Hakodate Guided Bar Hopping in Goryokaku and Station Areas

Hakodate , Japan

Hakodate Guided Bar Hopping in Goryokaku and Station Areas

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About this experience

Uncover the vibrant nightlife of Hakodate on a guided bar-hopping tour that merges history, culture, and local flavors. Experience the city's lively izakayas and cozy taverns, where each stop reveals authentic culinary delights and the stories behind them. Choose between two unique routes: one near the historic Goryokaku fort, filled with casual pubs and fresh seafood specialties, or the nostalgic Hakodate Station area, where retro bars reflect the city’s international heritage. This tour is a cultural immersion that goes beyond tasting, allowing you to connect with locals and experience the warmth of Hakodate’s nightlife.

- Explore two distinct bar-hopping routes, each with its own charm
- Enjoy regional food and drinks, including Hokkaido's famous squid sashimi
- Engage with locals and hear stories from a friendly local guide
- Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Hakodate's culture

Available options

Near Goryokaku area (G-450)

Starting point:<br/>Honcho Police Box, 7-20 Honchō, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0011, Japan

Hakodate Station area(G-451)

Starting point:<br/>Hakodate Ekimae Police Box, 15-8 Wakamatsuchō, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0063, Japan

What's included

Regional food and drinks

Guided bar-hopping tour

Visit to a selection of bars and izakayas

Detailed itinerary

Hakodate is not only a city of history and breathtaking scenery but also a culinary capital shaped by its role as one of Japan’s earliest international ports. The cold waters of Hakodate Bay and the Tsugaru Strait provide an abundance of seafood, making the city famous for its fresh squid, crab, and scallops served in countless local eateries. Morning markets bustle with vendors offering sashimi, grilled specialties, and seafood bowls, giving visitors a taste of daily life in a port town. At night, Hakodate’s izakayas and retro-style bars reflect both its maritime roots and international influences, serving Hokkaido beers, sake, and inventive dishes that mix Japanese traditions with Western touches. This unique blend of flavors tells the story of a city that has always welcomed outside cultures while celebrating its own local bounty, making Hakodate a destination where food is as much a part of the journey as the sights themselves.

What's not included

Transportation to and from the starting point

Additional food and drinks not included in the tour

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The meeting point is in front of the Hakodate Nishi Police Station Hakodate Ekimae Koban. Your guide will be waiting with a yellow sign. Please refer to the map for details.

About Hakodate

Hakodate is a vibrant port city in Hokkaido, renowned for its stunning panoramic views, historic sites, and delicious seafood. Its unique blend of Japanese and Western influences, combined with breathtaking natural scenery, makes it a must-visit destination in northern Japan.

Top Attractions

Mount Hakodate

A scenic mountain offering breathtaking panoramic views of Hakodate and the Tsugaru Strait. Accessible by ropeway or hiking.

Nature 1-2 hours ¥900 (ropeway)

Goryokaku Fort

A star-shaped fort built in the 19th century, now a popular cherry blossom viewing spot and historical landmark.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (¥460 for museum entry)

Hakodate Morning Market

A bustling market offering fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional snacks. A must-visit for food lovers.

Cultural 1-2 hours Varies

Hakodate Old Public Hall of Welfare

A historic building showcasing the architectural style of the early 20th century. Now a museum with exhibits on Hakodate's history.

Historical 1 hour ¥500

Hakodate Central Park

A beautiful park with walking trails, gardens, and seasonal flowers. A great spot for a leisurely stroll.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaisendon

A seafood bowl with a variety of fresh seafood, including crab, squid, and scallops, served over rice.

Lunch Contains seafood

Ika no Shiokara

A traditional dish made from fermented squid guts, often served with rice or as a topping for noodles.

Snack Contains seafood

Hakodate Ramen

A local variety of ramen with a rich, miso-based broth and topped with local ingredients like butter and corn.

Dinner Contains gluten

Butadon

A rice bowl topped with grilled pork belly, a popular dish in Hokkaido.

Dinner Contains pork

Popular Activities

Skiing at Esan Ski Resort Hiking in Onuma Park Onsen (hot spring) visits Picnicking in Hakodate Central Park Exploring Goryokaku Fort Visiting the Hakodate Old Public Hall of Welfare Swimming at Kunimi Beach Boat tours in Hakodate Port

Best Time to Visit

June to August (summer), December to February (winter)

Summer is ideal for outdoor activities and festivals, while winter offers skiing and hot springs. Both seasons attract the most tourists.

20-25°C (summer), -5 to 0°C (winter) 68-77°F (summer), 23-32°F (winter)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (GMT+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Hakodate is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis and ensure the meter is running.
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Hakodate Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Hakodate Station

By bus

Hakodate Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Hakodate. The bus network is efficient and covers most of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Motomachi Bay Area Goryokaku Daikanzaka

Day trips

Onuma Park

15 km from Hakodate • Half day to full day

A beautiful park with walking trails, gardens, and seasonal flowers. A great spot for a leisurely stroll and outdoor activities.

Kunimi Beach

20 km from Hakodate • Half day to full day

A scenic beach with clear waters and a beautiful coastline. A great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Esan Ski Resort

30 km from Hakodate • Full day

A popular ski resort offering a variety of slopes for all skill levels. A great spot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

Festivals

Hakodate Yukimatsuri (Snow Festival) • Early February Hakodate Port Festival • Mid-August Hakodate Cherry Blossom Festival • Late April to early May

Pro tips

Visit Mount Hakodate for the best sunset views in the city.
Try the local seafood bowls (kaisendon) at the Hakodate Morning Market.
Explore the historic streets of Motomachi and Daikanzaka for a glimpse into Hakodate's past.
Take a day trip to Onuma Park for beautiful nature and outdoor activities.
Visit during the cherry blossom season (late April to early May) for stunning views of the blossoms at Goryokaku Fort.