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Hakodate

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About Hakodate

A port city on Hokkaidō's south-eastern coast, Hakodate is a buzzing waterfront city with a fascinating history. A popular starting point for an exploration of the island, the city offers a number of cultural and foodie attractions for guests from Japan and further afield. Accommodation options consist largely of swish high-rise hotels with ocean views, ideal for business or leisure travellers. Many of the best places to stay in Hakodate have excellent restaurants and soothing hot spring baths, too.

Founded in the early 15th Century, Hakodate was one of the first cities to be opened up to international trade in the wake of Japan’s isolationist Edo Period. Delve into this history with visits to the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, the Hakodate Orthodox Church and the Old British Consulate of Hakodate. Guided tours of the Motomachi district’s narrow streets are brilliant.

Rise early to sample local delicacies at the morning market, or to stroll through Goryokaku Park. Particularly beautiful when the cherry trees are in bloom, the park is also the site of a historic star fort and of the more modern Goryokaku Tower. Finally, soak up panoramic views from atop 334-metre-high Mount Hakodate, reached on foot or by aerial ropeway gondola. Dine on delicious fresh seafood after rejuvenating massages at the best places to stay in Hakodate.

The Best Places to Stay in Hakodate

For City Style

  • Yunokowa Prince Hotel Nagisatei offers smart rooms decorated in white and grey tones, with expansive ocean views. Enjoy generous buffet breakfasts, and feast on either Japanese or Western fare in the evenings. Rejuvenating baths are ideal for unwinding. A slick city stay for business or leisure, with over 300 rooms.
  • La Vista Hakodate Bay is an imposing, Art Deco-inspired hotel on the waterfront. Pick this place for the enviable location, the ocean views and the delicious dishes at the Hakodate Bay Gourmet Club. A stylish city pad with a more classic feel.

For Couples

  • Bourou Noguchi, in downtown Hakodate, has 79 chic, minimalist rooms. Brilliant for couples as well as smart business travellers, this upmarket hotel has open-air baths and an excellent restaurant for keen foodies. Private dining adds to the romantic experience.
  • Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu offers 24 charming rooms overlooking the ocean. The multi-course kaiseki menu is exquisite and the hot spring baths are gorgeous. A chic boutique ryokan for couples.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Tokyo's Haneda International Airport or to Narita International Airport and catch a connecting flight to Hakodate Airport, just under 9km from the city centre. Alternatively, fly to Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, 3.5 hours away by road or rail.
  • Hokkaidō is wonderful to explore by road! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • This is a year-round destination. Travel during the winter if you're eager to ski in the mountains, or come in the summer for sunshine, temperatures of up to 23°C and beautiful wildflowers. Spring and autumn are cooler and very picturesque; the cherry blossom draws a real crowd.

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Best Hotels in Hakodate

  • La Vista Hakodate Bay Hakodate (Hakodate-shi) 356 rooms from AU$376

    Total relaxation  -  Unwind in the hotel's extensive spa facilities, with a sauna, six types of hot spring baths and excellent massage areas
    Foodies  -  Enjoy gourmet typically Japanese cuisine at the Restaurant Norte, whilst Kai Foo Roo serves up Chinese specialities
    Museums  -  The Kitajima Saburo Memorial Museum sheds light on the life of one of Japan's top cultural icons
    Great walks  -  Wander through the city's gorgous botanical gardens or take a stroll around Tachimachi Cape
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantViewsParkingNo pets

    The downtown La Vista Hakodate Bay offers contemporary designer art-deco accommodation inspired by the Taisho period. Rooms come equipped with a coffee maker and an en-suite bathroom. If you fancy a novel culinary experience then head over to Hakodate Bay Gourmet Club! An upmarket and stylish spot. See More

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  • Bourou Noguchi Hakodate (Yunokawachō) 79 rooms from AU$441

    Foodies  -  Bourou Noguchi's restaurant specialises in exquisite Japanese cuisine; foodies will adore the chance to try local specialities
    Learning  -  Learn more about the island's history at the Hakodate Goryokaku, an impeccably preserved star-shaped fort
    City Style  -  A minimalist, contemporary high-rise hotel offering a slick city stay for business or leisure
    Sights nearby  -  Check out Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse and take a ride on the Hakodate Ropeway
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Bourou Noguchi, located in downtown Hakodate, offers a variety of rooms from the traditional Japanese-style to more modern Western types. It boasts rooftop open-air baths and stunning cuisine, whilst you can even request a romantic dinner for two in a private dining room! A superb upmarket city stay See More

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  • Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei Hakodate (Hakodate-shi) 175 rooms from AU$673

    City Style  -  A luxurious choice for travellers seeking to combine traditional charm with the comforts of a modern city hotel
    Trekking  -  Clamber up 334m-high Mount Hakodate or take the aerial ropeway gondola for marvellous views
    Total relaxation  -  Enjoy the splendid ocean views as you unwind in the property's hot spring baths
    Local markets  -  Sample fresh seafood and pick up souvenirs at the bustling morning market
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantViewsParkingNo pets

    Situated on Hakodate's coast, Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei provides pared-back, minimalist rooms clad in white and grey tones. The hotel boasts splendid views and their restaurant serves traditional Japanese and Western cuisine. Big buffet breakfasts are a highlight. A top-notch stay! See More

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  • Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu Hakodate (Yunokawachō) 24 rooms from AU$853

    Foodies  -  Savour delicate regional kaiseki-style cuisine in the restaurant - ideal for keen foodies seeking an authentic experience
    Romantic Break  -  A romantic traditional ryokan overlooking the ocean in Hakodate, this is a top spot for couples in the city
    Learning  -  Learn the art of Kado (traditional Japanese flower arrangement) or Soba (buckwheat noodle making)
    Sights nearby  -  Take a ride on the Hakodate Ropeway for spectacular views of the city
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu is situated on Hakodate's coast and features traditional Japanese-style accommodation with woven-straw flooring and futon beds. The restaurant serves up splendid multi-course Kaiseki cuisine and their baths are the perfect way to relax after a long day. A lovely city stay! See More

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