Making the most of Hakodate
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
On Hokkaido, Hakodate is an appealing harbour city with a rich past, striking scenery and excellent seafood.
In Hakodate, ships use Minatocho Wharf (Big Ships), Wakamatsu Wharf (Medium Ships) ans Nishi Wharf (Smaller, Luxury Ships).
Port shuttles run from the port into central Hakodate and stop at the Town Planning center, where maps are provided and staff answer questions.
Work has also been undertaken to improve Nishi wharf so both locations can accommodate large ships. This construction finished in 2018. Nishi wharf sits in the city’s heart, allowing visitors rapid access.
Guidebook for Hakodate
Locations at the Port
Together with Yokohama and Nagasaki, Hakodate Port became one of Japan’s first international trading ports in 1859. It faces the Tsugaru Strait separating Hokkaido from Honshu, placing it strategically for shipping and making it a leader in Hokkaido’s modernisation. Via the Pacific Ocean, it remains important for shipping links with America, Canada and Russia.
Travel to Mt. Hakodate and take in the agricultural land that supplies much of Japan before enjoying the remarkable views at the summit. Try the Ropeway, then unwind at a pleasant hot spring such as Yunkawa Onsen. See the historic Old Public Hall and, at Goryokaku Park, the remnants of the celebrated western-styled fortress, including its 107 m tower and art gallery.
Getting around
Hakodate’s primary ferry and cruise terminal is 4 km from the centre. Buses 1 and 19 serve it, and a direct shuttle also links the ferry terminal with the train station.
If you expect to use the streetcar more than twice in one day, buy a one day pass from the driver as you alight (600 yen). It includes a free map covering every stop and many attractions. The Hakodate Guide Map is also free from the JR Tourist Information Counter and from the Museum of Photographic History’s Tourist Information opposite the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward.
Each route’s tramcars run every 10 minutes, or every 5 minutes between Yunokawa and Jujigai, where 2 routes share the tracks. After 7 p.m., service is every 20 minutes, or 10 minutes on that shared stretch.
Ride the "Ropeway" cable car to Hakodate Mountain’s summit. A return ticket is about $13.50 US, and the vistas are outstanding.
Nearby places
Onuma Park, a charming National Park with lakes dotted by islands, is around a half hour away.
Food and shopping
The "Morning Market" has abundant food and crafts, about a 20 minute walk from the shuttle drop-off.
Money
Japan uses the yen, available as ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 notes and as ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1 coins.
Japan’s ATMs are becoming increasingly useful, and most allow withdrawals from overseas accounts; post offices have ATMs too. Major credit cards work at most stores and restaurants in big urban centres, but take enough cash if you will be in rural areas. Cash remains central to daily life in Japan, and some shops, hotels and restaurants—wherever they are—do not accept credit cards.
Avoid tipping: it is regarded as rude.