A Port City Where Romance and History Intertwine: Exploring Hakodate.
Hakodate, located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, is a port city renowned for its rich historical background, stunning night views, and strong foreign atmosphere. Here, you can feel the blend of ancient and modern, from the historical streetscapes during the day to the dazzling lights at night, every moment is captivating.
Morning at Hakodate Morning Market: A Feast of Fresh Seafood
Early in the morning, I arrived at Hakodate Morning Market, the best place to experience the local lifestyle. The market is filled with the shouts of vendors and the scent of fresh seafood. Various crabs, sea urchins, squids, and other fresh seafood are displayed on the stalls, making your mouth water.
I ordered a bowl of seafood donburi for breakfast, filled with salmon, sweet shrimp, sea urchin, and salmon roe. The fresh taste bursts in your mouth, paired with the unique sweet white rice of Hokkaido, it is simply a feast for the taste buds. The market also has a unique squid fishing game, which is a fun way to experience Hakodate's marine culture.
Afternoon at Motomachi and Red Brick Warehouse District: A Collision of History and Exoticism
After leaving the morning market, I headed to the exotic Motomachi area. This is a historical district left behind after Hakodate opened its port early on. The streets are lined with Western-style buildings, such as the Hakodate Orthodox Church and the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, each telling the story of Hakodate's past.
Next, I visited the famous Red Brick Warehouse District. The warehouses have been converted into cafes, shops, and restaurants, retaining a sense of history while being full of modern vitality. I sat down in a cafe, ordered a cup of coffee and Hokkaido's exclusive cheesecake, and enjoyed a rare leisurely time while looking out at the harbor through the window.
Night at Mount Hakodate: The Stunning View of One of the World's Top Three Nightscapes
As night fell, I took the cable car to Mount Hakodate to enjoy the city's most famous attraction—the Hakodate night view. The cable car slowly ascended, overlooking the city's lights gradually lighting up, like a river of stars scattered on the ground.
At the top, the view was even more stunning: Hakodate's city center presents a unique 'fan-shaped' layout, with the coastlines on both sides drawing beautiful curves. The lights form bright lines like strings of pearls. A gentle breeze blew, carrying a hint of sea salt in the air, and the entire night view was mesmerizing. This romantic scene is definitely a world wonder worth seeing with your own eyes.
💞 Recommended Reason: An Unmissable Trip to Hakodate
Hakodate is a city that perfectly combines history, culture, and natural beauty. From the fresh seafood in the morning to the exoticism in the afternoon, and the world-class night view at night, every moment allows you to feel the diverse charm of this city. If you plan to travel to Hokkaido, don't miss this port city full of stories and romance, Hakodate!