Excursion Hakodate in-depth tour at Hakodate

Explore the picturesque beauty and landmarks of Hakodate during this full-day sightseeing excursion to the city and its environs.

Hakodate Morning Market and Lunch

After meeting your guide, depart the pier and walk to the Hakodate Morning Market. Upon arrival, take a guided stroll through this bustling market, which is engulfed by cars and people from the time the 400 stalls. Discover an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, including squid, salmon eggs, sea urchins and the hairy crabs for which Hokkaido is famous. The garden also offers fresh, locally-grown vegetables, along with flowers and household goods.

Goryokaku Park and Hakodate Magistrate's Office

Next, board your coach for a short drive to the Goryokaku Park and Tower. The park is home to the remaining walls of Japan's first Western-style fort. The fort is named Goryokaku or 'Pentagon Fort' due to its star shape. Nothing is left of the citadel, which was constructed by the Togukawa Shogunate to defend Japan and the Magistrate's office against the threats from the north. At Goryokaku Tower, guests will ride the elevator up to the Observation Deck of the 351 foot tall (107 metre tall) tower at the park entrance, and take in splendid views of the park, fort, Mt. Hakodate and the downtown area. Enjoy a stroll through the park to the Hakodate Magistrate's Office, which provides a stunning example of traditional Samurai (Edo) architecture.

Mount Hakodate Overlook

After lunch, your tour continues with a drive to the Mount Hakodate Overlook or 'Hakodateyama'. Upon arrival, take one way only the Hakodate Ropeway (cable car) up to the all-weather observatory at the 1,100-foot (335-metre) summit, which offers panoramic views over the surrounding area (weather permits).

Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse

Following your visit at Mt. Hakodate, re-board your coach and drive down to the Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse area. Remodelled in 1988 as part of the redevelopment of Hakodate's waterfront, this area's old, red-brick warehouses have been converted into bars and restaurants.  

Your tour concludes with an approximate 15-minute drive back to the pier.

(Hakodate cable car will not be operated due to the bad weather. In this case, the tour will go up/ down to Mt. Hakodate by bus and may partially vary the tour itinerary)

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Goryokaku Park and Tower, Hakodate Morning Market, Local Restaurant, Mount Hakodate Overlook, Hakodate Ropeway(cable car),Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse

Note

This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, with approximately 0.8 miles ( 1.2 kilometres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 40 steps at the aerial cable car on Mt. Hakodate and up to 60 steps at the Goryokaku Tower. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, and carry a sweater or windbreaker for the visit at Mt. Hakodate; you will need one if you opt to walk around outside the observatory. The view from Goryokaku Tower and the Mt. Hakodate is dependent upon weather conditions. Guests wishing to enter the Magistrate's office are required to remove their shoes, therefore guests must be wearing socks to experience this portion of the tour. The lunch served during this tour includes a Western Style set menu. For dietary restrictions please contact the on board Shore Concierge Team upon embarkation. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. The Ropeway is subject to weather conditions, in case of bad weather guest will reach Mt Hakodate Observatory by coach only. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility. During the Winter closure of the road leading to Mt Hakodate (November - April), the tour itinerary will be modified to include a round trip by ropeway to Mt Hakodate Observatory.

* *Motomachi area is at 10-minute walking distance from Red Brick Warehouses, then guide will have instruction with MAP to get the area for guests who would like to reach there.