HAKOVIVA

HAKOVIVA is a commercial complex that opened in front of JR Hakodate Station in 2019. The complex's centerpiece is Hakodate Ekimae Yokocho, a sports gym, convenience stores, restaurants, and more. The area is lined with numerous restaurants, mainly local stores, and is frequented by both Hakodate residents and tourists.
At the entrance are a large gate and a Chochin (lantern), the Kanji character for "Makoto" written on it in honor of the famous historical figure Hijikata Toshizo, who is associated with Hakodate, and is expected to become a new meeting spot.

Hakodate Ekimae Yokocho is a space inspired by the streets of the Showa period (1926-1989) and is home to numerous stores where visitors can purchase local products and souvenirs representative of Hakodate, as well as restaurants offering delicious Hokkaido food products, especially from Hakodate.
The streets are full of a Showa-era retro antique atmosphere, with cute animal models and other items hidden in some places for a stylish touch. The rest area and eat-in space have an atmosphere reminiscent of the waiting room at Hakodate Station in the old days.

Gateside, with its black-and-white exterior reminiscent of a stucco warehouse, is also popular for its popular and originating stores, including a representative Hakodate sweets store known for its bite-size cheesecake "Mel Cheese "and a long-established ramen shop also known as the original Hakodate Ramen.