A guide to sightseeing in Southern Hokkaido for beginners! Introducing classic and hidden gems outside of Hakodate, as well as model itineraries
Hokkaido
One of the leading tourist destinations
Hakodate
Centered on
Southern Hokkaido area
There are plenty of things to see in
!
There are many other attractions outside of Hakodate, including classic spots like Mount Hakodate at night and Goryokaku, as well as the historic Matsumae and the mysterious Blue Cave.
In this article, we will introduce some tips to help you enjoy your first trip to Southern Hokkaido without any problems. Recommended attractions and activities ,moreover A 3-day, 2-night itinerary that will help you travel efficiently We will introduce the following.
table of contents
- 1 What is Southern Hokkaido like?
- 2 Recommended sightseeing spots in southern Hokkaido
- 3 Southern Hokkaido is full of attractions other than Hakodate! Hidden tourist spots
- 4 A model itinerary for efficiently touring southern Hokkaido (3 days, 2 nights)
- 5 Top 10 Popular Activities in the Southern Hokkaido Area
- 6 Enjoy sightseeing in Southern Hokkaido
- 7 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
What is Southern Hokkaido like?
Hokkaido Located in the southwest of Southern Hokkaido area teeth, The area is characterized by relatively mild temperature differences and little snowfall, even within Hokkaido. .
Popular tourist destinations Hakodate A place full of nature, Lake Onuma or, Matsumae , Esashi, etc. An area where you can enjoy seasonal scenery and rich history and culture is.
Being surrounded by the sea on three sides allows for fresh seafood to be harvested. Another attraction is being able to enjoy seafood gourmet food to your heart's content. is!
Recommended sightseeing spots in southern Hokkaido
In the following, Southern Hokkaido 6 must-see spots for your visit I'll introduce it to you.
1. Mount Hakodate
Hakodate
A popular tourist destination representing the city,
Mount Hakodate
.
The unique topography of the area, surrounded by the sea, creates a fantastic night view with the city lights and the darkness of the sea clearly separated.
The night view of Mt. Hakodate has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide and attracts tourists from all over the world!
From the observation deck at the summit, 334 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama during the day and a jewel-like view at night.
In the following,
A tour where you can enjoy the fantastic night view of Hakodate
is currently being posted!
City Walking Tour
or,
Taxi Plan
There are a variety of ways to travel and enjoy the area, so be sure to check out the tour that's perfect for you!
[Hokkaido, Hakodate] A romantic walking tour of Motomachi town at dusk, enveloped in fantasy
A stroll around the city, looking at illuminated buildings. This is a tour that we highly recommend you join before heading to see the night view from the top of Mt. Hakodate. Take a look around the illuminated city of Hakodate, which you don't usually get to see. The atmospheric buildings unique to Hakodate, such as the former British Consulate and churches, are enveloped in a fantastical atmosphere, making for a very romantic experience. The tour ends in Hakodate.
Departing from hotels, facilities, and restaurants around Hakodate Station! We'll show you the million-dollar night view from Mt. Hakodate and the popular bay area.
[Hokkaido, Hakodate] Mt. Hakodate Night View Tour Jumbo Taxi (up to 9 passengers)
Departing from Hakodate city! We will show you the million dollar night view from Mt. Hakodate and the popular bay area.
Address: Mount Hakodate, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
2. Goryokaku Park
"
Goryokaku Park
"teeth,
A historic site that was the site of the fierce battle of Hakodate at the end of the Edo period
.
This park was developed on the site of the former Western-style fortress Goryokaku, and is currently designated as a special national historic site.
Another attraction is being able to see the scenery of each season.
In spring, about 1,500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full bloom, making it one of the best in Hokkaido.
Cherry blossom viewing spots
Popular as!
In winter, the moat is surrounded by illuminations, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
Activity Japan has
Hakodate Sightseeing Tour Including Goryokaku
is currently being posted.
Enjoy a journey that captures the beauty of history and the seasons.
This tour is perfect for people who are wondering, "This is my first time touring Hakodate!" or "I want to visit Goryokaku, but I don't know how to see it." Why was Goryokaku made in a star shape? What are the stories surrounding the Hakodate Magistrate's Office? We will show you the surprising side of Goryokaku, a beloved park, in an easy-to-understand way. After 140 years,
[Hokkaido, Hakodate] Enjoy a 3-hour tour of Hakodate city! Jumbo Taxi (up to 9 passengers)
Don't just be satisfied, come and be impressed! Hakodate's tourist attractions are all gathered together in one place!
Address: 44 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
3. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Hakodate Bay Area
Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse
"teeth,
A popular tourist spot renovated from a historical building built in the Meiji era
.
It is now a bustling complex where you can enjoy shopping, gourmet food, and events.
It's about a 5-minute drive from Hakodate Station and is easily accessible from the airport, making it a great spot to stop by in between sightseeing!
You can relax in a cafe or look for souvenirs while enjoying the exotic atmosphere of the port town.
Southern Hokkaido area If you want to know more about the charm of Guided tours We also recommend taking part in a small taxi tour. is!
This tour takes you around the cafes in the Hakodate area that have been preserved in architecture from the Meiji to early Showa periods. Why not visit cafes with a charming retro atmosphere and experience the history of Hakodate? ■Main course: Jujiya Grocery Store → Cafe Mario Doll → Kyu-Chayatei Tea House → California Baby → Kingyo Chaya → Marutama Hut → Transist
Don't just be satisfied, come and be impressed! Hakodate's tourist attractions are all gathered together in one place!
Address: 14-12 Suehirocho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
4. Onuma Quasi-National Park
With the active volcano Mt. Komagatake in the background, the rich natural scenery spreads out before you. Onuma Quasi-National Park " is the only national park in southern Hokkaido.
The lakes of Onuma, Konuma, and Junsai Numa, which were formed by the eruption, and the more than 120 small islands floating in the lakes, create a beautiful and atmospheric landscape, which is said to be similar to Matsushima, one of the Three Views of Japan. Matsushima on the Lake "It is also called "
From spring to autumn, you can enjoy cycling, canoeing, sightseeing boats, and walking, and in winter, snowmobiling and ice fishing for smelt. You can experience outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
If you want to spend an active time in nature, be sure to check out Activity Japan's popular plans for Onuma!
You will take a ride on a futuristic vehicle called a "Segway" and explore the magnificent nature of Onuma with a nature guide. First, you will learn the basics of how to operate the Segway in a one-hour riding lesson, then set off on the tour with a nature guide who is well-versed in the joys of the field! There are mountains, valleys, grasslands... a fascinating trail with a wide variety of trails. You can also see animals such as red foxes.
[Hokkaido, Hakodate] Lake Onuma + Lake Konuma Island Tour Cruise 30-minute Plan
In service from April 10th to October! The island-hopping pleasure boat takes you around the most scenic spots in Lake Onuma in 30 minutes. <<Experience the charm of Lake Onuma and Lake Konuma on a pleasure boat>> You can feel the power of the earth as you tour the islands formed by volcanic eruptions, and you may even spot waterfowl! Depending on the weather, you can even see Mt. Komagatake from the boat. You can enjoy seasonal scenery such as fresh greenery in spring, water lilies in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn.
[Hokkaido, Onuma] 5-hour tour of Onuma! Small taxi (for up to 4 passengers)
We will guide you through the scenic Onuma Quasi-National Park and its surrounding areas.
Address: Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido
5. Yunokawa Onsen
Known as one of Hokkaido's three major hot spring resorts
"
Yunokawa Onsen
"
.
It is about a 5-minute drive from Hakodate Airport and is easily accessible by Hakodate tram, making it a popular hot spring town that is easy to drop into.
In addition to the high-quality hot springs, the nostalgic townscape reminiscent of the Meiji and Taisho eras will stir up your travelling spirit. .
In the hot spring town, Free foot bath In winter, you can see monkeys bathing in the hot springs at "Monkey Mountain Hot Springs." Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden ", known for its health and healing benefits, Yukura Shrine There are plenty of other attractions in the surrounding area!
In the following, Enjoy the night view and crafts along with the hot springs Recommended for couples' trips too!
Departing from hotels, facilities, and restaurants around Goryokaku and the Yunokawa area! We'll show you the million-dollar night view from Mt. Hakodate and the popular bay area.
The Hakodate Bauhaus Studio in Hakodate City is a pottery studio where people who love making things gather together and enjoy creative activities in a relaxed atmosphere. Though it is located in a quiet residential area, once you enter the studio it is bustling with activity. It's as if your dormant creative desires are awakened.
Address: Yukawacho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
6. Hakodate Morning Market
Hakodate Morning Market
teeth,
This popular spot is known as "the place to eat fresh seafood in Hakodate!"
!
This large market stretches across approximately 3 hectares in front of Hakodate Station and is lined with hundreds of stores selling fresh seafood such as crab, salmon roe, sea urchin, and scallops.
"
Donburi Yokocho Market
"or"
Station Market
It is divided into several areas, such as
In addition to purchasing ingredients, you can also enjoy eating seafood bowls and trying squid fishing.
!
Start your morning with a stroll through the vibrant market and experience Hakodate's unique gourmet culture.
If you want to learn more about the charms of the southern Hokkaido area, be sure to check out the tours below!
[Hokkaido, Hakodate] Hakodate specialty! Squid fishing experience plan
Easy! Safe! Fun! Why not try squid fishing? 20 minutes after leaving Hakodate Sumiyoshi Fishing Port. The timings vary depending on the season, tides, and weather, but the captain will guide you to the best fishing spots possible. Catch lots of squid at the best spots of the day!
Full-day charter course 8 hours
Smile Taxi will support you according to your needs, whether you want to travel on a sightseeing route of your own choosing or if you travel frequently for business trips, etc. Please aim for a maximum of 8 hours between 8:00 and 19:00, and a maximum daily driving distance of 280 km.
Address: 9-22 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
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Southern Hokkaido is full of attractions other than Hakodate! Hidden tourist spots
Southern Hokkaido
In addition to Hakodate, there are many other attractive spots in the area where you can experience history and nature up close.
In the following,
Hidden gems recommended for first-time travelers to Southern Hokkaido
We will introduce the following.
1. Matsumae Castle and Matsumae Park
"
Matsumae Castle
"teeth,
The castle was built as Fukuyama Castle in 1606 (Keicho 11) by Matsumae Yoshihiro, the first lord of the Matsumae clan.
.
In 1854 (Ansei 1), at the end of the Edo period, the 17th feudal lord, Matsumae Takahiro, rebuilt it to defend the Tsugaru Straits.
Hokkaido It is the only Japanese-style castle in the area, but the castle tower was destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt in 1961 (Showa 36) with support from the townspeople and the whole country.
The castle gate remains as it was back then, and the interior is open to the public as a museum displaying cultural assets of the Matsumae domain and Ainu materials!
The surrounding "
Matsumae Park
"teeth,
It is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot
!
It is a charming spot where you can enjoy a historical stroll and nature at the same time.
Address: 144 Matsushiro, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido
2. Hakodate Blue Cave
Hakodate
About 90 minutes by car from
Blue Cave
"teeth,
A mysterious spot that can only be reached by boat
!
It used to be a secret place that even locals had difficulty accessing, but now you can enter the cave on a small boat tour.
Depending on the angle of the sun and the transparency of the water, the surface of the water inside the cave glows a brilliant blue, making it a spectacular sight that you should see at least once.
is.
Be sure to see this miraculous natural scenery with your own eyes!
Address: Iwabe, Fukushima-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido
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A model itinerary for efficiently touring southern Hokkaido (3 days, 2 nights)
| Time Zone | itinerary |
|---|---|
| morning | Hakodate Station → Goryokaku Park & Goryokaku Tower |
| afternoon | Bay Area (by streetcar) Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse ) Enjoy shopping and cafes |
| night | Mount Hakodate Ropeway Enjoy the night view |
| Time Zone | itinerary |
|---|---|
| morning | Take the JR Hakodate Main Line to Onuma Koen Station ( Lakeside stroll / Boat and bicycle rental) |
| afternoon | Take a break at a cafe or around the station → Return to Hakodate on the JR Hakodate Main Line |
| evening | Returning to Hakodate, Yunokawa Onsen fart |
| Time Zone | itinerary |
|---|---|
| morning | Hakodate Morning Market Visit |
| morning | Taxi or tram + bus to the airport |
Hakodate Airport - Hakodate City Hotel Transfer Regular Taxi
We will meet you at the Hakodate Airport arrival lobby with a placard. We will pick you up at your hotel in Hakodate City, and the reverse route is also possible. The fare is 3,000 yen (tax included). The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Hakodate Airport to Onuma Park Hotels Transfer by Regular Taxi
We will meet you at the Hakodate Airport arrival lobby with a placard. We will pick you up at your hotel in Hakodate City, and the reverse route is also possible. The fare is 10,400 yen including tax. The journey takes approximately 60 minutes.
Top 10 Popular Activities in the Southern Hokkaido Area
- 4.3
- (22 reviews and experiences)
We provide a complete set of fishing rods and bait, so you can enjoy unlimited fishing. Please come empty-handed. It is easily accessible, just a 5-minute walk from the station. The smelt you catch will be cooked into delicious tempura! Freshly made tempura is exceptional!
- 5.0
- (3 reviews and experiences)
Our staff will explain everything, so even first-timers and women can easily drive! We offer long courses depending on the ice conditions. ★This is a one-seater plan. If you would like a two-seater, please make a reservation below. https://activityjapan.com/publish/plan/1412★10
- 5.0
- (43 reviews and experiences)
Departing from hotels, facilities, and restaurants around Hakodate Station! We'll show you the million-dollar night view from Mt. Hakodate and the popular bay area.
[Hokkaido, Hakodate] Ice Island Sled Tour in Onuma Quasi-National Park (15-20 minute course)
- 5.0
- (2 reviews and experiences)
Our exclusive ice pleasure boat! Cruise on the ice in 20 minutes! We have six large handmade sleds (each seating 10 people). Our experienced instructors will guide you leisurely on snowmobiles to enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Lake Onuma. [Guests with preschool children] Guests aged 0 to preschool children can participate for free. Where to participate
- 4.0
- (2 reviews and experiences)
Staff will explain the process, so even first-timers and women can easily drive! We offer long courses depending on the ice conditions. ・Target age: Participants from 5 years old / Drivers from 18 years old. ★This is a plan for two people. If you would like a single-seater, please make a reservation below. https://activityjap
- 5.0
- (3 reviews and experiences)
The Hakodate Bauhaus Studio in Hakodate City is a pottery studio where people who love making things gather together and enjoy creative activities in a relaxed atmosphere. Though it is located in a quiet residential area, once you enter the studio it is bustling with activity. It's as if your dormant creative desires are awakened.
・Enjoy a variety of activities such as park golf, sports slides, and buggy cars. ・We also have "Fuwa Fuwa Piarand" where even small children can play safely. ・Recommended for those who want to exercise in nature, or for those who want to make memories with their family or group.
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
It's a wild course that involves crossing a stream, following a slightly steep mountain path and winding through the forest.
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
This trekking course leads to a grassland where you can get a panoramic view of Mt. Hakodate and the Tsugaru Strait. The ups and downs through the forest are also popular. This course is recommended for beginners.
[Hokkaido Hakodate Horse Riding] Easy Horse Trekking Outing Walking Course (30 minutes)
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
This is a leisurely and easy trekking course that takes you through the forest paths around the ranch and leads to a grassland with views of Mt. Hakodate and the Tsugaru Strait.
Enjoy sightseeing in Southern Hokkaido
This time, Sightseeing and activities in the southern Hokkaido area, from popular spots to hidden gems We featured the following.
Southern Hokkaido is home to history, nature, and gourmet food, and each season offers different charms.
Be sure to plan your trip at your own pace and enjoy the richness that only southern Hokkaido can offer!
*The content of this article is current as of January 2026.
Featured image provided by:
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