Mt. Hakodate-yama boasts its stunning nocturnal view known as one of the world's best The shape of the mountain resembles a cow lying down. The dazzling nocturnal vista from the summit at 334 meters above sea level is known as one of the world's best. The fan-shaped city is surrounded by the Bay of Hakodate and the Tsugaru-kaikyo Straits. The sight of the city can take your breath away at sunset. Dinner as well as the view can be enjoyed at the observatory. Round-trip ride on the cable car is 1,160 yen. Business hours are from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. / 0138-23-3105 5-min. trolley ride from JR Hakodate Station. Get off at Jujigai, walk 10 min. to the cable car station, and take a 3-min. car ride to the summit.

Special Historical Remain: Goryokaku Pentagonal Fort Built by the Tokugawa shogunate to guard attacks from the northern region, this fort became the battleground for the Hakodate War (also known as the Battle of Goryokaku). Being Japan's first western-style fort, Goryokaku is characterized by its star-shaped pentagonal structure. Today, the fort is turned into a park featuring Goryokaku Tower and the Hakodate City Museum Annex. In the spring, the area is covered with cherry blossoms that bloom from 1,600 trees. Goryokaku attracts a large crowd of cherry blossom viewers. Goryokaku Tower admission: Adults 630 yen / Open everyday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. (9 a.m. - 6 p.m. from October 21 through April 20) / 0138-51-4785 Hakodate City Museum Annex at Goryokaku admission: Adults 100 yen / Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., closed every Monday, national holiday, and last Friday of the month / 0138-51-2548 15-min. ride on the trolley from JR Hakodate Station. Get off at Goryokaku Koen-mae and walk 5-10 min.

Kanemori Warehouses successfully mix the old and the new A row of six early 20th century warehouses made of brick has been turned into the current Hakodate History Plaza. Beer halls, restaurants, various shops, multi-purpose hall, and museum attract a constant flow of visitors. Open everyday 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. (opens at 10 a.m. from early November through late April), closed 2 Tuesdays a month in November and January through April / 0138-23-0350

Motomachi and Suehiro-cho area: perfect setting for ladies in western dress with parasol in hand

5 to 7-min. ride on the trolley from Hakodate Station

Motomachi Tourist Information Center

Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward The colonial-style hall built by a Japanese architect in 1913 has now become one of Japan's important cultural assets. Tremendous amount of funds were invested into this building which is extravagant inside as well as outside. There are special services for visitors who wish to dress up in western-style formal wear and have their photographs taken here. Admission: Adults 300 yen / Open everyday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (closes at 5 p.m. November through March), closed irregularly September - April / 0138-22-1001 Take the trolley to Suehiro-cho and walk 8 min.

Old British Consulate of Hakodate (Opening-port Memorial Hall) The current building was reconstructed in 1913. Also known as the Opening-port Memorial Hall, the former Consulate has numerous displays of references regarding Hakodate during its port opening and historic exchanges with countries overseas including England. In response to popular demand, the former Consulate building has begun holding wedding ceremonies. (0138-27-8159) Admission: Adults 300 yen / Open everyday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (closes at 5 p.m. November - March) Take the trolley to Suehiro-cho and walk 6 min.

Hakodate Orthodox Church

Take the trolley to Jujigai and walk 12 min.

St. John's Church A missionary by the name of Denning had this church built in 1874. The current church building which is in the shape of a cross when seen from above was renovated in 1979. Advance notice is required for visitors who wish to observe the inside of the building. / 0138-23-5584 Take the trolley to Jujigai and walk 13 min.

Catholic Motomachi Church Mermete de Cachon, a French missionary, originally had a temporary church building constructed. The building, however, suffered numerous incidents of fire until the current church was constructed in 1924. This church features Gothic architecture and the only altar in Japan that has been presented by the Vatican Pope as a gift. Admission free (no admission during special events) / Open everyday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed in the a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays) / 0138-22-6877 Take the trolley to Jujigai and walk 11 min.

Chinese Memorial Hall Carpenters, sculptors, and lacquer craftsmen were invited from Shanghai by Chinese merchants living in Hakodate who lost their communal hall during the fire in 1907. Being the only one of its kind in Japan, the building features architecture typical of the late Ch'ing dynasty era. The brick building has an extravagant interior decorated with lacquer and gold. Amid the western-style atmosphere of Hakodate, this hall proudly stands as manifestation of Hakodate's trade with China that began upon the port establishment. Admission: Adults 500 yen / Open everyday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (subject to change according to season), closed November - March / 0138-22-5660 Take the trolley to Suehiro-cho and walk 7 min.

A walk up the slopes in Motomachi The slopes enhances the atmosphere of Motomachi. Put on a pair of comfortable shoes and take a nice walk up the hills. Most of the slopes lead to the port, and the view is magnificent. Hachiman-zaka slope is frequently used for television programs and commercials for the scenic setting.

Illuminated evenings show interesting contrast to the daytime atmosphere

The Hakodate Morning Market will make you wish you had another stomach Roughly 400 stores line the Hakodate Morning Market located near the west exit of JR Hakodate Station. Fresh seafood as well as fruits, vegetables, and dried food are available here. Try fresh sea urchins, salmon roe, or scallops on a bed of rice at any of the market's numerous cafeterias. Open everyday 5 a.m. - 12 p.m. / 0138-22-7981 Near JR Hakodate Station west exit.

Jiyu Ichiba (Free Market) is celebrated as the revival of Hakodate's public kitchen Jiyu Ichiba, better known as the public kitchen of Hakodate, is located near the Central Post Office. After it burned down in a major fire in 1995, the market has made a remarkable come back. The vigorous calls of the vendors have returned to the lively market which boasts high quality products and eateries. Open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., closed Sundays / 0138-27-2200 Take the trolley to Shinkawa-cho and walk 2 min.