• Mount Hakodate - Mount Hakodate (函館山, Hakodateyama) stands 334 meters tall and is a lush, green mountain located at the southern tip of the peninsula where central Hakodate is situated. The mountain offers breathtaking views, especially on clear days and nights, and is celebrated as one of Japan’s top three night views, alongside Nagasaki’s Mount Inasa and Kobe’s Mount Rokko. Visitors can reach the summit by ropeway, bus, or car, where they will find observation platforms (free of charge), souvenir shops, a cafe, and a cafeteria-style restaurant.
• Onuma Quasi-National Park - Recognized as a “quasi-national park,” Onuma Park (大沼公園, Ōnuma Kōen) is located just twenty kilometers north of Hakodate. It is renowned for its scenic lakes dotted with islands and the impressive Mount Komagatake volcano. Onuma Park is easily accessible for a day trip from Hakodate or as a stopover on the journey between Hakodate and Sapporo, as most limited express trains between these cities stop at Onuma Koen Station, the central railway station.
• Goryokaku Park - Goryokaku Park is a historic star-shaped fort in Hakodate, now a beloved public park. Originally constructed in the late Edo Period as a Western-style fortress, it later became the site of the final battle between the Tokugawa shogunate and the Meiji government. Today, the park is famous for its cherry blossoms, with over 1,000 trees blooming in early May. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views from the nearby Goryokaku Tower. Entry to Goryokaku Park is free, but there is an admission fee for Goryokaku Tower.
• Hakodate Morning Market - The Hakodate Morning Market (函館朝市, Hakodate Asaichi) operates daily from 5 am (from 6 am during winter) to noon, just a short walk from JR Hakodate Station. The market spans about four city blocks and offers a variety of fresh seafood, including crabs (kani), salmon eggs (ikura), and sea urchin (uni), as well as fresh produce like melons. Numerous restaurants in the market area serve fresh seafood breakfasts, such as uni-ikura domburi.
• Motomachi - Hakodate’s harbor was among the first to open to foreign trade in 1854, following Japan’s period of isolation. Consequently, many traders from Russia, China, and Western countries settled in Hakodate. Motomachi, located at the base of Mount Hakodate, became a favored district for these new foreign residents. The area still features many foreign-style buildings, including the Russian Orthodox Church, the Old British Consulate, the Chinese Memorial Hall, the former branch office of the prefectural government, and the old Hakodate Public Hall (closed from November 2018 until April 2021). Admission is 300 yen.
• Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse - Hakodate Port was one of the first Japanese ports to open to international trade towards the end of the Edo Period (1600-1867). Several red brick warehouses from the trading era remain along the waterfront in Hakodate’s bay area and have been transformed into a charming shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. The complex features a variety of trendy souvenir, fashion, interior, and sweets shops, as well as a restaurant, a beer hall, a wedding chapel, and sightseeing cruises of the bay.
• Bay Hakodate - The Bay Area facing Hakodate Port offers a sweeping view of the harbor. This area is lined with old red-brick buildings that have been converted into a distinctive shopping mall, inviting visitors to enjoy shopping or a relaxing tea break.
• Hakodate Museum of Northern Peoples - The Hakodate Museum of the Northern Peoples is housed in a building that once served as the Japan Bank, constructed in 1926. The museum is dedicated to Ainu culture, providing a fascinating insight into this indigenous culture, which is not widely known outside Japan. Visitors can also learn about other indigenous groups in Japan, such as the Sakhalin, who originate from an island north of Hokkaido, now part of Russia.

• AC Private Car
• Licensed Local English-speaking Guide
• Pick up and Drop off
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• Meals
• Tipping
• Entrance Fees

Hakodate, situated in southern Hokkaido, was among the first Japanese ports to open for international trade, endowing the city with a unique global flair. With its red-brick warehouses and charming European-style architecture, Hakodate presents a distinctive cultural blend that is best appreciated with local expertise.

Embark on this 8-hour private tour with a professional guide and an air-conditioned vehicle to explore the city comfortably while gaining a deeper understanding of its history and highlights. The guide will offer engaging commentary and customize the itinerary to match your interests, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience.

Possible stops include the picturesque Onuma Quasi-National Park, the historic Motomachi district, and other significant attractions around the city. Enjoy a seamless, flexible, and comfortable way to discover Hakodate at your own pace.

Book now!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.