Hakodate is a city and port in the Oshima Sub
prefecture and is the third largest city in Hokkaido.
Hakodate is the third largest city in
Hokkaido. The
1858 Treaty of Amity and Commerce that was signed
with the United States designated Hakodate as one
of the five ports completely open to foreign trade. The
cultural influences of other countries can be seen in
the Motomachi area of the city. Many foreigners took
up residency in that specific area and built various
structures reflecting their own culture. In Hakodate,
Goryokaku Fort is a star shaped fortress that was
built to defend against foreign threats and
aggressions that were growing back in the mid-
1850s. One of the final battles of the Boshin war took
place at the Goryokaku Fort where the rebels
occupied the area. In the Battle of Hakodate in 1869,
Enomoto Takeaki surrendered the city and fort while
their military leader, Hijikata Toshizo of the
Shinsengumi, was slain during the fight.
Mount Hakodate (函館山, Hakodate Yama) is known
as Gagyusan or “Lying Cow” for its shape. The night
view from Mount Hakodate is one of the top tourist
spots people go to and is the symbol of the city. It is
also a popular spot for couples to visit and enjoy the
view together. Not only is it one of the best views in
Japan, it is actually in the top three in the world with
Naples, Italy and Hong Kong, China. Since Hakodate
is a port town there is a place called the morning
market where you can buy a plethora of fresh
seafood and other delectable items. The market has
over 450 shops and its hours of operations are 5am
(6am in the winter) to 12pm. In one of the indoor
areas customers are permitted to fish for live squid in
a tub and have freshly made sashimi from them
afterwards. They also have fruits and vegetables that
they sell, as well. One of the famed fruits to eat
especially when it is in season is the Yubari Melon.
Please see below for tours that
include Hakodate:
