This observatory offers a panoramic view of Hakodate City and its suburbs. Surrounded by the sea on both sides, the unique topography of the mountain provides a spectacular view, especially at night when the air is crisp and clear. The building has a restaurant on the 2nd floor and a tea lounge on the 3rd floor, where you can enjoy the spectacular view as well as food and drink.

The building is a four-story structure with the ropeway station and waiting lobby on the first floor, restaurants and an event hall on the second floor, a tea lounge on the third floor, and the rooftop observation deck on the top floor. The ropeway is only a 3-minute ride from the ground. In addition, a mountain climbing bus that departs from in front of JR Hakodate Station is also in operation. The mountain trail for vehicles is open from mid-April to early November. During this period, private cars and rental cars are restricted during night view hours.

Mount Hakodate was founded by underwater volcanic ejecta about 1 million years ago, and emerged as a large island after repeatedly rising and sinking during subsequent eruptions. Scoured by ocean currents and wind and rain, it became an isolated island, then became a sandbar as sediment from runoff accumulated, and about 5,000 years ago it became connected to Hokkaido by land (Rikuzentakashima). The peaked peak was scraped off during fortification work in the Meiji era (1868-1912), giving the island its present appearance.

After the war, Mt. Hakodate was opened to the public for the first time in 50 years, and in 1953, an observatory was opened at the summit. In the fall of 2015, just before the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, the observatory was renovated, making it even more comfortable to enjoy the view.