Port
Hakodate, Japan
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$450
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 6½ Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Depart the pier and travel to the Hakodate Morning Market, comprised of nearly 280 stores, where you will see fresh seafood and experience a lively, slice-of-life atmosphere.
Next, visit the Hakodate Bugyosho -- the Magistrate's Office -- rebuilt as a faithful copy of the original building using traditional methods. Remove your shoes, in keeping with Japanese custom, and step inside the building to view the historical exhibits.
Then, walk to the Goryokaku Tower for a view of the graceful Goryokaku pentagonal fort below. This was built in 1864 for the defense of Hokkaido against would-be invaders. The grounds are now a lovely park open to the public.
After a lunch of locally-sourced ingredients, continue to the aerial ropeway (cable car) and ride to the summit of Mt Hakodate. This lovely wooded mountain rises to more than 1,200 feet at the end of the peninsula on which the city sits. It offers a stunning, panoramic view over Hakodate.
Back in town, set off on an approximately 45-minute guided walk through the Motomachi District. Hakodate was one of the earliest ports in Japan to open its doors to foreign trade some 150 years ago. The exotic atmosphere and the sweeping views of the port lend this area a dashing air to savor as you return to the pier.
Please note:
Please realistically assess your physical fitness and ability prior to booking; the walking is uphill, over unpaved, uneven surfaces with many steps. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring local currency, as many vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars. Weather and atmospheric conditions vary; no guarantee is offered with regard to visibility or views on any particular day. Tour sequence may vary. Traffic can be unpredictable; your patience is greatly appreciated if a delay extends the tour duration. The Mt Hakodate ropeway operates weather permitting. In case of inclement weather preventing the operation of the ropeway, we will extend the stay at one of the scheduled facilities to accommodate the change in itinerary. You must remove your shoes at one or more location(s).