Hakodate is Hokkaido's third largest city, located at the island's southern tip. Hakodate is best known for the spectacular views to be enjoyed from Mount Hakodate (see picture below) and its delicious, fresh seafood. As one of the first Japanese harbor cities to be opened to international trade after the country's era of isolation, Hakodate has experienced notable influence from overseas, and the foreign population's former residential district and a Western style fort are among its main tourist attractions. Onuma Park, a quasi national park with beautiful, island dotted lakes, is located only half an hour north of Hakodate and is a worthwhile side trip from the city or a nice stop on the journey between Hakodate and Sapporo.

No visit to Hakodate would be complete with a visit to Hakodate's morning seafood market. The market is easily accessible from the southern side of the main train station. Early risers are guaranteed the most exciting action when the fish arrive shortly before 5 am. The market stays open until midday each day. Visitors can stroll between the numerous stalls and marvel at the huge variety of foods for sale, especially the hairy crabs for which Hokkaido is famous. You can make an unusual breakfast of fruit, raw sea urchin, or grilled crab from the stalls here. The most famous seafood delicacy is the tender squid known as “yari-ika”. Like most Japanese foods it is very tasty and well worth a try.

The star shaped Fort Goryokaku was constructed in Hakodate from 1857 to 1864 as Japan's first Western style fortress. In 1868, when the Meiji Restoration led to the overthrow of the Edo Shogunate, loyalist rebels fled to Hokkaido instead of surrendering and used Hakodate's Goryokaku as their headquarters in the resulting civil war against the Imperial forces. The loyalists surrendered in 1869. Access the observation deck of the Goryokaku Tower for a bird's view of the huge fortress. In April 2006, a new, 107 meter tall tower was opened, replacing the 60 meter tall, former tower, dating from 1964. From JR Hakodate Station, take the tram to "Goryokaku Koen Mae" (10 minutes). From there, the fortress is another 10 minutes on foot.

Hakodate is probably most famous for its night view from atop Mt. Hakodate, which rises 330 m, just 2.8 km southwest of Hakodate Station. Few vacationing Japanese spend the night in Hakodate without taking the cable car to the top of this lava cone, which was formed by the eruption of an undersea volcano. From the peak, the lights of Hakodate shimmer. You can reach the foot of Mt. Hakodate via a 5-minute streetcar ride from Hakodate Station to the Jujigai stop. From there, walk about 6 minutes to the cable car that will take you to the top. The round-trip costs ¥1,160 for adults and ¥590 for children. Cable-car hours are daily 10 AM to 10 PM April 26 through October (from 9 AM during Golden Week and in Aug), and 10 AM to 9 PM November through April 25. From April 25 to November (daily during peak season but otherwise only on weekends), you can also reach the top of Mount Hakodate directly by bus from Hakodate Station; the 30-minute trip costs ¥360 for adults and half price for children.