1. The "Million-Dollar Night View" Overlooking Hakodate City: Mt. Hakodate Observatory (Hakodate City)

A classic Hakodate sightseeing spot offering a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The view, created by the unique topography of the land sandwiched between the sea on both sides, and the sparkling nightscape in the crisp air are simply breathtaking. There is a restaurant on the second floor of the observatory and a tea lounge on the third, where you can enjoy a meal and the stunning view in a relaxed atmosphere. While you can reach the observatory by bus or car, the view from the ropeway that runs from the base to the summit is not to be missed.

2. A Famous Cherry Blossom Spot for History Buffs: Goryokaku Park (Hakodate City)

The star-shaped fortress, Goryokaku, was the final stronghold for the former shogunate forces led by Enomoto Takeaki and Hijikata Toshizo during the Battle of Hakodate, the last battle of the Boshin War. Today, it is known as Goryokaku Park, and the reconstructed Hakodate Magistrate's Office is a sight to behold. The 1,800-meter outer moat is a walking path, adorned with cherry blossoms in spring, and snow on the frozen moat and illuminations in winter.

3. A Treasure Trove of Hakodate's Signature Gourmet Food and Souvenirs: Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate City)

The red brick warehouses lining the bay area create a romantic atmosphere. The seven buildings operating as the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse are divided into themes: "BAY HAKODATE," "Kanemori Youbutsukan," "Hakodate History Plaza," and "Kanemori Hall," housing restaurants and souvenir shops. Not only can you enjoy shopping and dining, but various events are held throughout the seasons, always bustling with activity.

4. Savor Fresh Seafood: Hakodate Morning Market (Hakodate City)

A popular tourist spot located right next to Hakodate Station, this lively market features about 250 shops. You'll find a variety of Hokkaido's flavors, including fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits. At the market's eateries, you can enjoy seasonal tastes on the spot. It's a must-visit gourmet spot for any Hakodate tour.

5. A Beautiful Viewpoint from a Slope Leading to the Sea: Hachimanzaka Slope (Hakodate City)

This is one of Hakodate's most iconic viewpoints, offering a view from the slope leading up to Mt. Hakodate all the way to the sea. The cobblestone street and the straight, scenic view are beautiful, and it's also known as a filming location for commercials. In winter nights, you can enjoy the illuminated roadside trees and illuminations, offering different charms during the day and night.

6. The Last Castle Built in Japan: Matsumae Castle & Matsumae Castle Museum (Matsumae Town)

Matsumae Castle, officially named Fukuyama Castle, was the last castle built in Japan. It has a rich history, including being attacked by Shinsengumi vice-commander Hijikata Toshizo during the Boshin War from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era. It has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Castles in Japan" and a "Hokkaido Heritage" site. After the wooden keep was destroyed by fire, a reinforced concrete reconstruction was completed and opened as the Matsumae Castle Museum. It is also a popular spot for cherry blossoms in spring, creating a stunning contrast with the castle.

7. Stroll Through a Marsh with Over 100 Islands and Grand Nature: Onuma Quasi-National Park (Nanae Town)

The area around Onuma is one of the oldest natural parks in Japan, with its nature protected and park facilities developed as a Hokkaido prefectural park. With 126 large and small islands floating in three lakes, including Lake Onuma, the surrounding trees, water lilies, and aquatic plants showcase the beauty of nature in all four seasons. Especially during the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy a picturesque landscape as the entire lakeside is vividly colored.

8. Surrounded by Beautiful Nature in Every Season: Trappist Monastery (Hokuto City)

Its official name is "Our Lady of the Lighthouse Abbey, Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance," and it was founded as the first men's monastery in Japan. The "Trappist butter" and "Trappist cookies" made at this monastery are beloved by many and have become a representative souvenir of Hokkaido nationwide. The shop also sells soft-serve ice cream made with the popular Trappist butter.

9. Enjoy Gourmet Food, Shopping, and Sightseeing in Front of Hakodate Station: HAKOVIVA (Hakodate City)

This large commercial complex in front of Hakodate Station is a spot packed with Hakodate's charm, featuring local long-established stores and popular gourmet foods. In the retro-modern alley, you can enjoy a variety of tastes, including seafood, sweets, and Genghis Khan (grilled mutton). With accommodations and cafes also on site, it's a convenient base for sightseeing or a quick stop.

10. A New Shiroi Koibito Landmark with Hakodate-Exclusive Sweets and Experiences: Shiroi Koibito Hakodate Bay Museum (Hakodate City)

This is the first directly managed store in Hakodate by Ishiya Seika, known for "Shiroi Koibito," and is a hot new spot that just opened in April 2026. In a space that blends Japanese and Western styles utilizing a historic building, you can enjoy Hakodate-exclusive sweets and pies from an open kitchen. There are also plenty of photo spots designed to look like the inside of a ship and an experience corner where you can attach a custom label, making it perfect for sightseeing and souvenir shopping.

11. A Classic Strolling Spot in the Motomachi Area: Former British Consulate of Hakodate (Port Memorial Hall) (Hakodate City)

Used as the British Consulate until 1934, it was renovated in 1992 and opened to the public as the Port Memorial Hall. It's a spot where you can experience sitting in chairs that replicate the era and touching the furnishings. A 2023 renewal added a "Princess Photo Space" on the first floor, featuring bright red chairs, a robe, and a replica of a tiara actually used by Queen Elizabeth, where you can take photos as if you were a princess.

12. Experience an Exotic Atmosphere in Elegant Western-Style Attire: Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward (Hakodate City)

A representative historical building of Hakodate that blends Japanese and Western elements. The overall impact of the exterior is impressive, as are the detailed exhibits inside that explain the history of the Public Hall and its architectural features. You'll be captivated by the noble atmosphere of the intricate interior craftsmanship. The "Costume Hall," where you can wear gorgeous long dresses and elegant Western-style attire to experience an exotic mood, is also popular.

13. A Powerful Geyser Spraying Water Over 15 Meters High: Michi-no-Eki Shikabe Kanketsusen Park & Footbath (Shikabe Town)

This is a complex where you can enjoy Shikabe Town's specialty products, seafood, and hot springs. It includes the "Kanketsusen Park," where you can enjoy a rare natural geyser and a footbath, and the "Shikabe Food and Delicacies Hall," where you can savor the tastes of Shikabe. You can watch the powerful sight of the geyser erupting while soothing your tired feet in the footbath.

14. A Food Court to Enjoy Southern Hokkaido Gourmet All at Once at the Airport: HAKODATE GOURMET PORT (Hakodate City)

Opened in August 2025 at Hakodate Airport, this food court brings together popular shops and trending gourmet from Southern Hokkaido. You can enjoy a diverse menu featuring local ingredients all at once, including ramen from Nanae, soup curry by a Michelin-starred chef from Hakodate, Hakodate seafood, and pork dishes from Mori Town. The airport also has souvenir shops, making it a great place to stop by for a meal while shopping for souvenirs.

15. Popular for Tropical Plants in Summer and Monkeys Soaking in Hot Springs in Winter: Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden (Hakodate City)

A botanical garden lush with 300 species of tropical plants. A major attraction is the "Monkey Mountain Onsen," available only in winter from December to May. You can see the adorable sight of monkeys soaking in the outdoor hot spring. There is also a covered footbath facility using water from the Yunokawa Onsen source, which visitors can use freely, and a "Water Plaza" for water play.

Choose by Purpose! How to Enjoy a Drive Near Sapporo