Star's Reviews Page 6/7

Mt. Hakodate Observatory

The Mt. Hakodate Observatory is the final stop of Mt. Hakodate Ropeway. The first floor features an inside lounge, the Ryoubi Park popular among locals as a less-crowded area to enjoy the night sceneries. The second floor features a summit shop, and restaurant selling Mt. Hakodate original goods. The third floor features a tea lounge, and the fourth floor features an observatory lounge.

Hakodate and Matsumae
Observatories

22 Jul 2026 See More

This is one of the locations featured in Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram, and also the spot where Heiji confesses to Kazuha.

It’s also known as one of the world’s top three night views. After dark, you can enjoy Hakodate’s unique city lights and bay scenery. The weather wasn’t ideal when I visited, so visibility was slightly affected, but it still couldn’t hide the charm of the beautiful view.

Hakodate Bugyosho

Hakodate Magistrate’s Office faithfully recreates the Edo Shognate’s security base around Japan’s northern territory. It is built at the original location in the former Goryokaku (the star-shaped fort), using as much similar skills and provisions as those in the Edo Period, such as pine beams, Bingo tatami mats or sliding doors with hand-made paper.

Hakodate and Matsumae
Tourist Attractions

22 Jul 2026 See More

This is also a must-visit spot for Conan fans. That roof is the one Kaito Kid stood on. You can buy a ticket to tour Hakodate Magistrate’s Office. There’s a shop across the way where you can buy a castle visit certificate, as well as Hijikata Toshizo merchandise and goshuin-style castle stamp books.

Rokkatei Flagship Store

Rokkatei is loved as a staple brand for Hokkaido souvenirs. They offer a wide variety of sweets, such as Marusei Butter Sandwiches, Strawberry Chocolates.

Tokachi and Obihiro
Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop

22 Jul 2026 See More

The Rokkatei store in front of Goryokaku has seating for afternoon tea. I recommend trying their signature black tea and strawberry pie. However, seating is limited and the wait can be long, so it’s best to go early and line up.

While waiting, you can browse the store and pick out all kinds of souvenirs. The cappuccino mille-feuille is crispy and delicious—definitely worth buying. The liquor-filled candies are also a popular must-buy souvenir. Overall, it’s a cozy little place to relax, enjoy sweets, and shop.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse - Kanemori Yobutsukan

This shopping mall is located within Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, a popular spot in Hakodate’s Bay Area. The facility’s name traces back to the origins of the red brick warehouses and comes from Kanemori Yobutsukan, a shop opened about 160 years ago by Kumashiro Watanabe, the founder of the Kanemori warehouses, as “a place that sells dreams of foreign lands.”

Hakodate and Matsumae
Commercial Buildings

22 Jul 2026 See More

This area has more general goods, like various anime IP items and everyday lifestyle products. That said, a lot of the merchandise feels a bit repetitive. There’s the must-try Pastry Snaffle’s cheesecake, along with souvenir shops that carry Hakodate-exclusive items.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse features 4 warehouses and is a landmark of the Hakodate Bay Area. It is a romantic, and scenic spot featuring an array of red brick warehouses. It is popular among locals, tourists, and couples.

Hakodate and Matsumae
Commercial Buildings

21 Jul 2026 See More

This is one of the filming locations from Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram, and it’s a must-visit spot for Conan fans in Hakodate.

There are lots of different areas to explore, so I recommend setting aside an afternoon to stroll around at a relaxed pace. There’s also a souvenir area inside, where you can find many Hakodate-exclusive items. The cheese squid, in particular, is a must-buy if you see it.

After closing at 7:30 p.m., the buildings are lit up, and the nighttime view feels completely different from the daytime. It has a really romantic atmosphere.

Jingisukan Daruma Main branch

"Jingisukan Daruma Honten" opened in 1954. Jingisukan is a phonetic spelling of Genghis Khan, and Daruma's Jingisukan has also come to be known as Susukino's specialty. The restaurant is open daily with the goal of remaining unchanged for those who come to enjoy the taste of this long-established restaurant.

Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
Meat Dishes

20 Jul 2026 See More

The lamb was marinated really well and full of flavor. Paired with sweet, nicely grilled onions that still had some crunch, it was already delicious even without dipping sauce. With their special sauce, you get another layer of flavor.

The only small downside is that the seats are a bit small and the spacing feels a little tight. Still, overall it’s definitely worth trying. Their corn silk tea is also really tasty, so I highly recommend ordering it with the meal.

Shiroi Koibito

Everyone in Japan knows Hokkaido’s sweets, “Shiroi Koibito.” Ishiya Co., Ltd.was an ordinary candy maker to begin with, but utilizing quality ingredients in Hokkaido changed them into the producer of the classic dessert. More than 40 years passed since its beginning, but it is still the beloved souvenir of Hokkaido to this day.

Hokkaido
Snacks

20 Jul 2026 See More

Ever since I was little, whenever I received this souvenir, it instantly made me happy. As an adult, every time I visit Japan, I always bring a box home. To me, it’s no longer just a souvenir—it’s an essential memory from my travels.
Even now, I still don’t think any white chocolate sandwich cookie can beat how delicious this one is.

Otaru Orgel Doh Main Hall

This music box specialty shop has branches in various locations such as Otaru, Hakodate, Furano, Yokohama, Kamakura, and Kyoto. Its main building, which is the main shop, was built in 1915 (Taisho 4) and is designated as a historic building by Otaru City, preserving the remnants of the good old days.

Otaru and Niseko
Miscellaneous Goods

20 Jul 2026 See More

You can find familiar classic tunes here, like My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, and Spirited Away. In addition to choosing your favorite song, you can also customize your own music box.

Upstairs, there are all kinds of beautifully crafted music boxes on display, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale world. The steam clock in front of the hall chimes every fifteen minutes with a whistle-like sound. The melody is adorable and really memorable.

Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street

Located just one street away from the main thoroughfare facing the Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi-dori flourished during the Meiji and early Showa periods, becoming Otaru's main street.

Otaru and Niseko
Shopping Streets

19 Jul 2026 See More

The dreamy Fairy Tale Crossroads is the starting point of Otaru Sakaimachi Dori, and the street is filled with delicious sweets, beautiful glass crafts, and all kinds of unique little shops.

Along the way, you can try snacks like melon cups and sweet tempura, and also find souvenir shops selling items like kombu and shredded squid. I recommend getting off at Minami-Otaru Station and taking a relaxed stroll toward the Otaru Canal. It’s a bit of a walk, but with all the eating and browsing along the way, you’ll get there before you know it.

Otaru Canal

Otaru Port, which developed as a gateway for Hokkaido's settlement, saw an increasing volume of cargo over the years. To streamline its transportation, the "Otaru Canal" was completed in 1923 (Taisho 12). The canal, created by reclaiming the offshore coast, is characterized by its gentle curves rather than a straight line.

Otaru and Niseko
Tourist Attractions

19 Jul 2026 See More

Otaru Canal in the rain felt even more quiet and misty. The sky was dark, so it lacked a bit of brightness, but it had its own unique charm.
I hope to visit again next time on a clear, sunny day or during the snowy season to experience a completely different romantic view.