SPOT
Hakodate Park
Overview
A park established in 1879 (Meiji 12) by citizens at the foot of Mount Hakodate, which is covered in lush greenery. It also has a mini amusement park and an animal breeding facility, and is bustling with families enjoying cherry blossom viewing in the spring, autumn leaf viewing in the fall, and playing in the water at the fountain plaza in the summer. It is one of the earliest urban parks established in Japan and is a valuable site that still retains its original appearance. Designated as a Registered Monument (Place of Scenic Beauty) under the National Registered Cultural Properties system.
Hakodate Park is also known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms. Over a five-year period starting in 1889 (Meiji 22), a local merchant named Koemon Henmi personally planted 5,280 cherry and plum trees. Currently, there are about 400 cherry trees, mainly of the Somei Yoshino variety.
The park has an undulating terrain, which is part of its charm as it allows visitors to enjoy the flowers from various high and low vantage points. During the cherry blossom season, the park is illuminated at night, and food stalls are set up, attracting many blossom viewers. In autumn, the cherry, azalea, and maple trees display beautiful autumn colors, creating a picturesque scene with the changing colors of Mount Hakodate.
The park contains a fountain plaza, a museum, a mini amusement park "Kodomo no Kuni" (with ride-based attractions), and an animal breeding facility. There are also many historical buildings and monuments, making it a recommended place for a leisurely stroll or a fun day out with the family.
Business Hours
- Visitor Center: 8:45 AM - 5:30 PM
- Animal Facility: April-October 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM / November-March 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM
- Kodomo no Kuni: Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM / Spring break, summer break, Golden Week, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
regular closing day
- Visitor Center, Animal Facility: December 29 - January 3
- Kodomo no Kuni: Closed on rainy days and from late November to mid-March
Fee
Free
Location
Hakodate Park, 17-6 Aoyagi-cho, Hakodate-shi (函館市青柳町17-6 函館公園)
Access
3-minute walk from the "Aoyagi-cho" tram stop.
parking lot
Available
スポット運営者
函館市住宅都市施設公社 公園管理部 西部公園事務所
