Why You Should Visit Hakodate in Early Summer - Dazzling Night Views and Fresh Seafood! Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-Date: Jul 3, 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Why You Should Visit Hakodate in Early Summer - Dazzling Night Views and Fresh Seafood!

Hakodate is a popular travel destination in Hokkaido known for its high-quality food and unique attractions. One of the best times to visit Hakodate is in early summer, when the pleasant and refreshing weather promises comfortable sightseeing! This article will introduce the best places to visit in Hakodate in early summer, along with recommended restaurants serving regional specialties like jingisukan (lamb/mutton BBQ) and fresh seafood.

Hakodate in June - A City Full of Wonders

Located in southern Hokkaido, Hakodate experiences less winter snowfall than much of the island, and its summers are pleasantly mild. June in particular is an excellent time to explore its famous natural beauty, picturesque streetscapes, and breathtaking night views, together with restaurants and markets serving its trademark fresh seafood and quality meat and vegetables.

While strolling around Hakodate, you’ll notice its many old-fashioned Western-style buildings and churches. These historical gems are remnants of the period following the end of Japan's isolationist policy, which began in the early 17th century during the Tokugawa Shogunate. In 1859, Hakodate Port became one of the first places in Japan to open to Western influences, leaving a lasting impact on its architecture and culture. The pinnacle of this is Goryokaku, Japan's first Western-style fortress, which also has a beautiful Japanese-style building on its grounds open to visitors.

The average temperature in June in Hakodate is a pleasant 17.7°C, with low humidity and comfortable sunny weather. As it warms up, you'll often be able to wear short sleeves during the day.

Hakodate is also famous for its night scenery. However, even in June, it’ll be chilly at night, so be sure to bring a light, long-sleeved jacket, too.

Enchanting Night Views at Mt. Hakodate and the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses

At a height of 334 meters, Mt. Hakodate is the city's most scenic and iconic viewpoint. It’s tucked between the Tsugaru Strait and Hakodate Port, perfectly positioned to showcase the unique fan-like shape of Hakodate outlined by twinkling lights. Taking just 3 minutes on the ropeway, the trip up to the summit is also quick and convenient.

It’s also worth visiting Mt. Hakodate during the day, where you’ll be treated to seasonal landscapes like cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and snow in winter.

More adventurous travelers can also hike up Mt. Hakodate, letting you fully experience its nature on one of 11 trails of varying difficulties. Early birds can even catch the last moments of the dimming city lights against the breathtaking morning glow.

Down by the port is also the equally scenic Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, which were opened in 1887 as Hakodate's first commercial warehouses and rebuilt in 1909 after a devastating fire. From 1988, their beautiful design earned them new life as a trendy shopping complex, although some still serve as commercial warehouses today. While admiring the architecture, visitors can browse through souvenirs, jewelry, and more, and quench their thirst with local beers straight from the brewery at the beer hall.

The warehouses and canal are also illuminated after sunset, making it worth visiting again following dinner.

Historical Sites and Untouched Nature at Goryokaku and Mt. Esan

Goryokaku was built in 1864 as Japan's first Western-style fortress by the Tokugawa Shogunate to safeguard against foreign invasions. It forms a five-point star from above, and has been reopened as a park lined by leisurely strolling paths. At its center is also the reconstructed Hakodate Magistrate's Office, which is open to visitors for an up-close look at its traditional Japanese architecture exuding a dignified presence.

For an aerial view of the star-shaped park, head up the Goryokaku Tower. From its observation deck, you'll be able to appreciate the grand scale of this remarkable fortress from 90 meters above ground.

After you’ve finished exploring the cityscape, venture out to the 618-meter-tall Mt. Esan for a day of casual mountain hiking. The trailhead parking lot is around 1.5 hours by car from central Hakodate, and is situated at around 300 meters above sea level, so the average adult should be able to hike to the summit in about an hour.

Mt. Esan’s rugged and untamed terrain brims with natural splendor. At its foot, dazzling pink azaleas bloom from mid-May to early June, creating a stunning contrast with the rocky terrain. As you ascend, you'll also encounter steam rising from fumaroles.

Being at the eastern tip of the peninsula and surrounded by sea on three sides, the view from the summit of Mt. Esan is nothing short of spectacular. Just keep in mind that the mountain is closed in the winter during snowfall.

Restaurants to Enjoy Authentic Hokkaido Cuisine

Below are two restaurants in Hakodate known for serving exquisite Hokkaido delicacies and fresh seafood. Both are also ideal for convenient stops after exploring the Hakodate attractions in this article.

Asahikawa Jingisukan Daikokuya Hakodate Goryokaku Branch (Goryokaku-Koen-Mae Station / Jingisukan)

Jingisukan is the local style of barbecued mutton and lamb. The meat is grilled with vegetables on a unique dome-shaped hotplate, and eaten with a flavorful dipping sauce.

Known for using top-quality mutton, [Asahikawa Jingisukan Daikokuya] is the perfect place for your first encounter with jingisukan. Highly recommended are the premium lean [Fillet] (1,045 JPY) and the [Herb Shoulder Roast] (913 JPY), which is seasoned with herbs and rock salt. The meat is prepared by hand without the use of machines, and the cuts are individually selected from each animal to ensure the best possible condition.

Topping it off is the mouthwatering sauce, made from a delicious blend of soy sauce and fruit.

Be sure to also order a bowl of freshly steamed rice to tuck into with your meat. Here, Hokkaido's own rice brand, Yumepirika, is cooked in front of guests in a traditional hagama rice cooker, adding extra flair to the experience.

The interior features a stylish and modern design, with private and semi-private rooms available for a more intimate setting.

Asahikawa Jingisukan Daikokuya Hakodate Goryokaku Branch

Open: [Monday - Thursday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:25 pm) [Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm-11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) [Saturday] Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) [Sunday and National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Goryokaku Koen Mae Station on Hakodate City Rail
Address: 1F, Maruzen Bldg., 21-5, Honcho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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Hakodate Dining Gaya (Hakodate / Izakaya)

Conveniently located near the Hakodate Morning Market, in front of Hakodate Station, [Hakodate Dining Gaya] is an izakaya that specializes in fresh seafood caught around Hakodate, along with other Hokkaido specialties. Inside, a large live seafood tank guarantees that all sashimi and sushi are served at their freshest.

Highly recommended is the [Gaya Bowl] (3,080 JPY), which contains rich sea urchin, umami-packed crab, sweet scallops, and bubbly salmon roe artfully arranged atop white rice.

The interior is designed in traditional Japanese style, and sets a peaceful mood. There are counter seats along with 12 private rooms that can also be adapted for larger parties. So, whether you’re dining alone or in a large group, you'll find nothing but a welcoming atmosphere.

Hakodate Dining Gaya

Open: [Opening hours] 17:00 - 00:00 (last order 23:00). The above hours may vary depending on the season. / Lunch 11:30 - 14:30 (last order 14:00)
Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY
Access: A 2-minute walk from the west exit of JR Hakodate station. When facing Mt. Hakodate from the west exit, you will see the restaurant sign. Hakodate Morning Market Area entrance.
Address: 8-14 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido Map
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With natural landscapes and historical sites by day and enchanting views at night, Hakodate undoubtedly deserves its place as one of Hokkaido's top travel destinations. Plus, visitors can gorge themselves on delectable local cuisine in between sightseeing expeditions. Use this article to start planning your ultimate Hakodate itinerary!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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