Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Hakodate Asaichi is a popular spot that is only a 1-minute walk from Hakodate Station. The market traces its roots back to 1945, just after the end of the war, when farmers in the neighborhood began selling vegetables and fruits standing in front of Hakodate Station. The market is lined with approximately 250 stores selling a wide variety of fresh Hokkaido produce, including crab, salmon, and other seafood, as well as vegetables and fruits sold directly from farms. Other items include delicacies, snacks, and daily necessities. Some stores run out of stock by midday, so it is best to visit early.

At the “Live Squid Fishing Pond” in the “Ekini Market,” where seasonal seafood is available, you can enjoy the special experience of catching your own squid and tasting it as sashimi. Other popular spots include “Hakodate Asaichi Hiroba,” which has a produce area, direct sales, and even a food court, and “Donburi Yokocho Market,” where you can enjoy fresh seafood rice bowls.

In recent years, new services such as “Select Asaichi,” a unique certification system, “Tamatebako,” a special assortment of products, and the “Smartphone Asaichi” mail-order website have been developed one after another.

One of the three major hot spring villages in Hokkaido, Yunokawa Onsen is an ancient hot spring famous for curing the intractable illness of the lord of the Matsumae Clan. Located near Hakodate Airport and downtown Hakodate, it is recommended as a base for sightseeing in Hakodate. In the hot spring resort area, there are many inns and hotels where you can enjoy Hokkaido's delicacies, and the view of the Tsugaru Straits while soaking in the hot spring is also very picturesque. The fishing fires of squid fishing boats, which can be seen only from June to December, are especially spectacular. The free footbath in the corner of the hot spring resort is a popular spot for both residents and tourists, and is a perfect place to take a break from strolling.

The Hakodate Magistrate's Office was a government office newly established by the Edo shogunate in the late Edo period. With the opening of Hakodate port during the final years of the shogunate, it served as a base for northern defense and a site for diplomatic interactions with foreign countries.

In 1864 (Genji 1), the office was newly rebuilt and relocated within the star-shaped fortress of Goryokaku, constructed to protect the magistrate's office at the foot of Hakodate Mountain. Following the end of the Hakodate War, in 1871 (Meiji 4), the office building was dismantled by the Meiji government.

However, after approximately 140 years, it was restored in 2010 (Heisei 22). The restoration utilized construction techniques and materials from the same regions as those used in the original structure, and approximately one-third of the building was brought back to life.

Inside, visitors can experience the Edo period through features like the 72-mat grand hall and learn about the history of Goryokaku and the restoration process.

The 107-meter-high tower is located in Goryokaku Park. From the second floor of the 90-meter-high observation deck, visitors can look down on an almost complete view of the star-shaped Goryokaku. Beautiful scenes unfold in each of the four seasons, from spring tinted pink with cherry blossoms, fresh greenery in summer, autumn with autumn leaves, and winter with snowy landscapes and illumination, as well as a 360-degree panoramic view of the city of Hakodate, Mount Hakodate, the Tsugaru Straits, and on clear days, the Shimokita Peninsula in the distance.

The Goryokaku Historical Corridor, located in the center of the second floor of the observation deck, displays the history of Goryokaku in an easy-to-understand manner. A model of Goryokaku as it looked when it was completed, a diorama of 16 views, and a graphic display of the history of Hakodate and Goryokaku are all worth seeing! There is also a bronze statue of Hijikata Toshizo, vice chief of the Shinsengumi, who was killed in the Hakodate War.

The atrium on the first floor, which is filled with sunlight, is a relaxing space that anyone can freely use. A café stand is also available, making it the perfect place to take a break from strolling. On the stage, exhibitions, concerts, and other events are held. There are also a variety of stores and restaurants offering a wide range of original items related to Goryokaku and Hijikata Toshizo.

Tobetsu Trappist Monastery is Japan’s first men’s Catholic monastery and was constructed in 1896. The Gothic-style red-brick building is surrounded by natural beauty and has a dignified and calming presence. A stoic row of trees lines the path leading up to the monastery entrance, giving the building a quiet and secluded atmosphere. Visitors can view the archives that are on display inside the monastery, or sample the popular fermented butter and cookies that are made by the monks themselves. About a 1km walk from the front gate lies the Lourdes Caves, a place created in reverence to the French town in which the Mother Mary appeared to residents.

Esashi Oiwake Kaikan
Located in Esashi, a port town in southern Hokkaido, exhibits the long history of folk songs in Hokkaido. The place's origins and name derive from one of Hokkaido's most important folk songs, the melody and lyrics adapted from a song that was transmitted on merchant ships during the Edo period (1603-1868). In between learning about the form and content of folk music, its heritage and preservation in the Kaikan, why not take a singing lesson on-site? If you have the chance to visit Esashi in late Sep., be sure to see the finale of the Esashi Oiwake national competition, which will feature 440 of his singers from all over Japan.

Esashi Yama Kaikan (In Esashi, the Hikiyama is called "Yama")
The Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival is Hokkaido’s oldest festival, dating back 370 years. From August 9 to 11, the streets of historic trading town Esashi are filled with people as 13 magnificent multi-tiered floats, known as yama, parade through the town accompanied by traditional music as an expression of gratitude for the year’s herring catch. If you are visiting outside of the festival period, be sure to check out the Esashi Float Hall. Here, two of the eye-catching floats are displayed on rotation along with other goods and an explanation of the festival’s fascinating history.

Onuma Quasi-National Park is only a short 30 minutes from Hakodate by train. This popular sightseeing spot makes a great day trip for those staying in the area and a good stopover on your way in or out of Hakodate. Explore this beautiful area dotted with lakes and islets formed by the majestic Mount Komagatake volcano and decorated by the graceful bridges of Japanese traditional landscape gardens. This park is a wonder throughout all four seasons. In Summer, why not try boat touring, Canadian canoeing, or cycling to further peruse this gorgeous landscape? The small islands are connected by bridges, so go island-hopping regardless of the season and find your own special spot! In the Autumn, don’t miss the photo opportunity from Kotsuki Bridge, famous for its breathtaking views of the Fall foliage.