Located in the southernmost part of Hokkaido, Hakodate City attracts as many as five million tourists a year. It is home to Japan's first international trading port and known for its exotic and beautiful scenery. Dubbed the “City of Slopes”, Hakodate has a unique atmosphere that is further enriched by the presence of streetcars that navigate its streets. If you want to enjoy all the city has to offer, consider renting a car.
About the airport
Hakodate Airport is the usual gateway for travelers visiting Hakodate. It offers direct flights to a total of seven airports on domestic and intercontinental routes. There are no train connections to the airport, so when you arrive at the airport, simply go to the car rental counter on the first floor of the terminal.
Sightseeing and activities
Top tourist attractions in Hakodate include Goryokaku Park, the Motomachi Churches, the Kanamori Red Brick Warehouses, and Hachiman-zaka Slope. All of them are within a 30-minute drive in your rental car, so you should be able to visit all of them in a day.
Cape Esan, about an hour's drive from downtown Hakodate on Route 278 along the coast, is also an excellent place to visit. The breathtaking panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from the lighthouse is a favored photography location for tourists.
Another sought-after location for sightseeing is the town of Matsumae, which is about an hour and 50 minutes from Hakodate if you take Route 228. It is home to Matsumae Castle, the only castle in Hokkaido, and is also famous for its cherry blossoms.
Seasonal information
Among the snow-covered areas of Hokkaido, Hakodate is seen as a relatively temperate region. However, studless winter tires are mandatory in winter (November through April), so confirm this with your car rental agency beforehand.