2026 Hokuto Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

#September2025 ✓ Kijihiki Highlands Kijihiki Highlands Panorama Observation Deck Want to avoid the crowds and enjoy breathtaking Hokkaido scenery all to yourself? Don't miss the Kijihiki Highlands Panorama Observation Deck, located 560 meters above sea level! This isn't just an observation deck; it's a hidden gem. Step inside the warm, indoor facility and gaze through the large floor-to-ceiling windows at the magnificent natural landscape. Take in the shimmering waters of Lake Onuma, the majestic Mount Komagatake, and Mount Hakodate in the distance. If you're lucky, you might even witness the magical spectacle of a sea of ​​clouds billowing beneath your feet. The awe-inspiring and moving moment will be unforgettable! Don't worry, getting here is easy. This scenic paradise is easily accessible from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station on the Shinkansen, taking just a short 15-minute ride. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of southern Hokkaido's most breathtaking scenery: the breathtaking mountain scenery stretches from Hakodate all the way to Mount Komagatake, with Onuma Quasi-National Park across the way. Beyond the stunning views, the observation deck offers thoughtful amenities. In addition to convenient bathroom facilities and ample parking, the observation deck also features a small shop selling local specialty souvenirs. Don't forget to take home classic Trappist cookies or some delicious snacks perfect with your drink. Of course, there's also the adorable Zushi Kitagi merchandise to add a unique memory to your trip. Compared to the bustling crowds of Mount Hakodate, this is undoubtedly a better choice for enjoying the stunning views. I'm sure the night view will be even more dazzling as the sun sets and dusk falls, waiting to be discovered!

This is a Shinkansen journey through the world's longest undersea tunnel! The Seikan Tunnel, which connects Aomori Prefecture and Hokkaido, is 53.85km long (23.30km of which is undersea)! There is an in-car announcement when entering the tunnel! It's exciting My first trip to Hokkaido was by Shinkansen! lol ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🚅~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station ⏰About 4 hours 💰Regular reserved seat 23,430 yen 💰Green car 30,940 yen 💰Gran Class 39,320 yen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🚅~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ※This information is current, so please check it out before you go! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Right now! This moment! Enjoy it to the fullest Maya trip ✔︎A place I'm glad I went and experienced for myself ✔︎I hope this will be helpful for your outings ♫ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ #Train trip 2024 #Train trip #Hokkaido #Train hopping #Shinkansen #Hakodate trip #Hakodate sightseeing #Hokkaido trip

#OverseasTravel #JapanTravel When spring comes, you can see cherry blossoms in full bloom in many places in 🇯🇵 Hokkaido 🌸! This time we visited the Onogawa Cherry Blossom Forest Avenue, which was even more satisfying to enjoy! This cherry blossom 🌳 forest avenue located next to the Ono River is very long, along a slow walk 🚶 to walk almost 45 minutes, the biggest feature is a step by step scenery, looking up can see the sky full of cherry blossoms 🌸, really beautiful and romantic, like walking in a cherry blossom tunnel! So this avenue has become a photo hotspot📸️, take advantage of the time when there is no car can go to the center of the road, can take pictures of the most beautiful cherry blossoms on both sides💕 Onogawa Sakura and wood 📍 2-chome, Honmachi, Hokuto City, Hokkaido

#OverseasTravel #JapanTravel #HokkaidoTravel #HokkaidoFood 🇯🇵 Hakodate famous products in addition to catchcakes, must try also lucky clown burger 🤡 Lucky Pierrot in Hakodate has many branches, each decoration has different characteristics 🌟 and theme, this time specifically went to a very beautiful Cross Street branch 😍 and no other branches so many people. The theme of this branch in Cross Street is Christmas🎄 The whole shop is decorated with Christmas decorations🤶, decorated to be beautiful and atmospheric, every corner can be crazy photos📸️, no matter what month you can feel the rich Christmas🎅🏻 atmosphere! And the Lucky Clown Burger is not only a nickname, the food quality is very good! 👍🏻Everything is delicious😋 The main character🌟 Clown Burger The first order is fried pork chop burger🐷 The burger is sandwiched with two pieces of fried pork chop, lettuce🥬, salad dressing, seemingly ordinary but not the combination, but definitely ordinary delicious👍🏻 Fried pork chop fried to very crispy, soft and juicy 🤤🤤 Another is the popular NO.2🥈 and manager strongly recommended pork and egg burger🍳 with burger steak, omelette, onion sauce🧅, this bun🍔 is very heavy-handed, the burger steak is very thick and full of ingredients! The burger steak is very soft and tender, also very juicy, with onion sauce and egg, great 😛! There is also the popular NO.1🥇 Chinese Chicken Egg Rice🐔 Once on the table, I was really scared, super big portion! Their fried chicken is the signature, really crispy, and very juicy, the meat inside is very tender😋 The sweet and sour sauce is sweet and sour🍭 very tasty! The egg bun rice is filled with ketchup fried rice 🍅 It has a nice egg flavour! This lucky clown burger shop🍔 is not expensive, very good value for money! I really have to try it when I come to Hakodate❣️ Lucky Pierrot @ Hakodate, Hokkaido 📍8-11 Suehirocho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 💰Price: Pork Cutlet Burger ¥380 Lucky Egg Burger ¥390 Egg-wrapped rice ¥760

Access: From Saitama, I took a leisurely train ride on the Tohoku Main Line, Galaxy Railway, and Aoimori Railway using the Hokkaido East Japan Pass. Tourist Spot: Hokkaido Shinkansen It took about an hour from Shin-Aomori to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, and an hour later I returned to Shin-Aomori by Shinkansen. As expected, the Shinkansen is comfortable and exciting to ride. By the way, there was almost nothing at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. All I can remember is Toyoko Inn walking around proudly. Hotel: Toyoko Inn Dining & Restaurant: Ekiben Shopping: Convenience Stores

#Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto #Hokkaido Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station is currently the terminus of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, and can be reached from Tokyo in as little as four hours. Although it is called Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, its address is in Hokuto City, so it can be said to be a bit of a complicated station. The area around the station is a bit deserted, but there is a hut that is said to have been built in the Meiji era and a monument to Michiya Mitsuhashi. From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Hakodate, there is a train called the Hakodate Liner, which is divided into two types: rapid and local. The train you board will probably change depending on the Shinkansen connection, but the seats are soft and relatively empty, so it should be easy to find a seat. From here, you can easily travel to Hakodate by Shinkansen!

Very comfortable accommodation. Supplies need to be purchased from near Kuchian Station first.

🌸 Ono River Hokuto Cherry Blossom Corridor : ทิวซากุระแม่น้ำโอโนะ เมือง Hokuto ไม่ไกลจากสถานีรถไฟ Shin-Hakodate Hokuto สถานีรถไฟชินคันเซนที่อยู่เหนือสุดญี่ปุ่นนะตอนนี้ที่เปิดให้บริการแล้ว 🌸 ทิวซากุระแม่น้ำโอโนะ มีความยาวประมาณ 1 กม ขนานไปกับแม่น้ำโอโนะ ซากุระที่นี่จะบานช้ากว่าซากุระที่ป้อมดาว Goryokaku เล็กน้อย ช่วงซากุระบาน มีจัดงานชมซากุระแบบเล็กๆ น่ารักๆ ที่สวน Honchojido Park นักท่องเที่ยวน้อย เดินเที่ยวสบายๆ ที่สวนสาธารณะห้องน้ำบริการ 🌸 การเดินทางไปที่นี่ให้นั่งรถไฟมาลงที่สถานี Shin-Hakodate Hokuto แล้วไปต่อรถบัส สาย 21 22 25 610 ลงที่ป้าย Ono Shoggakko-mae ค่าโดยสาร 250 เยน ขากลับเดินกลับไปขึ้นรถที่ป้ายรถบัสฝั่งตรงข้าม Lawson Ono Honcho สาย 21 22 25 610 ลงที่สถานี Shin-Hakodate Hokuto ค่าโดยสาร 250 เยน #hokuto #hakodate #tohoku #รับส่วนลดไม่พึ่งดวง

📅 Itinerary Day1:Arrive at Hakodate airport. Proceed to Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse for shopping, dinner and photos. Day2: Visit the Hakodate morning market for fresh seafood brunch. Collect rental car near Hakodate JR station. Drove to Kijihiki Highlands Panorama Observation Deck for Unkai viewing. Head to Goryokaku Park to catch the sakura. 🏨 Accommodation: Condominium View Mt Hakodate 🍴 Food Recommendations: Lucky Pierrot for their curry rice. Fresh seafood sashimi at Hakodate morning market. 📌 Tips: Many of the Hokkaido local produce and snacks can be bought at Sapporo at cheaper prices.

The cherry blossoms bloomed much earlier this year than usual. I drove from Hakodate to a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing in "Hokuto City"! While it might not be as breathtaking as Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, I actually prefer how the cherry blossoms blend perfectly with the local neighborhood!!! This spot is the "Ono River Cherry Blossom Avenue," one of the top four cherry blossom viewing locations in Hokuto City!

Ready for an adventure that’ll totally level up your travel game? Experience the magic of Jungkansen to the fullest and become a true train travel pro! 🚅💨 Pro Tips for First-Timers: 1. Book your tickets on trip.com in advance for the best seats and deals! 2. Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to vibe with the local rush 3. Pack snacks—because who doesn’t love train treats? 4. Download your fave playlist for the ride (soundtrack goals!) Whether you’re dashing off to a new city or just want to take a chill ride, Jungkansen is THE way to travel. Hop on, sit back, and enjoy the journey—it’s an experience you’ll never forget! 🌟

#springtravel Kijihiki Kogen Park in Hokkaido Prefecture is a massive stretch of green heaven that feels like it is touching the clouds. This highland park is famous for its rolling hills and grazing cattle which give it a super relaxed and rustic vibe. The highlight is definitely the wide open space where you can see for miles in every direction. It is the kind of place where you can just sit on the grass and watch the world go by. The park is perfect for families or anyone looking to enjoy a picnic with a million dollar view. You get a perfect look at the curving coastline and the distant mountains without the noise of the city. The air is crisp and the wind is always refreshing even on a sunny day. It is a fantastic spot to capture some epic landscape photos or just to enjoy a quiet moment in nature. If you are road tripping through the north, this highland escape is a total winner.

#springtravel Kijihiki Plateau Panorama Lookout in Hokkaido Prefecture is a total hidden gem that offers some of the most insane views in the north. Getting to the top is an adventure in itself as you drive through rolling green pastures with cows grazing right by the road. Once you reach the observation deck, you are rewarded with a panoramic scene that includes the Hakodate skyline and the iconic shape of Mount Hakodate in the distance. The atmosphere up here is incredibly fresh and quiet which makes it the perfect place to clear your head. On a clear day you can even see across the ocean to the mountains of Honshu. It is a fantastic spot for photography enthusiasts because the perspective of the surrounding lakes and mountains is absolutely top tier. If you want to escape the city crowds and see the landscape from a whole new angle, this lookout is a must visit. It is peaceful, majestic, and completely unforgettable.

#springtravel If you find yourself traveling through the quiet countryside of Hokkaido Prefecture, you definitely need to make a detour to the Trappist Monastery. This place looks like it was plucked straight out of Europe with its beautiful red brick architecture and long, dramatic driveway lined with towering poplar trees. It is a super peaceful spot where you can take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the surrounding hills. While the main living areas are private, the grounds are incredibly photogenic and well maintained. You absolutely cannot leave without trying their world famous soft serve ice cream and buttery cookies made right on site by the monks. The treats are rich, creamy, and arguably some of the best in the region. It is a perfect blend of history, calm vibes, and delicious local snacks.

#February Destinations 2026 This MEGA Don Quijote store in Hokuto City features an expansive retail space with a dense array of yellow, blue, and red signs, creating a strong visual impact: · Eye-catching yellow and black entrance lettering: Take a photo from below the main entrance. Align the large yellow sign with the black lettering "The Hall of Amazing Peace" with the regularly arranged automatic doors and trolleys on either side. This clash of high-contrast colors against the backdrop of the city street creates a very powerful visual impact. · Endless snack shelves: Walk into the food section through a long corridor. Utilize the ceiling-high stacks of colorful snack packaging on both sides to create a strong visual guide. The perspective created by the repetitive product blocks and the vanishing point of the aisle results in highly saturated photos. · Regularly arranged penguin (Donpen) wall: Align the penguin decorations and signs throughout the store. Align these rounded blue penguin symbols with the rigid lines of the shelving behind them. This contrast between "curved icons and straight shelves" evokes the chaotic aesthetics of Japanese pop culture. 【Quick Travel Notes】 · Photo Highlights: The huge parking lot outside the store, with its regularly marked white parking lines aligned with the distant mountains in the background, creates a unique industrial aesthetic. · Admission Fee: Free (0 NTD). · Opening Hours: 09:00 - 02:00 (Open until the early morning, perfect for capturing the nighttime lights). · Location: 7-14-1 Nanehama, Hokuto City, Hokkaido. · Transportation Suggestion: Approximately a 10-minute walk from Nanehama Station on the JR line. The railway fences and utility poles along the way also offer great photo opportunities.

The Trappistine Convent (トラピスチヌ修道院) in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan, is the first Catholic contemplative convent for women in Japan. It was established in 1898 by eight nuns dispatched from France. Even today, the nuns lead lives centered on prayer and labor. ✨ Key Travel Information 📍 Location · Address: 346 Kamiyunokawa-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido, Japan 🗓️ Operating Hours · Spring to Autumn (May–September): Approx. 8:30 AM–5:00 PM · Early Spring/Autumn (March–April, October–November): Approx. 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Winter (December–February): Approx. 9:00 AM–4:00 PM · Closed during New Year holidays (December 29–January 2) 💴 Admission Fee · Free (Some archives/museums may charge a small fee) 🚌 Transportation / How to Get There · From JR Hakodate Station, take a bus for about 35–40 minutes → Get off at 'Trappistine-Iriguchi' or 'Trappistine-Mae' stop → Walk for about 8–10 minutes 🧭 Highlights & Experiences ✔ Red Brick Church Exterior — The church's exterior combines Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and the garden walk is charming. ✔ Archives & Museum Spaces — Exhibits on the convent's history and daily life are available. (The nuns' living quarters are generally off-limits.) ✔ Convent-made Cookies & Biscuits — Famous madeleines and butter cookies are popular souvenirs from Hakodate. 📸 Photography is mainly allowed in the exterior/garden areas. Visitors are expected to maintain a quiet and reverent demeanor within the convent and its surroundings. 🕊️ Travel Tips · The serene and natural atmosphere makes it a great spot for relaxation and photography. · Visiting in the morning offers a tranquil ambiance and a chance to experience the solemn air of the convent. · It’s ideal to include this as a half-day course when planning a Hakodate city tour (e.g., Goryokaku, Motomachi streets, night views).

· Location: On the outskirts of Hakodate, Japan, leading to the Trappist Monastery · Features: A straight tree-lined road approximately 800 meters long, flanked by cedar trees, creating an exotic atmosphere · Name Origin: Named 'The Road to Rome' as it leads to a Catholic monastery · Recommended Points: · A popular photo spot during the lush green summer and autumn foliage season · Quiet for a peaceful walk due to minimal vehicle traffic · Duration: Approximately 20–30 minutes round trip on foot

Despite its somewhat secluded location, La'gent Plaza Hakodate Hokuto Hotel boasts undeniable charm. The hotel lobby is uniquely situated on the second floor, offering a distinctive touch. When it comes to dining, both breakfast and dinner are celebrated for their exquisite flavors rather than extravagant presentation, leaving guests with unforgettable culinary experiences. The hotel is well-equipped with facilities, including an onsen bath to rejuvenate weary travelers and a self-service laundry room for added convenience. The guest rooms are elegantly designed with a square layout, featuring heating and a humidifier to ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay. Conveniently located near Hokuto Shinkansen Station, the hotel serves as an ideal accommodation choice for those traveling between Hokkaido and the Tohoku region.

The tranquility of the Trappist Monastery brought a sense of calm, and the view of Goryokaku from the observation deck was truly impressive. At Onuma Park, the breathtaking scenery of the lake and mountains made me take a deep breath. Hakodate is highly recommended as you can explore these diverse attractions compactly. 🏠🏠【Recommended Hotels】 1. Hotel Hokke Club Hakodate Great location, cleanliness, and friendly staff 📷📷【Photo-worthy Spots】 Onuma Park, Goryokaku Observation Deck 📣📣【Other Highlights】 Trappist Monastery

I highly recommend visiting the nearby destination of Roma while traveling in Hakodate! I recently went on a 3-night, 4-day trip to Hakodate with a friend, and on the last day, we visited Roma as a nearby destination. However, when I searched for directions on blogs, they were quite confusing! I ended up going to Goryokaku Station and taking the train from there. Before leaving the accommodation, I purchased the Isaribi Haru ticket online for 1,100 yen. If you go to Hakodate Station instead, you’ll need to buy a separate ticket to Goryokaku, which costs more. So, I recommend starting from Goryokaku Station! The train was very small and adorable. When heading to Roma, I suggest sitting on the left side of the train to enjoy the ocean view! Also, when you arrive at Roma, make sure to try the ice cream sold there—it’s absolutely delicious! 📍The Path to Roma Address: Mitsuishi, Hokuto, Hokkaido 049-0283, Japan Operating Hours: None

Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station serves as the terminal station of the Hokkaido Shinkansen and is located in Hokuto City. It is the first station upon entering Hokkaido from Honshu and acts as a crucial transportation hub connecting Hakodate and the southern Hokkaido region. Opened in 2016 with the launch of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, it has significantly reduced travel time between Tokyo and Hakodate to approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes, greatly enhancing convenience. The station boasts a modern design with a spacious and bright interior. It features a tourist information center, souvenir shops, and dining areas. The most eye-catching landmark is the "Zushi Hokki" mascot statue inside the station—a charming representation of Hokuto City's mascot inspired by the local specialty, surf clam sushi. This adorable figure has become a must-see photo spot for visitors. 🚋 From the station, travelers can take the South Hokkaido Railway or buses to Hakodate City, with a travel time of about 20 minutes. For those driving, car rental services are available right in front of the station, making it easy to embark on a self-driving journey through southern Hokkaido.

A 2-night, 3-day trip to see everything Hakodate has to offer ✔️ Hakodate Ropeway Observatory ✔️ Starbucks Tsutaya ✔️ Onuma Park ✔️ Trappist Monastery ✔️ Tropical Botanical Garden ✔️ Goryokaku Tower

The three of them had different flavors of ramen, one bowl of salt ramen, one bowl of soy sauce ramen, and one bowl of spicy miso ramen, each with its own soup base and delicious taste.

While riding the train and enjoying the ocean view, I got off at a station with a small post office. Feeling the urge to write a letter, I went to buy a postcard at the post office. The kind staff told me that if I bought a cute drink, I could get a postcard for free. Thanks to their help, I successfully sent it off. The entire journey on the way to Rome feels like a healing road. The blue sky, the even bluer ocean, the distant view of Mount Hakodate, and the old green trees... Wow, what is this place even?

Yakiniku/Hormone Marugame 🕰️Business hours: 16:30-22:30 📍Address: 3-15-30 Nanaehama, Hokuto, Hokkaido 049-0111 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: A traditional smoky yakiniku restaurant 💰Price per person: 4,000-5,000 yen 💞Reasons why we recommend it: This restaurant is often featured in tourist magazines. It is also popular with locals, so reservations are a must. The freshness of the hormone and the recommended Marugame steak of the day, which is made from the region with a perfect amount of fat and tenderness, are the menu items we order every time. They also sell wines from southern Hokkaido, and you can drink wines that are only available at a limited number of stores in Hakodate. To finish off the meal, we recommend eating the hormone hotpot tofu grill. It is packed with ginger and garlic, which is also good for sobering up. Although it is far from Hakodate city, I highly recommend visiting it.

Hotel La'gent Plaza Hakodate Hokuto If you are coming to Hakodate by Shinkansen, "Hotel La'gent Plaza Hakodate Hokuto" is convenient! There is a large bath with natural hot spring water, and it is also equipped with an open-air bath and sauna. In addition, it is in an excellent location, just a 1-minute walk from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, so it is attractive for its good accessibility. 1. Staff response The front desk staff are polite and kind. Check-in and check-out are also smooth, so you can spend your time comfortably. 2. Type of hotel City hotel. Easy to use for both sightseeing and business. 3. Transportation and access • 1-minute walk from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station! (It's almost directly connected, so it's extremely convenient) 4. It is recommended to stay here in the following cases ✅ People who use the Shinkansen (1-minute walk from the station is really convenient) ✅ I want to relax in the natural hot spring water and sauna ✅ I want to stay with my pet (There are rooms that allow pets!) 5. Room information ・Amenities: Towels and amenity bar are provided. Basic amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, body soap, toothbrush, hair dryer, loungewear, etc. are fully provided. Room: → Clean and well-cleaned → Some rooms have tatami mat spaces, so you can stay comfortably! Bathroom and toilet: Unit bath is provided, but we recommend using the large public bath. Washing machine and dryer: Coin laundry available on site. Common space: Lobby 6. Special services and facilities Large public bath with natural hot spring water! You can relax after your trip in the open-air bath. ⚠ ​​However, be careful if you arrive at night! There are few restaurants around Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, only a store on the first floor of a hotel, a few izakayas, and a convenience store (but with limited stock). If you arrive late at night, it is better to have a meal before heading there. 7. Recommended nearby spots · Hakodate Onuma Park (about 30 minutes by car, where you can stroll along the lakeside and try canoeing) · 30 minutes by JR to Hakodate city (Hakodateyama, Red Brick Warehouse, etc.) (accessible by Shinkansen and train) #Hotel review #Hakodate

It is famous as an observation deck where you can enjoy the '"back night view" of Hakodate, but the road to get here is quite tough and there is almost no lighting, so I think it is best not to go here if you are not confident in driving. The observation deck is well maintained and has toilets, shops, and vending machines. Parking lot is spacious. You should visit it.

Cherry blossom season (only) is the best. Many people visit during the Golden Week season to celebrate the best time to view the cherry blossoms, but there are plenty of parking lots available, from nearby areas to areas where you can enjoy a short walk, so it won't be crowded and you won't be able to get in. Personally, I like the weeping cherry blossoms illuminated at night better than during the day. I think if there were a few more food stalls, you would be able to enjoy the view while eating and drinking,