A must-see for travellers !! Encyclopedia of recommended sightseeing spots in Hokkaido
Recommended sightseeing spots in South Hokkaido area
Recommended sightseeing spots in South Hokkaido area
South Hokkaido is an area that is warmer and has less snowfall than other areas of Hokkaido. This page introduces recommended sightseeing spots in South Hokkaido area, but in fact I have only visited Hakodate City and Setana Town in South Hokkaido, so this is effectively an introduction to these two municipalities.
In particular, Hakodate is attracting more tourists due to the "DETECTIVE CONAN" films, but it is still a place you should visit at least once in your life because of its numerous attractions as one of Hokkaido's leading tourist destinations.
Hakodate City
Goryokaku Park・Goryokaku Tower
This is one of the most Hakodate's major tourist attractions. The Goryokaku Tower's observation deck offers a 360° view of the Hakodate City and offers spectacular scenery. If you visit in winter, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful snow-covered Goryokaku and the city of Hakodate. On the ground floor of the tower, there is a cannon that was used during the Hakodate War. The park is also open to regular visitors, so I took a walk around the outer perimeter, which was quite large.
The slope runs straight up from Hakodate Bay to the high ground and is a popular photo spot. The harbour and Mashumaru ship can be seen at the back, and if the timing is right, the tram can also be seen together. As it is not far from the city centre, it is also a good place to go for a walk at night to see the night view.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
The red brick warehouses lined up along the seafront are tasteful. Inside the warehouses there are goods shops, sweet shops and a beer hall, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the area. Mt. Hakodate can be seen at the back of the first photo, and although there were a few clouds on the summit that day, it is a very photogenic spot.
These local hamburger shops are dotted around Hakodate. You can taste hot, freshly made hamburgers using local ingredients and they are truly delicious. If you come to Hakodate, you should go to eat at least once. There are shops in front of Goryokaku Tower, in front of Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse and near JR Hakodate Station for easy access.
This is the Hakodate's super major tourist attractions. It is one of the most famous night views in Japan and is known as the "million-dollar night view" for its beauty, which is coloured by the lights of the city. Incidentally, the view in the daytime is like the second photo, but the view here is also very good. You can take the ropeway up to the top of the mountain, but be aware that the ropeway stops operating if it is windy. The ropeway stopped on the day I visited, so I had to rent a car to get to the top.
Town Area (Ajisai・Hakodate Morning Market・Former Hakodate Pier)
When travelling, you may be surprised to find that you have more time than you think, but if this is the case, a stroll through Hakodate's town area is recommended.
On the first floor of JR Hakodate Station, there is a ramen shop called "Ajisai", famous for its salt ramen, which is a must-visit when in Hakodate. A short walk from the station is Hakodate Morning Market, where you can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood bowls. I was offered a whole crab when I went for breakfast. Walking further towards the seaside, you will arrive at the pier where the Mashumaru ship (now a museum) is parked. The photo above was taken from the pier, which is my personal recommendation for viewing Mt. Hakodate and the sea at the same time.
This is the most dangerous shrine in Japan, built on a cliff by the sea. The path to the main shrine is quite gruelling and there are several crazy places where one wrong step could kill you. However, from the main shrine you can see the magnificent Sea of Japan and the Okushiri Island floating above it, and the spectacular view will definitely give you a sense of achievement. If you visit the shrine, please be careful not to die.
