Hafen
Hakodate

Gain a greater understanding of life in Hakodate by visiting a thriving marketplace, riding the tram to the city’s highest point, and strolling through a historic neighborhood. Travel through the picturesque streets of Hakodate, one of the first ports that opened to foreign trade following Japan’s period of self-isolation. Stop at the Morning Market, which spans nearly four city blocks. The marketplace is a wonderful place to observe daily life, as the locals bustle among hundreds of stalls, most featuring fresh seafood. You can expect to see familiar items such as squid, salmon roe and Atka mackerel, as well as more unusual ingredients like jellyfish, fermented carp and barnacles. Locals also come here for fruit, spices and domburi rice bowls. Board an aerial tram that will carry you nearly a half mile to the summit of forested Mount Hakodate, an extinct volcano. The views along the way and from the top of the mountain, weather permitting, will be spectacular. As you approach, be sure to notice the mountain’s shape, which resembles a “cow lying down,” the mountain’s odd nickname. You will also have the opportunity to stroll the streets of Motomachi, a district at the foot of the mountains where most foreigners lived after Hakodate was opened to the west in 1854. Architectural highlights include a Russian Orthodox church and the former British consulate

Cruise through the serene waters of Lake Onuma, and then hike around its enchanting coastline as a prelude to a wine sampling at one of Hokkaido’s wineries. Enjoy a scenic drive to Onuma Quasi-National Park, a beautiful landscape of forests and volcanically formed lakes. Lake Onuma was formed when Mt. Komagatake erupted and the lava flow from the mountain dammed the river, creating the lake. Upon arriving, embark on a boat and cruise around the shimmering lake, which is typically calm and brilliantly blue. Being a volcanic lake, the water is relatively acidic and somewhat uninhabitable for marine creatures. Even so, you may well see waterfowl, ruddy kingfishers and white-tailed eagles soaring overhead. The most dramatic sight (weather dependent) in the park will surely be Mount Komagatake, an active volcano that dominates the landscape to the north. You should have an excellent view of the graceful mountain while cruising the lake and later while hiking a nature trail through the park. Expect to enjoy panoramic views of southwestern Hokkaido as you cross the bridges linking the small islands in Lake Onuma. Grape vines flourish in Hokkaido’s rich volcanic soil, and on the way back to the pier, you’ll stop a winery to taste of the local product.

Sit back and relax on this orientation tour through Hakodate that takes in the key landmarks, including Mount Hakodate, an extinct volcano that looms over the city. Enjoy the views of Hakodate from the comfort of your motor coach. Hakodate is one of the first ports that opened to foreign trade following Japan’s period of self-isolation, which ended with the Kanagawa Treaty of 1854. It has now grown to become the island’s third largest city, even though its land is somewhat limited by mountains and the sea. Along the way, see the Motomachi district, where most foreigners lived after the city was opened to the west. The Kanemori red-brick warehouses, along Hakodate’s waterfront, are also worth noting. Each area offers a historical perspective of Hakodate. Still, the highlight is the panoramic drive to the top of Mount Hakodate, an extinct volcano now covered with forest. Weather permitting, the summit offers spectacular sweeping views in every direction and is the best vantage point to see the urban sprawl below. Before returning to the pier, you will also have the chance to stretch your legs while pausing for photos in the Hachiman-zaka area.

Explore the picturesque beauty and landmarks of Hakodate during this full-day sightseeing excursion to the city and its environs.

Hakodate Morning Market and Lunch

After meeting your guide, depart the pier and walk to the Hakodate Morning Market. Upon arrival, take a guided stroll through this bustling market, which is engulfed by cars and people from the time the 400 stalls. Discover an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, including squid, salmon eggs, sea urchins and the hairy crabs for which Hokkaido is famous. The garden also offers fresh, locally-grown vegetables, along with flowers and household goods.

Goryokaku Park and Hakodate Magistrate's Office

Next, board your coach for a short drive to the Goryokaku Park and Tower. The park is home to the remaining walls of Japan's first Western-style fort. The fort is named Goryokaku or 'Pentagon Fort' due to its star shape. Nothing is left of the citadel, which was constructed by the Togukawa Shogunate to defend Japan and the Magistrate's office against the threats from the north. At Goryokaku Tower, guests will ride the elevator up to the Observation Deck of the 351 foot tall (107 metre tall) tower at the park entrance, and take in splendid views of the park, fort, Mt. Hakodate and the downtown area. Enjoy a stroll through the park to the Hakodate Magistrate's Office, which provides a stunning example of traditional Samurai (Edo) architecture.

Mount Hakodate Overlook

After lunch, your tour continues with a drive to the Mount Hakodate Overlook or 'Hakodateyama'. Upon arrival, take one way only the Hakodate Ropeway (cable car) up to the all-weather observatory at the 1,100-foot (335-metre) summit, which offers panoramic views over the surrounding area (weather permits).

Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse

Following your visit at Mt. Hakodate, re-board your coach and drive down to the Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse area. Remodelled in 1988 as part of the redevelopment of Hakodate's waterfront, this area's old, red-brick warehouses have been converted into bars and restaurants.  

Your tour concludes with an approximate 15-minute drive back to the pier.

(Hakodate cable car will not be operated due to the bad weather. In this case, the tour will go up/ down to Mt. Hakodate by bus and may partially vary the tour itinerary)

Take a journey through Northern Japan's epic past during this scenic and informative half-day museum tour of Hakodate, with a visit to Mount Hakodate and the waterfront red brick warehouse district.

Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples

Depart the pier for the morning drive into Hakodate and the Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples, which is located in an old bank building on the Motoi-zaka slope leading away from the consulate. During your visit, you view exhibits of valuable tools and ethnological materials that were collected over many years by Professors Osamu Baba and Sakuzaemon Kodama, and used by the Ainu people in their daily life. Learn about the people across Eastern Siberia and the Alaskan Islands.

Mount Hakodate

Next, your drive proceeds up to the Mount Hakodate Overlook, or 'Hakodateyama'. Reaching the summit with the  Hakodate Ropeway(cable car), arrive at the observatory at 1,100 feet (335 metres) for panoramic views over the surrounding area. After admiring the vista, drive back to downtown Hakodate to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse district.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Area

This waterfront area was once the site of shipyards and foreign settlements and since about 1879, it prospered as a warehouse zone. The original buildings were destroyed by fire but were rebuilt in 1909. The Kanemori logo on these buildings once symbolized the trade-port of Hakodate. Re-modeled in 1988 as part of a waterfront area redevelopment with a theme of 'the old and the new', these buildings house shops, restaurants, galleries and meeting areas, while still offering a glimpse into Hakodate's golden age of shipping.

Following some free time to explore, re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier.

(Hakodate cable car will not be operated due to the bad weather. In this case, the tour will go up/ down to Mt. Hakodate by bus and may partially vary the tour itinerary)

Discover the local lifestyle, culture and history of Hakodate during this scenic, half-day orientation tour of the city.

Hakodate Morning Market

Depart the pier for the brief walk to the Hakodate Morning Market. Upon arrival, take a guided stroll through this bustling market, which is engulfed by cars and people from the time the 400 stalls open at 5 a.m. Discover an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, including squid, salmon eggs, sea urchins and the hairy crabs for which Hokkaido is famous. The market also offers fresh, locally-grown vegetables, along with flowers and household goods.

Goryokaku Park and Tower

Next, board your coach and drive to Goryokaku Park. The park is home to the remaining walls of Japan's first Western-style fort. The fort is named Goryokaku, or 'Pentagon Fort' due to its star shape. Nothing is left of the citadel, which was constructed by the Togukawa Shogunate to defend Japan against the threats from the north. During your visit, you can ride the elevator up to the Observation Deck of the 351-foot-tall (107-metre-tall) tower at the park entrance, and take in splendid views of the park, fort, Mt. Hakodate and the downtown area.

Mount Hakodate

Leaving Hakodate Morning Market, your drive proceeds up to the Mount Hakodate Overlook, or 'Hakodateyama'. Upon arrival, take one way only the Hakodate Ropeway (cable car) up to the all-weather observatory at the 1,100-foot (335-metre) summit, which offers panoramic views over the surrounding area (weather permitting).

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximate 40-minute drive back to the pier.

(Hakodate cable car will not be operated due to the bad weather. In this case, the tour will go up/ down to Mt. Hakodate by bus and may partially vary the tour itinerary)

Indulge your senses with the pristine natural beauty of Hakodate during this invigorating walking tour at Onuma National Park.

Onuma National Park

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate one-hour drive to Onuma National Park, which is renowned for its picturesque, island-dotted lakes and dormant volcano, Mount Komaga-take. At approximately 3,937 feet (about1,200 metres), Mount Komaga-take is a prominent feature of the landscape in this part of southern Hokkaido.

Thanks to a temperate climate and a combination of heavy rainfall and melting snow, the area is a paradise for bird-life and boasts an abundance of diverse vegetation. The park's most attractive area is located between the two lakes, Onuma and Konuma (large and small lakes), which are explored on foot during your 1.5-2-hour guided nature walking tour.

The walking trails meander between the lakes' peninsulas and islands, several of which are connected by small bridges. Your guide serves as a translator for the Japanese-speaking nature guide.

Following your walking tour, re-board your coach for the approximate one-hour drive back to the pier.

Depart the pier for approximately 30-minute drive to Kappo-ryokan Wakamatsu, which has retained its position as a leading establishment in Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen, a prominent tourist destination in Hokkaido. Learn the secrets of making the tasty dashi broths essential to Japanese cuisine and savour a traditional Japanese kaiseki (fine dining) lunch; hosted by Michelin-starred Chef Narita at the 100-year-old Kappo-ryokan Wakamatsu.

An Authentic Culinary Experience: Kappo-ryokan, dashi, kaiseki and a Michelin Star

Visit the kitchen of Hakodate’s renowned Kappo-ryokan Wakamatsu, a traditional Japanese inn, to learn the secrets of preparing dashi, the broths which are at the foundation of Japanese cuisine. Michelin-starred Chef Narita will share his personal broth preparation techniques using carefully selected dried bonito flakes and top-quality kelp sourced from southern Hokkaido. Following this tutorial, you’ll savour a traditional kaiseki lunch prepared by Chef Narita. Often considered to be the haute cuisine of Japan, kaiseki is a tasting course showcasing a variety of small dishes incorporating the principal of shun, or using ingredients at the peak of their freshness. Chef Narita plans a menu of his signature dishes including appetizers, simmered dishes, sashimi, squid somen noodles, grilled fish, pickled vegetables, soups, rice and desserts.

About Chef Narita

Chef Narita, who has been awarded a Michelin star, has shared that he “will not compromise quality when entrusted with the finest ingredients that farmers and fishermen put their hearts and souls into every day.” His Wakamatsu is legendary and has been enjoyed by high-profile celebrities, cultural figures, and foreign VIPs from all over the world.

About the Venue

Founded in 1922, Kappo-ryokan Wakamatsu has maintained its reputation of unparalleled hospitality making it a perennial favourite in Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen, an area revered for its beautiful hot springs. With views of the Tsugaru Straits, the dining room features traditional Japanese design elements, including tatami mats that have been an important part of Japanese culture for centuries. The restaurant also offers a selection of chairs and tables suitable for Japanese-style rooms.

Explore Hakodate at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Hakodate at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Hakodate at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Hakodate at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Discover the beauty, culture and charm of Hakodate on-foot during this delightful, half-day walking tour through this historic city.

Hakodate Morning Market

Depart the pier for the brief walk to Hakodate Station. Upon arrival, take a guided stroll through the bustling Hakodate Morning Market, which is engulfed by cars and people from the time the 400 stalls open at 5 a.m. Discover an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, including squid, salmon eggs, sea urchins and the hairy crabs for which Hokkaido is famous. The garden also offers fresh, locally-grown vegetables, along with flowers and household goods.

Motomachi District, Churches, and Old Public Hall of Hakodate Hall

Next, board a tram at the Hakodate-ekimae Tram Station for the short ride to Suehirocho Station. Upon arrival, walk up the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Hall which is a notable historic building in Hakodate, designated as important cultural property. It has a magnificent main hall and rooms reserved for special guests. When members of the Imperial family visited Hakodate, they stayed and rested in the rooms. After that you will have a time to stroll around the inclined streets of the Motomachi District. Along the way, see historic churches such as the Gothic-style Motomachi Roman Catholic Church, famous for the altar presented to it by Pope Benedict XV. The view from atop the hill is stunning, and reflects the contrast between the hill, churches and shoreline.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Your tour continues to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. Remodeled in 1988 as part of the redevelopment of Hakodate's waterfront, this area's old, red-brick warehouses have been converted into bars and restaurants. Some free time is made available here for shopping and exploration before returning to the Jujigai Station for the tram -ride to the Hakodate-ekimae Station. Upon arrival, commence the approximately 15-minutes walking back to the pier.

Discover the beauty, culture and charm of Hakodate on-foot during this delightful, half-day walking tour through this historic city.

Hakodate Morning Market

Depart the pier for the brief walk to Hakodate Station. Upon arrival, take a guided stroll through the bustling Hakodate Morning Market, which is engulfed by cars and people from the time the 400 stalls open at 5 a.m. Discover an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, including squid, salmon eggs, sea urchins and the hairy crabs for which Hokkaido is famous. The garden also offers fresh, locally-grown vegetables, along with flowers and household goods.

Motomachi District and Churches

Next, board a tram at the Hakodate-ekimae Tram Station for the short ride to Jujigai Station. Upon arrival, walk up the inclined streets of the Motomachi District. Along the way, see historic churches such as the Gothic-style Motomachi Roman Catholic Church, famous for the altar presented to it by Pope Benedict XV. The view from atop the hill is stunning, and reflects the contrast between the hill, churches and shoreline.

Mount Hakodate and Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Your tour continues with a Hakodate Ropeway cable car-ride up to the all-weather observatory at the 1,100-foot (335-metre) summit, which offers spectacular panoramic vistas over the surrounding area (weather permitting). Afterward the cable car down, your walking tour continues on-foot to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. Remodelled in 1988 as part of the redevelopment of Hakodate's waterfront, this area's old, red-brick warehouses have been converted into bars and restaurants. Some free time is made available here for shopping and exploration before returning to the Jujigai Station for the tram-ride to the Hakodate-mae Station. Upon arrival, commence the approximately 10-minute walking back to the pier.

(Hakodate cable car will not be operated due to the bad weather. In this case, the tour will go up/ down to Mt. Hakodate by bus and may partially vary the tour itinerary)

Enjoy your half-day tour will visit two famous sights that contrast the Trappistine Convent (Western style garden) and the Goryokaku Park (Hakodate Old Magistrate's office. Goryokaku is a place famous for cherry blossoms during the season (Late April to Early May)

Trappistine Convent

Temples and shrines abound in every Japanese town, but Hakodate is one of the few places home to a Trappistine Convent. Peaceful and quiet, the convent is steeped in history and Catholic culture. Take in the beautiful buildings and surroundings, while learning about the lives of the nuns residing here. The Trappists brought unique European architecture with them to Japan. The beautiful red-brick buildings combine Gothic and Romanesque architecture. While most buildings are closed to the public, visit the museum to see many photos of the convent's interior. Approximately 80 nuns are living at the Convent at any given time. Devoted to hard work and prayer, the nuns start their day at 3.30am and retire at 7.45pm. The women pray 7 times throughout the day. The Trappist convent was established in the 19^th century and its formal name is "Our Lady of the Lighthouse Trappist Monastery".

Goryokaku Park and Hakodate Magistrate's Office

The park is home to the remaining walls of Japan's first Western -style fort. The fort is named Goryokaku or 'Pentagon Fort' due to its star shape. Nothing is left of the citadel, which was constructed by the Togukawa Shogunate to defend Japan and the Magistrate's office against the threats from the north. The Magistrate's Offie building was completed in 1864.

At Goryokaku Tower, guests will ride the elevator up to the Observation Deck of the 351ft (107m) tower at the park entrance, and take in splendid views of the park, Fort, Mt. Hakodate and the downtown area. Enjoy a stroll through the park to the Hakodate Magistrate's Office, which provides a stunning example of traditional Samurai (Edo) architecture.

This tour concludes back at the pier.