"Where would you recommend visiting in Japan during winter?"

I've been asked this countless times—and for a long time, I didn’t have a definitive answer. That changed after I experienced winter in Hakodate, on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido.

Now I tell everyone: Go to Hakodate!

Breathtaking night views, magical snowfall, fun winter activities, and delicious food—it has everything you want in a Japanese winter escape.

I visited Hakodate from Tokyo in late December and stayed for three nights. Here's the perfect 3-day itinerary, with all the must-see spots, travel tips, and Google Map locations included!

✈️ How to Get to Hakodate from Tokyo 🛫 By Plane

Direct flights operate daily from Tokyo (Haneda) to Hakodate Airport via ANA, JAL, and Air Do—around 10 flights per day.

1. ✈️ Flight time: ~1h20m
2. 💴 Cost: ¥10,000–30,000 (one way, depends on season and package)

🚄 By Shinkansen

If you want to explore Tohoku on the way, take the bullet train to Hakodate (via Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station).

1. 🚅 Travel time: ~4h30m
2. 💴 Cost: ~¥25,000 (reserved seat)

 

🛏️ Top Places to Stay in Hakodate Must-Do Activities in Hakodate 📍 Hakodate 3-Day Winter Itinerary Day 1: Historical Sights & Coastal Shopping 🏯 Goryokaku Fort (五稜郭)

A star-shaped fort built in 1864 during the Edo period to serve as the regional government center. It played a key role when Hakodate opened to foreign trade in the mid-19th century.

Today, it’s a popular site with a great observation tower offering panoramic views of the snowy star-shaped layout.

1. 💴 Fee: ¥1,000 (¥1,200 from April 2025)
2. 🕒 Hours: 9:00–18:00

 

🧱 Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses (金森赤レンガ倉庫)

Once part of Hakodate’s bustling Meiji-era port, these beautifully preserved warehouses are now home to stylish shops, cafes, and a vibrant souvenir market. You’ll find:

1. Local snacks and sweets 🍫
2. Handcrafted goods 🧶

3. A stunning view of the bay 🛳

   I ended up spending hours browsing here—it’s a shopping haven!

 

Day 2: Culture & One of the Best Night Views in Japan 🐟 Hakodate Morning Market (函館朝市)

Start your day with fresh seafood! The market hosts over 260 stalls selling everything from crab and scallops to squid and salmon roe.

Even if you’re full from your hotel breakfast, the lively atmosphere makes it worth a stroll.

1. 💴 Fee: Free
2. 🕒 Hours: 6:00–15:00

 

🏛 Former Hakodate Public Hall (旧函館区公会堂)

Take the tram to Suehiro-cho Station and walk up to this grand Western-style building overlooking the bay. Built in 1910, it once hosted imperial guests and international events.

1. 💴 Fee: ¥300
2. 🕒 Hours:
   1. Apr–Oct: Tue–Fri 9:00–18:00 / Sat–Mon 9:00–19:00
   2. Nov–Mar: 9:00–17:00

 

⛪️ Hakodate Russian Orthodox Church (函館ロシア正教会)

One of the oldest churches of its kind in Japan, built in 1859—just after Japan and Russia formalized diplomatic relations. The building was rebuilt in 1916 after a fire, and today it stands as a symbol of Hakodate's international history.

 

🌃 Mt. Hakodate Night View (函館山ロープウェイ)

This was the highlight of our trip! We lined up for the ropeway around 7 PM, and at the summit (334m), a dazzling cityscape glittered below us—orange lights against snowy rooftops, with the ocean reflecting the stars.

1. 💴 Ropeway fee: ¥1,800 round trip
2. 🕒 Hours: 10:00–21:00
3. 🧤 Tip: Dress warmly! It was -10°C and windy—boots, gloves, and a down coat are a must.

Local Eats & Hidden Culinary Gems 🍔 Lucky Pierrot

A quirky, locally loved burger chain only found in Hokkaido, with colorful decor and playful atmosphere.

The top pick? Chinese Chicken Burger—a sweet-and-sour chicken cutlet paired with crispy fries. It’s messy, satisfying, and worth the hype.

 

🍜 Hakodate Ramen

Hokkaido’s ramen culture has regional specialties:

1. Miso ramenin Sapporo
2. Shoyu (soy sauce) in Asahikawa
3. Shio (salt) ramen in Hakodate

Shio ramen has a clear, delicate broth that’s lighter than the others, but still packed with umami. There are over 300 ramen shops in Hakodate, so make it your personal mission to find your favorite!

 

🍛 Soup Curry at Yoshida Shoten (吉田商店)

I wasn’t a fan of soup curry—until I ate here.

Their version is packed with flavor, spiced broth, and hearty toppings like whole vegetables and tender meats. It’s comforting, aromatic, and perfect for cold days. Skip the usual sushi and ramen for this—it might surprise you!

📌 Final Thoughts

Hakodate in winter is a true gem—historical charm, breathtaking views, and soul-warming food. It offers a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere, with fewer tourists compared to more famous spots like Sapporo or Niseko.

If you want a winter destination that combines culture, nature, and local flavor, Hakodate might just be the perfect place.

🗺️ Maps