Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Mt. Hakodate offers a panoramic view of Hakodate's cityscape. The spectacular view created by the unique topography has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide. The observation deck at the summit, standing at 334 m above sea level, is a popular spot for enjoying panoramic views as well as beautiful night views. The mountain is rich in nature, and is the habitat of approximately 600 plant species and 150 wild bird species. There is a hiking route that takes about one hour to reach the base of the mountain, so you can take a walk while reveling in the beautiful natural scenery.

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.

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.

This hot spring area, said to have opened in 1247, boasts the oldest history in Hokkaido. Known for its various benefits, such as healing burns and gastrointestinal diseases, it has long been cherished as a therapeutic hot spring. The solitary inn nestled in the vast nature features five naturally occurring hot spring sources, offering a variety of spring qualities. The two separate indoor baths for men and women are proud of their robustly built rock baths, with layers of petrified hot spring deposits 'yunohana' as a testament to its history. In recent years, the inn has added more barrier-free rooms and also accepts day-trip visitors.

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.