the highlights of a Hakodate trip.

Visitor Information:

• Building Admission: Available for interior tours (fees vary)
• Park Access: Free
• Photography: Early morning offers the best lighting and fewer crowds
• Nearby: Several historic churches and Western-style buildings worth exploring

6. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses: Shopping in Historic Ambiance

These distinctive red brick buildings along the waterfront have been brilliantly repurposed from their original function as shipping warehouses into a sophisticated shopping and dining complex. But don’t mistake this for just another mall—the preservation of the original architecture creates an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and stylish.

Inside, visitors discover an eclectic mix of local specialty shops, artisanal crafts, and restaurants serving Hakodate’s famous seafood. The interior design thoughtfully balances modern retail needs with historical elements, exposing original beams and brickwork wherever possible.

While the exterior architecture is certainly impressive, it’s the unexpected variety of unique shops inside that keeps most visitors browsing for hours. Each warehouse section has its own character, from sophisticated boutiques to quirky souvenir shops.

Visitor Information:

• Operating Hours: 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM
• Important Note: Closes earlier than you might expect, so visit during daylight hours
• Dining: Several excellent restaurants specializing in local seafood
• Shopping: Focus on regional specialties and high-quality souvenirs

While most travelers allocate just a day or two for Hakodate as part of a larger Hokkaido itinerary, many visitors wish they had planned for longer. There’s a leisurely charm to this city that invites slow exploration and unexpected discoveries.

For those planning a trip to Hokkaido, consider setting aside at least three full days to experience more of what this enchanting port city has to offer—perhaps exploring the hot springs of Yunokawa more thoroughly or venturing to nearby Onuma Quasi-National Park.

Have you visited Hakodate? Which attraction would top your must-see list? Or if you’re planning a trip, what questions do you have about these magnificent sites? Share your thoughts in the comments below!