Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel Guide to Hakodate, Hokkaido: Photography and Gourmet Tips

I flew to Sapporo with my roommate for the Spring Festival and then took the Hokuto line to Hakodate. Currently, Hakodate might have fewer direct flights from the mainland, and although there aren't many tourists or shopping districts, this small city is truly a hidden gem, perfect for those who dislike the hustle and bustle and want to relax for a few days. 🍔Food Recommendations 1. Seafood is very affordable. If you want to try seafood and sea urchin on rice, you can go to the morning market next to Sapporo Station, where many small shops sell super fresh products. p2.3 2. Opposite the morning market is the famous Lucky Pierrot burger joint, which was mentioned in the second season of the anime Crayon Shin-chan's Hokkaido special. However, after trying it, I found the curry rice to be incredibly delicious! The fried chicken in the burger is similar to Chinese-style fried chicken, slightly sweet. p4 3. Continue walking towards the sea and you'll find a place called Kaikouin that specializes in various huge seafood items. There's a giant live octopus at the entrance which is quite impressive. My roommate and I were already full from the burgers, so we couldn't eat much, but their seafood variety is probably the most extensive in Hakodate, with all kinds of crabs and shellfish available. I glanced at the prices through the glass and they seemed reasonable. However, they only open in the afternoon. 4. How can you visit Hakodate without trying the local specialty, salt ramen? There's a ramen shop across from Sapporo Station heading towards Goryokaku, where the staff knows some basic Chinese. p5.6 📸Photo Spot Recommendations 1. Hachiman-zaka slope, where you can walk to the top of the road and use a telephoto lens to capture a photo of the road leading straight to the sea. p7.8 2. Walk from the Red Brick Warehouse towards Mount Hakodate, and you'll pass by a Lucky Pierrot burger joint. You can lean on the railing of the parking lot to take photos. p9 3. The vending machine in front of the parking lot at Kaikouin, using a telephoto lens and diagonal composition, you can capture the coast. p10 4. After reaching the Mount Hakodate Observatory, you don't have to go up to the second floor right away. Turn left on the first floor to a platform, then after coming out, walk down towards the Mount Hakodate sign, and turn right to a spot with an unobstructed view and fewer people. p11.12 5. Goryokaku Tower Observatory, it's recommended to take photos on the first floor of the observatory, where it's less crowded. p13.14