ARTICLES
A Complete Guide to the Hakodate Pilgrimage Spots from the Conan Movie "The Million-dollar Pentagram"!
We're introducing the real-life locations in Hakodate that served as the backdrop for the blockbuster hit movie "Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram." Take a tour of the stages where Conan Edogawa, Heiji Hattori, and Kaito Kid raced through, such as Goryokaku Park and the Mt. Hakodate Observatory, and step into the world of the movie.
If you have the movie pamphlet, you can refer to it alongside this guide to deepen your understanding of the connection between the story and each spot. Furthermore, if you have the "Hakodate City Tour Map," we've included the corresponding numbers, so you can discover even more of Hakodate's charms with the map in hand during your trip!
1. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (in front of Hakodate Nishi Hatoba)
The area in front of Hakodate's Nishi Hatoba (West Pier), a key location in the movie, is right by the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse complex, a symbol of the Hakodate Bay Area. Located in the city's bay area, the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses are a major tourist destination in Hakodate, a city with a rich history as an international trading port. The warehouses, which were rebuilt in 1909 and still stand today, are now used as a shopping mall, beer hall, and event space, bustling with tourists all year round.
The complex includes facilities like the "Hakodate History Plaza," "Kanemori Hall," "Kanemori Youbutsukan (Western Goods Museum)," and "BAY Hakodate," housing a variety of shops and restaurants. In winter, it also hosts large-scale events such as the "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy."
■ Location: 13-9 Suehiro-cho, Hakodate
■ Hakodate City Tour Map ③
Click here for details and map information for the "Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse"
2. Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward is a masterpiece of Western-style architecture from the Meiji era, built in 1910. After extensive preservation and restoration work completed in 2021, it has been returned to its original splendor. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property, this building features a unique blend of Japanese and Western design. The VIP room on the second floor has a luxurious interior and was even used by members of the Imperial family.
When you visit, be sure to stop by the costume hall to dress up in a long dress or a Meiji-era "Haikara-san" style outfit. Explore the historic building in elegant style and enjoy the stunning view from the balcony overlooking the port.
■ Location: 11-13 Motomachi, Hakodate
■ Admission Fee: General 300 yen / Students & Children 150 yen
■ Hakodate City Tour Map ④
Click here for details and map information for the "Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward"
3. Mt. Hakodate Observatory (Mt. Hakodate Ropeway)
The Mt. Hakodate Observatory is a spot that captivates all visitors with its magnificent panoramic view of Hakodate city and its surroundings. A short 3-minute aerial journey on the ropeway will take you from the base to the summit. From the rooftop observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Hakodate cityscape, the Tsugaru Strait, and the seasonal beauty of Mt. Hakodate. The night view is so beautiful it's famously known as the "million-dollar night view."
The first floor of the observatory houses the summit station and a waiting lobby, while the second-floor restaurant and third-floor tea lounge allow you to enjoy the scenery while dining.
■ Ropeway Operating Hours
April 20 - September 30: First departure 10:00 AM - Last descent 10:00 PM
October 1 - April 19: First departure 10:00 AM - Last descent 9:00 PM
■ Ropeway Fare
Round trip: Adult (Junior high school and older) 1,800 yen / Child 900 yen
One way: Adult (Junior high school and older) 1,200 yen / Child 600 yen
■ Hakodate City Tour Map ⑤
Click here for details and map information for the "Mt. Hakodate Observatory (Mt. Hakodate Ropeway)"
4. Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku Park is known as the site of the Battle of Hakodate, the final battle of the Boshin War, and served as the last stronghold for the former shogunate forces, including Enomoto Takeaki and Hijikata Toshizo. The park is called Goryokaku because of its star-shaped pentagonal design. In spring, about 1,530 cherry blossom trees and other flowers adorn the park, attracting many locals during the Golden Week holidays. The "Hanaikada" (flower rafts), a breathtaking sight of cherry blossom petals covering the moat's surface, deeply moves visitors.
The reconstructed Hakodate Magistrate's Office is another highlight, and the park is also equipped with walking paths perfect for a stroll or relaxation.
■ Location: 44-2 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate
■ Hakodate City Tour Map ⑤
Click here for details and map information for "Goryokaku Park"
5. Goryokaku Tower
Goryokaku Tower is an iconic Hakodate landmark offering a panoramic view of the star-shaped Goryokaku fortress. Since the original tower was built in 1964, it has evolved with the region's history, and in 2006, a new, taller, and more modern 107-meter tower was opened. From Goryokaku Tower, you can enjoy a magnificent view that includes Mt. Hakodate, the Tsugaru Strait, and the changing seasonal landscapes.
The observation deck is designed in a pentagonal shape, and popular attractions for visitors include the "Goryokaku Historical Corridor," where you can learn deeply about the history of Goryokaku, and the "See-through Floor," a reinforced glass floor that lets you see straight down.
■ Location: 43-9 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate
■ Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
■ Admission: Adults 1,000 yen / Junior & Senior High School Students 750 yen / Elementary School Students 550 yen
■ Hakodate City Tour Map ⑦
Click here for details and map information for "Goryokaku Tower"
6. Hokkaido Toshogu Shrine
The shrine grounds feature a water basin with bullet marks from the Battle of Hakodate and guardian lion-dog statues that survived the Great Hakodate Fire of 1934, telling visitors stories of its history. The original shrine building was burned down during the Battle of Hakodate. The sacred object that barely survived was moved multiple times within the city before being relocated to its current site in 1992, at which time it was given its present name.
■ Location: 82-153 Jinkawa-cho, Hakodate
■ Hakodate City Tour Map ⑧
Click here for details and map information for "Hokkaido Toshogu Shrine"
7. Hakodate City Tram - Yunokawa Stop
The Hakodate City Tram boasts a history of over 100 years, having started operations in 1913. It began as the first horse-drawn railway north of Tokyo and was later electrified in response to public demand, undergoing numerous changes to become what it is today. It's a popular mode of transport for both locals and tourists, and its retro appearance adds color to the streets of Hakodate.
The Yunokawa stop is located at the entrance to Yunokawa Onsen, one of the most famous hot spring areas in Southern Hokkaido, and a stroll around the area is highly recommended. You can enjoy a charming Hakodate hot spring trip along with the city tram.
■ Hakodate City Tour Map ⑨
Click here for details and map information for the "Hakodate City Tram - Yunokawa Stop"
8. Hachimanzaka Slope
Named after the Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine that once stood at the top of the hill, this slope is cherished as one of Hakodate's most iconic viewpoints. The road leads from the Red Brick Warehouses up to Mt. Hakodate, and the view from the bottom of Hakodate Nishi High School at the end of the slope is absolutely breathtaking.
During the winter "Hakodate Illumination" period, the roadside trees and stone pavement are beautifully lit up, offering a different charm depending on the season.
■ Location: Motomachi, Hakodate
Click here for details and map information for "Hachimanzaka Slope"
Bonus: Summary of Conan Movie Collaboration Events
To celebrate the movie's release, various events are being held throughout Hakodate, the film's setting, including a stamp rally visiting each spot and specially wrapped Hakodate City trams. Additionally, with exhibitions and collaboration cafes in Sapporo, the area is truly painted in Conan colors. For more information on Detective Conan collaboration events, we've compiled them here. Please use it as a reference for your outing.