The easiest way around Hakodate is on foot, since the major sights and attractions are within walking distance from each other. Though, some sights are located a bit further ahead, where a car or bus might be necessary. If you decide to rent a car, it is advised to do so from the nearest airport in the vicinity. You can use our car rental widget in the FAQ menu below. 

Travelers can also opt to buy the Hakodate Tram and Bus Pass to get around: 

• Hakodate 1-Day Tram Pass

  • Coverage: all trams within Hakodate

  • Duration: 1 day

  • Price: 600 Yen

  • Where to buy: information booth at Hakodate Station

• Hakodate 1-Day Tram and Bus Pass

  • Coverage: all trams and buses within Hakodate

  • Duration: 1 day

  • Price: 1000 Yen

  • Where to buy: information booth at Hakodate Station

• Hakodate 2-Day Tram and Bus Pass

  • Coverage: all trams and buses within Hakodate

  • Duration: 2 days

  • Price: 1700 Yen

  • Where to buy: information booth at Hakodate Station

Public transportation:

To get from Sapporo to Hakodate by public transportation, travelers can take a bullet-train or regular train. Detailed instructions are as follows:

• Bullet Train: Take the JR Hokkaido Shinkansen from Shin-Sapporo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

• Regular Train: This option is not recommended due to the long travel time (approximately 5 hours) and multiple transfers.

Valid rail passes:

• Hokkaido Rail Pass

• Japan Rail Pass

• JR East South Hokkaido Raill Pass

Nearest airport:

The nearest and most convenient airport is Hakodate Airport. 

• by car: approximately 20 minutes

• by public transport: approximately 35 minutes

Car rentals:

We recommend staying in Hakodate between one and two days.
 

The nearest and most convenient airport is Hakodate Airport. 

• by car: approximately 20 minutes

• by public transport: approximately 35 minutes

Cherry blossoms:

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido is usually in late April. Although the blooming period can vary slightly from year to year. 

Scenic rides:

• Hakodate Ropeway: click here to go to the official website

There are several festivals here throughout the year. Please be advised that the following list is based upon previous entries of those festivals and that the dates might have changed slightly in the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
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For the exact location of any of the festivals listed here, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

• Hakodate Port Festival

  • Date: August 1st until 5th

• Hokkaido Shimbun Fireworks Festival

  • Date: August 1st

  • Time: 19:45 - 21:00
     

• Hakodate International Folk Art Festival

  • Date: August 5th until August 11th

  • Time: 16:00 - 21:30
     

• Hakodate Night Festival

  • Date: August 12th until 14th

  • Time: 17:00 - 21:00
     

• Hakodate Hachimangu Festival

  • Date: August 14th and 15th

• Hakodate Airport Festival

  • Date: August 31st

  • Time: 10:00 - 15:00

We recommend the following options for staying connected in Japan:

• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data only)
• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data + voice)
• Sakura Mobile Unlimited Wifi / Pocket Wifi