July 2019

JAPAN SPECIAL: Hakodate — A Blooming Port City of Hokkaido, Japan

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  • JAPAN SPECIAL: Hakodate — A Blooming Port City of Hokkaido, Japan
    • JAPAN SPECIAL: Hakodate — A Blooming Port City of Hokkaido, Japan

    Often the highlight of many spring travels, cherry blossoms decorate every part of Hakodate with their glorious charm, one that sets it as one of the must-see spring destinations in the Land of the Rising Sun.

    This time, we traveled up north to Hokkaido’s third largest city: Hakodate. In what they call as a significant port city, Hakodate seems to be a revelation of all sorts as it gives reasons why it deserves to be a must-visit destination in Japan through its nature, history, and activities.

    Along with TV personality Robi Domingo, we discovered what makes Hakodate a city on the rise. Read on for a handy guide on all the beautiful attractions, delicious food, and amazing activities you can do in this northern city in spring.

    Getting to Hakodate

    By plane:

    Manila to Haneda Airport: 4 hours
    Haneda Airport to Hakodate Airport: 1 hour and 20 minutes

    By train:

    Tokyo to Hakodate via Hokkaido shinkansen: 4 hours and 30 minutes

    Where to Go in Hakodate, Hokkaido

    JAPAN TRAVEL: Taste Traditional Japanese Sweets at Suehiro-an in Kikonai
    Established in 1934, Suehiro-an is one of the oldest confectionery shops in the town. The shop sells the all-time favorite Koukou mochi. It's a soy sauce and walnut-flavored rice cake snack that you must try in Kikonai.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Murakami’s Shibazakura-en, the Most Beautiful Backyard in Kikonai
    One of the must-see tourist attractions in Kikonai in spring is this eye-catching lawn cherry at one of the residences in Kikonai. The lawn cherry, which can be found at the backyard of Mr. Nakamishi Murakami, catches the attention of every passerby in town.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Experience Cold Water Purification Ritual at Misogi Beach in Kikonai
    Misogi Beach is one of the stops you'll make when you join a guided walking tour in Kikonai. This beach is not just an ordinary beach though, as it is where the Kanchu Misogi Festival is held-- an important traditional event in Japan.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Higashide Liquor Store is Where You Can Drink Rare Japanese Sake!
    Higashide Liquor Store sells limited edition rice wines in their store. Their most popular product would be Misogi no Mai, which is a rare Japanese sake made from rice called Honoka 224 (Hoshinoyume rice) that is only being grown in Kikonai.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Misogi no Sato in Kikonai, A Sightseeing Hub in Southern Hokkaido
    Misogi-no-Sato is a roadside station where tourists can enjoy shopping for local products from nine towns in Southern Hokkaido.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Cape Saraki in Kikonai, A Scenic Tulip Garden by the Roadside
    A bed of blooming tulips in every color delights visitors in Cape Saraki, where 50,000 tulip varieties are planted alongside the tranquil roads of Kikonai.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Hakodate Orthodox Church
    Also known as the Gan-gan Temple, Hakodate Orthodox Church is known for its bell sound that is part of the 100 soundscapes of Japan-- a list of Japan's greatest natural and cultural sounds.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Hakodate St. John’s Church
    Hakodate St. John's Church is noticeable due to its cross-shaped construction that's best seen atop Mt. Hakodate.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Hakodate Park, One of the Oldest Parks in Hokkaido
    Built in 1879, Hakodate Park is one of the oldest parks across Hokkaido. It’s a family-friendly attraction which is ideal for those traveling with kids.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Hakodate Tropical Botanical Gardens is Where You Can Meet Hot-Tubbing Monkeys!
    Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, are found at the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Gardens. It is where you can have the chance to see these cozy monkeys hot tubbing like a boss while waiting for you to feed them.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Fort Goryokaku in Hakodate, A Historical Star-Shaped Citadel
    The star-shaped Goryokaku Fort in Hakodate, Japan is not just for made for viewing pleasure—it holds importance in the city’s history as it was strategically built in 1864 to reduce blind spots in gun battles for defense.

    Where to Eat in Hakodate, Hokkaido

    JAPAN TRAVEL: Steak+Wine Hige Bar in Hakodate
    Nestled in Motomachi, Steak+Wine Hige Bar is your go-to place for steaks and wine. This quaint little modern bar specializes in full course meals.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Ajisai Ramen in Hakodate
    Ajisai Ramen is a longstanding restaurant that’s been around for 80 years now. It now has various branches all over Hakodate, with its original branch located near Goryokaku Park.
    Kyu-Chaya-tei in Hakodate, Japan: A Tea Room Where You Can Make Your Own Matcha Drink
    In Hakodate, a tea room called Kyu-Chaya-Tei lets you learn how to make your own matcha beverage.
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