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

A classic Hakodate sightseeing spot offering a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The view, created by the unique terrain flanked by 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 scenery at a leisurely pace. 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. Goryokaku Park (Hakodate City): A Famous Cherry Blossom Spot for History Buffs

The star-shaped fortress, Goryokaku Fort, was the final stronghold for the former shogunate forces led by Enomoto Takeaki and Hijikata Toshizo during the Battle of Hakodate, the last conflict 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-covered frozen moats and illuminations in winter.

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

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 a variety of restaurants and souvenir shops. Not only can you enjoy shopping and dining, but various events are held throughout the seasons, keeping the area bustling with activity.

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

A popular tourist spot located right next to Hakodate Station, this lively market features about 250 stalls. You'll find a wide array of Hokkaido's flavors, including fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits. Eateries within the market let you enjoy seasonal tastes on the spot. It's a must-visit gourmet spot for any trip to Hakodate.

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

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

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

Matsumae Castle, officially known as Fukuyama Castle, was the last castle built in Japan. It has a rich history, including being attacked by Hijikata Toshizo, vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, 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 original 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, with the contrast against the castle being truly spectacular.

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

The area around Lake Onuma is one of the oldest nature 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 throughout the four seasons. Especially during the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy a picturesque landscape as the entire lakeside is vividly colored.

8. Trappist Monastery (Hokuto City): Surrounded by Beautiful Nature in All Seasons

Officially named "Our Lady of the Lighthouse Abbey, Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance," 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, known nationwide. The gift shop also sells soft-serve ice cream made with their popular Trappist butter.

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

This large commercial complex in front of Hakodate Station is a spot that's "packed with Hakodate's charm," bringing together local long-standing shops and popular eateries. In the retro-modern alley, you can enjoy a variety of flavors, 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. Shiroi Koibito Hakodate Bay Museum (Hakodate City): A New Shiroi Koibito Spot with Hakodate-Exclusive Sweets and Activities

This is the first directly managed store in Hakodate by Ishiya Co., known for its "Shiroi Koibito" cookies, and it's 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 activity corner where you can create and apply custom labels, making it perfect for sightseeing and souvenir shopping.

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

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 the era by sitting in replica chairs 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, allowing visitors to take photos as if they were royalty.

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

A representative historical building of Hakodate that fuses Japanese and Western elements. The overall impact of the exterior is impressive, and you'll be captivated by the detailed exhibits explaining the hall's history and architectural features, as well as the noble atmosphere of the intricate interior craftsmanship. The popular "Costume Hall" allows you to experience an exotic mood by wearing glamorous long dresses and elegant Western-style outfits.

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

This complex allows you to enjoy Shikabe Town's specialty products, seafood, and hot springs. It features 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 local cuisine. You can watch the powerful sight of the geyser erupting while soothing your tired feet in the footbath.

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

Opened in Hakodate Airport in August 2025, this food court brings together popular shops and trending cuisine from Southern Hokkaido. You can enjoy a diverse menu featuring local ingredients all in one place, 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 convenient place to stop for a meal while shopping for gifts.

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

A botanical garden where 300 species of tropical plants thrive. A major attraction is the "Monkey Mountain Hot Spring," available only during the winter from December to May. You can see adorable 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 Hakodate