Tsuetate Onsen is a hot spring town with a lot of character. It doesn't have much of the commercialized hustle and bustle, and walking through the streets, you can really feel the old-town atmosphere. Strolling along the river, seeing the traditional inns on both sides and the hot spring steam rising, it truly feels like a Japanese hot spring town. The pace here is very relaxed, making it perfect for slowing down, exploring, soaking in the hot springs, and enjoying the tranquility of the mountains. Although the area isn't large, every corner has its own character. It's a relaxing little place that's worth spending time at.
Tsuetate Onsen | Review by KEIKO
Other Reviews by KEIKO
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Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku, a Western-style fortress, was built in 1866 and served as the political capital of Hokkaido until the new Meiji government took over. It later became a popular tourist attraction after it was opened to the public as "Goryokaku Park" in 1914 and was designated as a national special historic site.
The perfect five-pointed star shape seen from above is truly breathtaking in person. After taking in the view and coming back down, it's also nice to stroll along the moat and enjoy the breeze. Whether it's cherry blossom season or covered in snow during winter, it looks beautiful from every angle, and I never get tired of visiting. It's truly a beautiful place.
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Hakodate Morning Market
Hakodate Asaichi is a huge market of about 33,000㎡. Some 250 stores, including about 150 member stores of the federation and 100 other stores, sell and serve Hokkaido foodstuffs. Member stores display a sticker of "Asaitchan ," the mascot of the Hakodate market, as their recommended store sign.
If you go to the market early in the morning, it’s packed with the freshest seafood. Not only can you try catching live squid yourself, but the freshly sliced sashimi is incredibly crisp and sweet. You can also enjoy a deluxe seafood bowl piled high with sea urchin, salmon roe, and scallops. It’s truly paradise for seafood lovers. You can buy fruit too, and the vendors will even cut it up for you, which is very thoughtful. The melon is seriously delicious. I recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists.
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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’s night view really looks like jewels scattered across the ground. Although it’s windy and cold on the mountain, seeing this million-dollar night view in person is absolutely worth it. It truly deserves to be ranked among the world’s top three night views and is a must-visit attraction in Hakodate.
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