Jk's Reviews Page 8/15

In front of the stately castle gate and the large stone monument inscribed "Historic Site: Matsumae Castle," the white walls and blue-tiled keep, blending the style of defensive architecture from the late Edo period, immediately come into view. Surrounded by lush green lawns and pine trees, it exudes a calm sense of history.
Up close, the castle's solid stone walls and rustic wooden gate structure are very detailed, making you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the domain era at the end of the shogunate.
From the castle keep or another elevated spot, you can take in both the surrounding greenery and the simple townscape of Matsumae. The excellent views create an incredible sense of peace.
I highly recommend including Matsumae Castle in an in-depth historical walking itinerary through southern Hokkaido. Whether you admire the precious Japanese castle architecture or take time to appreciate the strong Edo-period atmosphere, it will add a rich cultural experience to your trip!

In front of the spacious, bright welcome plaza outside the station, you can look up and see the prominent three-dimensional “JR Hakodate Station” sign and the thoroughly modern building exterior. The clean, orderly streets around it give the city a comfortable rhythm.
Inside the station's high-ceilinged concourse, there are well-planned ticket counters and a tourist information center, as well as a variety of souvenir shops and convenient facilities. The layout is very easy to navigate.
From the platforms or around the station, you can often see the bustle of trains arriving and crowds coming and going. Together with the gradually changing evening sky, it creates a distinctive urban port-city atmosphere.
I highly recommend making Hakodate Station an important landmark on your itinerary. Whether you've just arrived and are ready to begin an exciting exploration or your trip is over and you're preparing to board a train and leave, you can enjoy a perfectly efficient and convenient experience here!

In front of the plaza, the most eye-catching feature is the pavilion with a large lantern prominently displaying the character “誠.” Together with the surrounding buildings that blend traditional Japanese and modern styles, it instantly evokes a strong sense of the late Edo period.
Once inside the shopping area, which has a “Showa retro” theme, you’ll find all kinds of local food, souvenir shops, and hot spring facilities. Every corner is filled with details that are fun to explore and photograph.
Standing in the illuminated stone-paved plaza, you can look up and see a unique scene where modern hotels intertwine with traditional Japanese streetscapes. The atmosphere is very charming.
I highly recommend making HAKOVIVA either the first or last stop on your Hakodate itinerary. Whether you’ve just gotten off the train and want some local food to fill you up, or you want to stroll around and experience Taisho-era romance and the historical atmosphere of the Shinsengumi, it will add a rich experience to your trip!

For one of the most iconic romantic street views, Hachimanzaka Slope, which stretches straight toward the harbor, is definitely the top place to visit.
As soon as you reach the top of this famous slope and look down, you’ll see a straight stone-paved road lined with lush green trees. The view extends all the way to the end, where it perfectly meets the deep blue waters of Hakodate Bay and the blue sky.
This uniquely magnificent composition of a straight street leading directly to the sea is not only visually striking, but also a popular filming location for many classic movies and commercials.
Standing on the slope in the sea breeze and looking at the beautiful scene created by the ships in the distant harbor, blue sky, and white clouds makes you want to slow down and take it all in.
I highly recommend including Hachimanzaka Slope in your walking itinerary around Motomachi. Whether you’re admiring the classic view of the seaside slope or capturing the beauty of its straight, far-reaching perspective, it will add a captivating visual experience to your trip!

Up close, the building’s intricate lines and distinctive cross-topped dome give off a sacred yet romantic atmosphere. Surrounded by greenery, it naturally makes you slow down.
Listening to the clear sound of bells carried on the breeze and looking down from the nearby higher ground, you can not only feel the strong international atmosphere but also enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding streets.
I highly recommend including the Hakodate Orthodox Church in your walking route around Motomachi. Whether you’re admiring the beautiful Russian-style Western architecture or enjoying a leisurely historical walk, it will add an elegant visual experience to your trip!

From the entrance with its stately stone steps, look up and you’ll see this beautiful church featuring brown cross-shaped details and a distinctive cross-shaped roof. It looks especially elegant against the blue sky, white clouds, and lush green garden.
Up close, the church’s brown-and-white exterior gives off a warm, gentle feeling. The quiet, peaceful surroundings instantly put your mind at ease.
The higher ground around the church offers excellent views. You can not only experience the strong international atmosphere but also look out over the beautiful surrounding streets and the harbor in the distance.
I highly recommend including Hakodate St. John’s Church in your walking route around Motomachi. Whether you’re admiring its distinctive cross-shaped roof or enjoying a leisurely walk surrounded by international charm, it will leave you with elegant and beautiful memories of your trip!

In front of the streamlined ropeway station, watching the massive steel structure and huge gondolas move slowly always fills me with anticipation for the million-dollar night view ahead.
As the gondola smoothly climbs along the cable, the harbor and cityscape gradually unfold through the large, spacious windows, and the view becomes wider and wider.
Whether you’re standing inside the gondola in awe as it rises or enjoying the smooth, steady ride through the air, the journey itself is an excellent visual feast.
I highly recommend including the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway in your evening itinerary in Hokkaido. Whether you ride up the mountain to greet the sunset during the magical hour or look down on the romantic cityscape as its twin arcs gradually light up, it will leave you with breathtaking and beautiful memories of your trip!

The striking blue-gray exterior of this elegant historic building, accented with yellow trim, looks especially magnificent and refined against the clear blue sky.
Up close, the exquisite details blending Western classical style with traditional Japanese craftsmanship are a feast for the eyes. Every window frame and colonnade exudes a strong sense of history.
I highly recommend including the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward in your walking itinerary through Motomachi, Hakodate. Whether you admire the beautiful Western-style wooden architecture, experience the elegant atmosphere of days gone by, or take graceful travel photos, it will definitely add plenty of romantic memories to your trip!

As you approach the large stone monument engraved with “Motomachi Park,” you are greeted by lush greenery and elegant European-style landscaping beneath a clear blue sky.
From the park's elevated viewing platform, you can take in the deep blue waters of Hakodate Port, the boats anchored there, and the entire cityscape in the distance. The sweeping view is incredibly relaxing.
The surrounding area is also home to many historic buildings, including the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward. Walking along the stone-paved streets, you can feel the romantic atmosphere of the Taisho era everywhere.
I highly recommend including Motomachi Park in your walking itinerary through Hakodate.
Admire the blue sea and enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll.

As soon as you reach the entrance, you'll be drawn to the colorful three-dimensional Lucky Pierrot clown statue and its cheerful atmosphere. The huge sign with red lettering on a yellow background and the various award posters make you even more excited to go inside.
Compared with the other locations, the main advantage here is its excellent convenience. Whether you've just gotten off the train and want to fill up right away or want to get something tasty to go before boarding, it's a great choice.
I highly recommend including this location in your Hakodate travel connections. Whether you take a check-in photo with the cute clown at the entrance or quickly experience Hokkaido's most authentic fast-food appeal, it will leave you with happy and delicious memories of your trip!