March 2021

Hakodate

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  • Hakodate Kids Plaza in Hokkaido: A Safe Space Promoting Active Play for Younger Kids

    • 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

    Hakodate Kids Plaza in Hokkaido: A Safe Space Promoting Active Play for Younger Kids
    Apart from Future Center Hakodate's innovative learning center for bigger kids, Hakodate Kids Plaza is actually a safe space perfectly suited for younger kids who love active play!
    Future Center Hakodate in Hokkaido Promotes A Perfect Blend of Play-Based Learning
    Traveling to Hokkaido with kids can be too much for some but Future Center Hakodate’s learning center is taking innovation and learning into the next level with their fun and knowledgeable activities for kids using advanced technologies!
    HAKOVIVA in Hakodate Japan: The Ultimate One-Stop Shopping Complex
    What's a trip abroad without some souvenir shopping right? In Hakodate, just beside the famous JR Hakodate Station is HAKOVIVA, the newly opened shopping complex boasting a complete Japanese experience from kimono rental shops, seafood madness, souvenir shops, food stalls, and even a hotel and gym!
    Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden: Home of The Hot-Tubbing Monkeys and Greenhouse Garden
    Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is an innovative attraction where one could experience summer without leaving the cold and dreamy weather of Hokkaido.
    Hakodate Illumination in Hokkaido: The Sloping Streets of Glittering Lights
    During the day, the slopes of motomachi remind us of the old port town of Hakodate, but at nights of winter, the sloping streets of Hachimanzaka and Nijukkenzaka transform into dreamy and glittering lights called Hakodate Illumination.
    Takuboku Park in Hakodate: A Quick Highway Beach-side Stop Featuring the Tsugaru Strait
    Takubokusho Park isn’t pretty much any other big parks around Hakodate. It is relatively small and is strategically located along the highway of Isaribidori perfectly backdropped with a beach that overlooks the nearby towns and the Tsugaru Strait.
    Hakodate Nanae Snow Park in Hokkaido: A Dreamy Haven For Snowboarding and Skiing
    Hakodate Nanae Snow Park is a popular skiing and snowboarding attraction in south Hokkaido area that features the freezing winter of Japan and one of the best views of the mountain through their longest gondola lift ever in Japan!
    Hakodate Morning Market: Experience The Vibrant Local Life and Abundant Seafood of Hokkaido
    One thing you shouldn't miss out when in Hokkaido is its abundant seafood supply. If you’re looking for the best place to find fresh produce and experience vibrant local life, explore the wide expanse of Hakodate Morning Market.
    JR Hakodate Station: Hakodate’s Main Railway and Point of Access Around Hokkaido
    Hakodate's main railway station and the point of access from Hakodate to other parts of Hokkaido is the JR Hakodate Station located a few blocks away from Hakoviva and Hakodate's Morning Market.
    Hasegawa Store Chyogadai in Hakodate: Trying Out Hakodate’s Soul Food Yakitori
    There was somehow a hidden rule that visiting convenience stores is a must when in Japan. Among the popular ones in Japan is 7 eleven and Lawson. But in Hakodate, apart from the regular ones, you’ll find Hasegawa Store, the place to get one of Hakodate’s soul food—yakitori!
    Hakodate Ishou in Hokkaido Japan: Getting Your Ultimate Japanese Makeover
    Dress up in a Japanese kimono at Hakodate Ishou, with over 400 rental costumes to choose from, such as classic gowns, traditional kimonos, and colored uchikake or bridal kimonos.
    Sakura Michi in Hakodate, Japan Lets You Experience The Art of Sushi Making
    Sakura Michi is a traditional private house turned restaurant along the old port town of Motomachi in Hakodate offering authentic sushi-making experience using the freshest catch of the day.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Hakodate Spots for Nature and Leisure Lovers
    Check out our top picks for a nature-loving and invigorating tour in Hakodate!
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Hakodate’s Scenic and Picture-Worthy Spots
    Here are the best places in Hakodate for photo enthusiasts to capture or for you to take creative photos of yourself and your group.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Hakodate’s Local Life and Cuisine
    Check out these places if you want to immerse yourself in local life and go on a gastronomic tour in Hakodate!
    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: 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: 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.
    Miyago Fruit Farm in Hokkaido, Japan
    Do you like apples?
    Share Star in Hakodate, Japan
    It's a mall that's more than a mall!
    Trappistine Convent in Hakodate, Japan
    In 1898, eight nuns from France founded the oldest convent in Japan -- the Trappistine Convent.
    Tobetsu Trappist Monastery in Hokkaido, Japan
    Less than an hour away from Hakodate town proper is the Tobetsu Trappist Monastery, which was built in 1907.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Motomachi Roman Catholic Church in Hakodate
    Built by Priest Marin in 1877, the Roman Catholic Church in the Motomachi District is also recognized as the first wooden church.
    JAPAN TRAVEL: Mt. Hakodate is One of the World’s Best Night Views
    Mt. Hakodate is a 334-meter-high mountain in Japan which can be reached via ropeway, car or bus. It is located between two seas and is cited as having one of the best night views in Japan, and it was given a three-star rating by Michelin Green Guide Japon.

    Where to Eat in Hakodate, Hokkaido

    Lucky Pierrot in Japan: Hakodate’s Exclusive and Award-Winning Burger Joint
    While Hakodate’s fresh seafood is undoubtedly one of the things to look forward to when visiting the city, Lucky Pierrot's burger chain is exclusively available in Hakodate making your visit here even more worth-while!
    (CLOSED) Jingisukan Monogatari Ramuwaka in Hakodate Serves Hokkaido’s Well-Loved Mongolian Barbecue
    Jingisukan Monogatari Ramuwaka serves the well-loved Mongolian barbecue in the comforts of Hakodate.
    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.
    Ton-etsu in Hakodate, Japan
    Ton-etsu is a tonkatsu restaurant that has been using two ways of cooking tonkatsu.
    Hasegawa Store in Hakodate, Japan: A Convenience Store Chain Famous for Bentos
    Try their Yakitori Bento!
    Lucky Pierott in Hakodate, Japan
    This burger chain in Hakodate has been making a buzz not only with the locals but also with foreign tourists. Lucky Pierrot boasts 17 outlets in Hakodate alone, with each having different themes, setting them apart from other restaurants.
    Genova
    On the same floor as the observation deck is a restaurant with a 180-degree view of Hakodate. Genova serves Japanese and international cuisine perfect for tourists who would like to have both options. One of the must-try dishes is the Japanese Fused Spaghetti with Salted Cod Roe and Gagome Kelp. With the spectacular night view of Mt. Hakodate and delicious food, Genova is a great romantic place for a couple’s night out.   First appeared in Philippine Primer Magazine January 2017 issue – “Welcome to Hakodate: A Complete Guide to Hakodate, Japan”.    
    Minato-no Mori Restaurant
    This Italian restaurant located beside the red brick warehouses is a great afternoon snack place to go to after a shopping escapade.
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