Destinations

Hakodate

"Not just one of the Three Best Night Views of Japan – this is one of the Three Best Night Views in the world!"

Jocelyn Knightly-Brown - Travel Consultant

Situated in the far south-west corner of Hokkaido island, Hakodate is the laidback gateway to the far north of Japan. As one of the first ports in Japan to open up to foreign traders, the city has a unique notable influence from overseas and a distinctive blend of Japanese and Western architecture. Even today, the foreign population’s former residential district and a Western style fort are among its main tourist attractions. Nowadays you can reach the city by the Seikan Tunnel, currently the world’s longest railway tunnel at a total length of 33.49 miles (53.85 km), enabling you to reach the city overland in a mere 6.5 hours from Tokyo.

Hakodate is best known for its spectacular views over the city from Mount Hakodate in clear weather. From the top of the mountain, you can see the city linked to the mainland by a narrow corridor with ocean either side; the shimmering night-time lights fanning out providing an impressive vista.

The city is also known for its vibrant and active morning seafood market, held at the bay area near the railway station, where more than 360 stalls packed tightly together attract shoppers with freshly caught squid, scallops, salmon eggs, Atka mackerel, and many other kinds of fresh fish and shellfish. As a consequence, Hakodate is the place to find deliciously fresh and abundant seafood – particularly known for its squid and with its signature dish being Hakodate shio râmen (not to be confused with shioyuu ramen), a version of the ubiquitous noodle dish prepared with — you guessed it — squid stock instead of the usual pork.

From here you can wander to Motomachi – the historical district – which maintains a congenial blend of Japanese and Western cultures and as such is a popular destination with Japanese and foreign visitors alike. Home to the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, an important cultural property, the old British Consulate with its tea lounge and Haristo Sei-kyokai, a Russian Orthodox church, it provides an interesting insight to the city’s past.

Products featuring Hakodate...

Self Guided Adventure

Hokkaido Fly-Drive

The huge and sparsely populated island of Hokkaido is the focus of this unique adventure. Here within the national parks you’ll find vast empty plains, crystal clear lakes and soaring mountain landscapes. With well-kept, quiet roads and plenty of English signs Hokkaido is ideal for exploring by car.

16 Nights: £2710

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