A trip to see one of the best three night views of Japan and the world (three days)
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Days required
- Three days, two nights
- Main methods of transportation
- JR/Streetcar
There are 12 airports in Hokkaido, so you can enjoy your trip in more ways just by changing the airports that you start and end the trip from.
This section introduces a unique Hokkaido trip that makes use of the various airports.
<Airports used in this trip>
Start: Hakodate Airport
Goal: New Chitose Airport
This luxurious trip takes you to see the night views from Mt. Hakodate, counted among one of the three best night views in the world, and the night views of Sapporo City, certified as one of Japan's new three most spectacular night views. Visit two sightseeing cities and enjoy the breathtaking views alongside gourmet delights!
Click here for information about what to wear on your trip to Hokkaido
- * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
[Start] Hakodate Airport
Embark on your trip at Hakodate Airport
There are flights from all parts of Japan to Hakodate Airport, including flights from Haneda Airport.
For details, please check the website of Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd.
Hakodate Station
Start with sightseeing in Hakodate!
From Hakodate Station, transfer to the Hakodate City Tram (streetcar).
Hakodate Haikara-go
The popular, instagrammable retro streetcar
Travel in the city on the Hakodate Haikara-go, a streetcar that roams the streets of Hakodate! The retro exterior and interior of this streetcar makes it a popular attraction. It operates only for a limited period and mainly on weekends and national holidays during the operating period (does not operate during bad weather, such as rainy days).
- Address
- Hakodate City Tram Komaba Garage, 15-1 Komaba-cho, Hakodate City
- Telephone Number
- 0138-52-1273
- Open
- Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from April to October
Western District walk
From the "Hakodate Ekimae" stop, alight at Suehiro-cho.
Take a walk around the Western District, where many retro and historical buildings have been preserved.
Retro spots in the Western District
- Hachiman-zaka Slope
- Hachiman-zaka Slope is a popular viewing spot with beautiful views of blue seas spreading out at the foot of the straight slope. There are steps with handrails on the side of the walkway, so even those who have difficulty walking on slopes can enjoy the walk safely.
- https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10089.html
- Hakodate Orthodox Church
- A Western-style building that is representative of Hakodate's exotic cityscape. It is the first Russian Orthodox church in Japan, and was built in 1860. It has been designated a national important cultural property.
- https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10017.html
- Motomachi Roman Catholic Church
- A Roman Catholic church founded in 1859 by the French missionary, Mermet-Cachon. There is an altar gifted by Pope Benedict XV as an expression of sympathy after a fire, and is the only valuable gift from a Pope that can be found in Japan.
- https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10101.html
- Hakodate St. John's Church
- A beautiful church with a roof that protrudes on four sides, making it look like a cross when seen from the sky. It is an English Protestant church that had its beginnings in 1874, when the British missionary Walter Dening visited Hakodate and conducted missionary activities.
- https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10092.html
- Former British Consulate of Hakodate
- A Western-style building with elegant white walls, designed by the Shanghai construction bureau of the British government and built in 1913. The Open Port Museum features panels introducing the history and culture of the opening of the port. There is also a tea room in the building.
- https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/spot/detail_10202.html
Mt. Hakodate Ropeway
Take your time to admire the beautiful scenery from the ropeway
Be moved by the views spreading out right below you from the ropeway! You can take your time to enjoy the seasonal views, from cherry blossoms to snowy landscapes. The ropeway operates from 10:00 until the last descent at 22:00 (21:00 from October 1 - April 19). You can enjoy different views depending on the time of the day, such as scenery of the rich natural landscape during the day, and the shimmering views at night. (Barrier-free, free loan of wheelchairs)
- Address
- 19-7 Motomachi, Hakodate City
- Telephone Number
- 0138-23-6288
- Open
- Operates every 15 minutes (at 5 - 10 minute intervals during busy times) from 10:00 - 22:00 (until 21:00 from October 1 to April 19). The last ascent departs 10 minutes before closing time.
- Closed
- Open year round (May be closed for regular inspection; please check beforehand)
Mt. Hakodate Observatory
Enjoy an exciting moment with a Michelin three-star night views
Mt. Hakodate is the symbol of Hakodate. Admire Hakodate's cityscape from the rooftop observatory and enjoy beautiful views that have been selected as three-star views in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Another highlight is the magical views at sunset.
- Address
- Mt. Hakodate Ropeway - Mountain Base Station, 19-7 Motomachi, Hakodate City
- Telephone Number
- 0138-23-3105
- Open
- 10:00 - 22:00 (varies depending on the season; operates at 15-minute intervals for both the ascent and descent)
- Closed
- Open year round
*May be closed for regular inspection around October to mid-November (please inquire)
Hakodate Hikari no Yatai Daimon Yokocho
Enjoy gourmet delights at famous food stalls
This is a "Yatai Mura" (a "village" of stalls) lined with more than 20 small eateries, located near Hakodate Station. Enjoy a wide range of gourmet delights such as seafood dishes and oden. Each stall can seat about 10 customers. Experience the unique atmosphere and comfort that only food stalls can offer.
- Address
- 7-5 Matsukaze-cho, Hakodate City
- Open
- 11:00 - 1:00 (opening hours and days vary depending on the store)
[Accommodation] Hakodate
Hakodate Morning Market
A fun morning market for shopping and eating!
The Hakodate Morning Market is described as a specialty of Hakodate. It is also easily accessible, just one minute on foot from Hakodate Station. A collection of about 250 stores offer a dizzying array of fresh ingredients from Hokkaido, including seafood such as crabs and salmon, as well as vegetables and fruits sold directly from the farms.
- Address
- 9-19 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate City
- Telephone Number
- 0138-22-7981
- Open
- 6:00 - 14:00 (January - April)
5:00 - 14:00 (May - December)
*Varies depending on the store - Closed
- Open year round *Varies depending on the store
Hakodate Station
Sapporo Station
Okurayama Observation Lounge
Spectacular views, as if you were standing at the top of a ski jump!
An observation lounge positioned on Okurayama Ski Jump, used for ski jump competitions in the 1972 Winter Olympics. The views from the lounge, which stands at the starting point of the 370-meter high ski jump, are spectacular! A grand panoramic view of Sapporo's cityscape spreads out beyond the approach.
You can take a two-seater lift or escalator to reach the observation lounge. The lift is the actual lift used by competitive ski jumpers.
- Address
- 1274 Miyanomori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City
- Telephone Number
- 011-641-8585
- Open
- Summer: (Around May - October) 8:30 - 18:00
(Extended nighttime hours: Around July - September) 18:00 - 21:00
(Winter: Around November - April) 9:00 - 17:00
*Ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing time
*The lift is not available for use on ski jum - Closed
- December 31 - January 1
Susukino
A great entertainment district in Hokkaido that is renowned across Japan
The largest entertainment district north of Tokyo and one of Japan's three greatest entertainment districts, Susukino is well-known across Japan.
Susukino, which some say has a nighttime population of about 80,000 people, is lined with about 3,500 shops of various genres, from restaurants and karaoke to hotels. Enjoy the excitement of the district that never sleeps!
- Address
- Chuo-ku, Sapporo City
- Telephone Number
- 011-518-2005
[Accommodation] Sapporo
Nijo Market
Hokkaido's blessings of nature under one roof at this historical market of over 125 years old!
Nijo Market, located at the heart of Sapporo, is a lively market resonating with the highly spirited voices of sellers. Find the souvenir that you have been looking for from among the wide range of fresh seafood, such as crabs, salmon, and salmon roe, as well as processed marine products and fruits, available at the fishmongers and local specialty shops!
- Address
- 1-2 chome, Minami 3-Jo Higashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City
- Telephone Number
- 011-222-5308
- Open
- 7:00 - 18:00 (varies depending on the store)
- Closed
- Varies depending on the store
Shiroi Koibito Park
A sweets theme park where you can see, learn, savor, and experience.
Observe the production process of Sapporo's representative confectionery, "Shiroi Koibito," experience making sweets, and learn about the history of chocolate. There is also a cafe where you can sample original sweets. This is a theme park that everyone, from children to grownups, can enjoy!
- Address
- 2-11-36 Miyanosawa 2-Jo, Nishi-ku, Sapporo City
- Telephone Number
- 011-666-1481
- Open
- 10:00 - 17:00 (last entry at 16:00)
- Closed
- Open year round
JR Tower Observatory T38
360-degree panoramic views from the tallest point in Hokkaido!
JR Tower is directly linked to Sapporo Station. If you take the dedicated elevator all the way up to the top floor on the 38th floor, you will be rewarded with panoramic views from 160 m above the ground. Be captivated by the extraordinary scenery from the highest floor in Hokkaido.
- Address
- JR Tower 38F, Kita 5-Jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City
- Telephone Number
- 011-209-5500
- Open
- 10:00 - 22:00 (last entry at 21:30) *Subject to change due to events, etc.
- Closed
- Open year round
[Goal] New Chitose Airport
There are flights from New Chitose Airport to various parts of Japan.
For details, please check the website of Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd.