ARRIVAL IN HAKODATE

Upon arrival to Hakodate Airport, our representative will be waiting to provide an escort to the hotel. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure.

After dinner, we recommend a trip by ropeway to the top of Mt. Hakodate, home to a famous night view, said to be one of Japan’s best.

Overnight in Hakodate

HAKODATE, DAY TRIP TO ONUMA PARK

Enjoy a guided day exploring Hakodate, a city rich in history and maritime culture, and nearby Onuma Park, a picturesque quasi-national park.

The guide will provide a pickup from the hotel, followed by transport (via train) to Onuma Quasi National Park, about 20 kilometers north of Hakodate. This park is known for its beautiful lakes dotted with small islands and Mt. Komagatake, an impressive dormant volcano.

After some time exploring the park, travel back to Hakodate by train for a visit to the Bay Area and the Motomachi District, with its distinct historical buildings, such as a Russian Orthodox Church and old brick warehouses.

Next, take the tram to Goryokaku Park, a park surrounding a western-style citadel in the shape of a star. Originally built in 1866 to defend against the western imperialist threat, this is now the favourite spot of the locals to enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring.

To finish the day, take a ride on the elevator up 107 meters to the top of Goryokaku Tower to catch a bird’s eye view of the beautiful park.

Overnight in Hakodate

HAKODATE – SHIKOTSU-TOYA NATIONAL PARK

Make an early start to visit the Asa-ichi, or morning market, enjoying a breakfast of fresh sushi on rice and marveling at the variety of seafood on offer.

After breakfast, meet the guide at the hotel for transport via car to Shikotsu-Toya National Park. This park was named for the two famous lakes within its borders, Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu, both caldera lakes formed by years of volcanic activity.

This afternoon, head to Noboribetsu, an area famous for its volcanic activity and onsen (hot spring baths). Visit Jigokudani, or “Hell valley”, a spectacle of hot steam vents and sulfurous streams. From here, take the short 30 minute walk to Oyunuma, a steamy, sulfurous pond where the surface water temperature is up to 50 degrees Celsius.

Check into the ryokan just in time for a traditional Japanese dinner and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Note: Car with chauffeur can be arranged upon request.