Ming Yu's Reviews Page 1/20

The two things you absolutely can’t miss here are the signature live squid fishing and the katte-don with toppings of your choice! After catching a live squid yourself, the staff immediately prepares and slices it right in front of you. When it arrives at the table, the tentacles are even still moving slightly. Dip it in a little soy sauce and put it in your mouth—the incredible sweetness and springy texture are truly surprising. Then order a generously topped seafood bowl loaded with salmon roe, sea urchin, and scallops. Every big bite is filled with the fresh flavors of the sea. Pure happiness!

At dinnertime, I walked over to Hakodate Bay Gourmet Club next to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses. Seeing the red-brick building and signs for all the famous restaurants instantly made my stomach growl! This place brings together some of Hakodate’s most famous local foods, from the fresh conveyor-belt sushi at Marukatsu Suisan and the light broth of Ajisai’s shio ramen to the fragrant Jingisukan barbecue at Youyoutei. I spent ages standing in front of the sign by the entrance, unable to decide what to eat.

I finally picked a place and ordered sashimi and sweet shrimp delivered straight from the harbor. Every bite was full of sweetness, and it was so satisfying with an ice-cold beer! The restaurant was filled with lively laughter, and the warm aroma of food drifted through the air, completely soothing my sore feet and exhaustion after walking all day. Whether you’re craving seafood, ramen, or barbecue, you can find it all here. It’s definitely a delicious spot you shouldn’t miss when visiting the Hakodate Bay area!

Walking along the harbor into Hakodate History Plaza inside the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, the moment I pushed open the heavy iron door, I was greeted by the faint, rustic scent of the high wooden structure. The atmosphere was quieter than outside, with a calm sense of history.

This used to be an actual commercial warehouse, but it has now been transformed into a stylish retro space. The beer hall inside is the biggest attraction. Sitting beneath the towering wooden beams and pillars, enjoying a glass of Hakodate beer brewed with local water along with some piping-hot signature snacks, that slightly tipsy, relaxed feeling was so comfortable! Browsing handicrafts with a nostalgic Meiji-era style or stopping to try the extremely popular cheesecake, I took my time walking around this historic space, and before I knew it, half the afternoon had passed. This is definitely the most worthwhile quiet corner to stop and savor when visiting the Kanemori warehouse district!

Strolling along Hakodate Port to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, I was greeted by a harbor breeze carrying a faint scent of sea salt, and I instantly felt completely relaxed! As I followed the stone-paved walkway, a whole row of timeworn red brick buildings unfolded before me. The weathered iron doors and vintage streetlights created a strong sense of nostalgia for the old port city, and there were even cute, playful bronze statues along the way. Every casual photo had so much character.

Inside the warehouses, the warm yellow lighting revealed all kinds of lovely sundries, handicrafts, and local souvenirs. It was so much fun to browse! When I got tired, I stopped at one of the dessert shops for cheesecake and a cup of hot coffee, or picked up a piping-hot Western-style snack and ate while looking out at the peaceful harbor. By evening, the streetlights came on one after another, bathing the entire red brick district in romantic twilight colors. This leisurely atmosphere with a touch of retro romance definitely makes it one of the most memorable stops on a walk through Hakodate!

As soon as you leave the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office and look up, you can see Goryokaku Tower rising beside Goryokaku Park. The tall, upright tower has a striking presence beneath the clouds. Its clean geometric lines and modern appearance create a very unusual yet harmonious contrast with the historic park below.

I took the high-speed elevator up to the observation deck, and the moment the doors opened, I was blown away by the vast view before me! Seen from above, the enormous star-shaped fortress looked like a perfect green jewel set into the landscape of Hakodate. It was so spectacular that I couldn’t stop taking photos. My legs felt a little weak standing on the glass floor, but looking down at the scenery below was truly thrilling. The observation deck also has beautifully detailed historical miniature models. After walking around, I bought some milk soft-serve ice cream and enjoyed it while taking in the view. I honestly think that if you visit Goryokaku in Hakodate, you have to go up the tower and see this one-of-a-kind five-pointed star from above for the trip to truly feel complete!

Walking into Goryokaku Park, the first thing that catches your eye is the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office, which recreates the elegance of the Edo period. The traditional wooden building and old-fashioned rooftop tower look especially charming against the surrounding greenery and clear sky. The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by the faint scent of cypress. The solid feeling of walking on the tatami made me feel as if I had suddenly traveled back to the final years of the shogunate!

This building was faithfully reconstructed using traditional methods, and the grand hall and exhibition rooms preserve extremely intricate woodwork. Taking off my shoes and walking through the spacious, cool corridors while appreciating the historical stories and craftsmanship of the time made me feel especially peaceful. If you visit Goryokaku in Hakodate, don’t just take photos around the outside of the park or view it from the tower. Be sure to step inside the Magistrate’s Office and experience its calm, elegant Edo-period nostalgia. It will definitely make your Hokkaido history trip feel even more meaningful!

Walking into the Trappistine Convent in Hakodate and climbing a short slope, my eyes were immediately drawn to the Lourdes Grotto tucked away beside the trees. A statue of the Virgin Mary dressed in white stands above the grotto, while Bernadette kneels below with her hands clasped and a devout expression, surrounded by rugged stones and lush greenery. The atmosphere felt truly unusual. It was so quiet that I could clearly hear the breeze passing through the leaves. My restless mind instantly slowed down, and I felt deeply peaceful and soothed.

The convent was founded by French nuns, and the red brick Gothic buildings and European-style gardens look as beautiful as a scenic postcard. Every casual photo came out so lovely. That said, besides experiencing this rare tranquility, you absolutely shouldn’t miss the milk soft-serve ice cream sold at the shop by the entrance! The rich milk flavor is incredible, and the texture is extremely smooth. After finishing one, I wanted another. The fresh milk cookies handmade by the nuns are also perfect for picking up a couple of boxes as souvenirs. Taking a stroll through the solemn and beautiful convent and ending the visit with an incredibly rich soft-serve ice cream makes for a slightly romantic and satisfying outing. I sincerely recommend adding it to your Hakodate itinerary!

The moment I stepped onto the streets of Lake Toya Onsen, there was a faint scent of sulfur and hot spring water in the air. I naturally slowed down and began to relax. The most appealing part is soaking in a hot spring while admiring the lake and mountains. Especially when staying at a hotel with a lake view, immersing yourself in the warm natural hot spring water while looking out at the mirror-like lake and distant mountains makes the day’s fatigue disappear instantly.

Besides the ultimate comfort of the hot spring hotels, there are also several convenient free footbaths and hand baths scattered around the hot spring district, so you can stop anytime to soak your feet and warm up. At night, the streetlights reflect beautifully along the lakeshore, and walking in the cool evening breeze feels especially refreshing. Whether you want to completely unwind on vacation or experience Hokkaido’s unique hot spring culture, this is an incredibly soothing hot spring destination that will make you want to linger when visiting Lake Toya!

Walking into the Showa Shinzan Bear Park next to Mt. Showa-Shinzan, the most exciting part is getting an up-close look at these huge yet incredibly clever Ezo brown bears! Looking down over the park from above, I saw the bears waving, stretching, clasping their paws together as if begging, and even lying on the ground acting cute to encourage visitors to toss them apples or bear cookies. My heart melted instantly. It completely changed my stereotypical image of brown bears as fierce and imposing.

I bought special bear cookies at the entrance shop and tried tossing them to the bears in the park. Watching them catch the cookies accurately and look satisfied brought constant surprises and laughter. Although the park’s concrete structures feel a little like an old-fashioned zoo, watching these adorably clumsy brown bears playfully beg for food was still a fun, interactive, and memorable little experience. It is definitely an entertaining attraction you shouldn’t miss when visiting Lake Toya and Mt. Showa-Shinzan!

Strolling along the Otaru Canal, the gentle breeze carried a subtle scent of the sea, and I instantly felt completely relaxed! A row of old warehouses built from red brick and stone lines the canal, their walls covered in lush green vines. The calm water reflects the nostalgic buildings and streetlights, as if time moves a little more slowly here. As you wander along the stone-paved walkway, you can occasionally hear the clear chime of wind bells. When you get tired, you can stop by one of the nearby cafés for a hot coffee and some authentic local sweets. I strongly recommend coming in the afternoon, so you can stroll from the artsy daytime atmosphere into dusk and watch the streetlights gradually come on. The entire canal takes on a deeply romantic, nostalgic mood—definitely one of the most unforgettable scenes from a trip to Otaru, Hokkaido!