Hakodate
Hakodate is a compact port city where you can see a star-shaped fort and the morning fish market in one day.
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Hakodate sits at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, around a bay that is still a working port. The city was one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade, in 1859, and that history still shows in its streets. Goryokaku, a star-shaped fort built in the late Edo period, is a short tram ride from the station. Motomachi, on the slopes above the bay, has Western-style churches and houses built for foreign merchants.
The city suits a short trip of two or three days. Spend a morning at the seafood market, ride the ropeway up Mount Hakodate for the night view over the bay, and leave time for a soak at the Yunokawa hot spring area. Spring and autumn are the easiest seasons for walking the hills. Winter brings snow and the squid season.
Hakodate in five
- Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-HokutoThe bullet train stops at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, outside the city center. Transfer to the Hakodate Liner to reach Hakodate Station, where the trams and buses start.Getting around
- Set up an eSIM before you landTram stops, bus stops and the ropeway station are easier to find with mobile data. Install the eSIM before you fly so data works when you land.Phones and eSIM
- Get yen cash for the morning marketMany market stalls and small eateries accept cash only or prefer it. Japan Post and 7-Eleven ATMs accept many foreign cards, so withdraw before you reach the market.
- Check the Mount Hakodate ropeway in strong windStrong wind can halt the ropeway. Check the operator's notice that morning and keep a spare evening for the view.
- Carry your passport to check inHotels and some shops ask foreign guests to show a passport. Keep the original in your bag.
Need to know
- Currency
- Yen (JPY)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check the MOFA visa page first Read more
- Emergency
- 110 police, 119 fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+9, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuarySnow, cold
- FebruaryCold, snow
- MarchThaw, cool
- AprilCherry blossom
- MayCool, spring
- JuneFoggy, cool
- JulyMild, pleasant
- AugustWarm, pleasant
- SeptemberMild, clear
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberCold, quiet
- DecemberSnow, lights
Right now in Hakodate
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
7
- Feels like
- 3°
- Humidity
- 77%
- Wind
- 19 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 59%
Hakodate
08:23 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today9°7°59%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 9°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 59%.
- Wed12°8°98%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 12°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Thu15°8°59%Thursday: Drizzle. High 15°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 59%.
- Fri15°3°74%Friday: Rain. High 15°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 74%.
- Sat3°1°96%Saturday: Snow. High 3°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 96%.
- Sun3°1°75%Sunday: Snow. High 3°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 75%.
- Mon4°-1°47%Monday: Snow. High 4°, Low -1°. Chance of rain 47%.
Updated 04:58 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 157.5 JPY
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Onuma Quasi-National Parkabout 1 hour by trainLakes and forest paths, with a quieter pace than the city.
- Matsumaeabout 2 hours by carA castle town on the Oshima Peninsula, known for its cherry trees in spring.
- Sapporoabout 3 to 4 hours by trainHokkaido's largest city, known for food and markets, and a base for longer trips across the island.
Before you go to Hakodate
Rules for Hakodate, checked
- Many nationalities enter Japan visa-free for short stays. Check whether your passport qualifies on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa page before you book.Source
- Japan Customs limits alcohol, tobacco and medicines at the border. Check the allowances and declare anything above them before you pack.Source
- Some common medicines are controlled or banned in Japan. Check a prescription medicine's status before you fly and carry a doctor's letter.
Plan around Hakodate
The island, its regions and the rail links into Hakodate
Read the guideGetting aroundShinkansen, Hakodate Liner, trams and buses
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices across Japan
Read the guideVisas and entryPassport rules and entry checks before you book
Read the guideWhere to stayStation, old town and hot spring districts
Read the guideHakodate FAQ
How many days do you need in Hakodate?
Two days cover the morning market, the Motomachi slopes, the bay and Mount Hakodate at night. Add a third day for Onuma or Matsumae.
Is Hakodate worth visiting?
Yes, if you want old streets, harbor views and seafood on a short trip. The city is small enough to walk and ride the tram.
When is the best time to visit Hakodate?
July to October for mild weather, with autumn color in October. Winters are cold and snowy, so pack for icy slopes if you come between December and March.
Do you need a car in Hakodate?
No. Trams and buses run from the station, and most sights are a short walk or ride apart. A car helps only for day trips to Onuma or Matsumae.
How do you get from Sapporo to Hakodate?
Take a limited express train on the Hakodate Main Line, which takes several hours. Check the operator's current timetable before you buy a ticket.