Excursion Introduction to hakodate tour at Hakodate

Discover the local lifestyle, culture and history of Hakodate during this scenic, half-day orientation tour of the city.

Hakodate Morning Market

Depart the pier for the brief 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 open at 5 a.m. Discover an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, including squid, salmon eggs, sea urchins and the hairy crabs for which Hokkaido is famous. The market also offers fresh, locally-grown vegetables, along with flowers and household goods.

Goryokaku Park and Tower

Next, board your coach and drive to Goryokaku Park. 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 against the threats from the north. During your visit, you can 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.

Mount Hakodate

Leaving Hakodate Morning Market, your drive proceeds up 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 permitting).

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximate 40-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, Hakodate Morning Market, Hakodate Ropeway(cable car),Mount Hakodate

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate to extensive amount of walking for approximately 1 mile (1.6 kilometres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 20 steps at the aerial cable car on Mt. Hakodate and up to 40 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 need one if you opt to walk around outside the observatory. Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are also recommended. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.  The view from Goryokaku Tower and the Mt. Hakodate observatory is weather permitting. 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.