One of Hakodate's most iconic attractions is the historic Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse complex. A row of red brick warehouses lines the bay, and the red brick buildings against the blue sky and ocean create the romantic atmosphere of a Hokkaido port city. It's just a short walk from the streetcar stop, so it's very convenient to get to.
There are many unique little shops, souvenir shops, and gift shops inside the warehouses. The products are all thoughtfully designed, and it's easy to lose track of time while browsing. This is a great place to slow down, take pictures of the red brick buildings, look out at the ocean, and browse the shops, then stop somewhere for a bite when you get tired. If you visit Hakodate, I highly recommend setting aside an afternoon here. Without the pressure of a packed schedule, you can take your time walking around and enjoy Hakodate's unique waterfront charm.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
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Hakodate Station
Hakodate Station's commercial zone was renovated in 2016 with the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen. On the first floor is the "Hokkaido Shikisaikan JR Hakodate Store" offering a variety of local specialties and products, while the second floor features restaurants and an observation deck called the "Rotunda Deck" where visitors can take pictures of trains arriving and departing on the platforms.
Hakodate Station is a major transportation hub in Hakodate, and for many people visiting Hokkaido, Hakodate is their first stop. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants near the station, making the area very convenient. The famous Hakodate Morning Market is right next door, so after getting off the train, it's just a short walk to enjoy seafood and browse the market. There are also quite a few souvenir shops inside and outside the station, making it easy to buy Hokkaido snacks and local specialties.
You can also take the streetcar to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, Motomachi, or Mount Hakodate, so transportation is quite convenient.
Overall, Hakodate Station isn't just a place to catch a train; it's also a convenient starting point for exploring Hakodate. -
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Hakodate Port (Tsugaru Strait Ferry Hakodate Terminal)
Hakodate Port has been at the center of Hakodate's development since it opened in 1859 (Ansei 6). As one of the first ports to open in Japan, it has greatly contributed to the development of Hakodate as a tourist city. The dynamic landscape of the deep bay and Mount Hakodate, combined with the modern atmosphere and exotic streetscape of the 19th century, make the area 360-degree photogenic!
Hakodate has a lot of character. Strolling slowly along the harbor, you can see the red brick warehouses, the port, and historic streetscapes. The strong international atmosphere makes it hard to stop taking pictures.
The best places to shop in the bay area are Bay Hakodate and Kanemori Yobutsukan. They have everything from local gifts and fragrances to sundries and cute little items, as well as a Sapporo Drug Store. You really do end up buying more and more, so it's very convenient if you're looking for Hokkaido souvenirs! Don't miss Hakodate's popular food spots either, such as Lucky Pierrot burgers and Hasegawa Store's yakitori bento. Lucky Pierrot can get pretty crowded, so you may have to wait for a table. As for the taste, that depends on your personal preference!
The Hakodate Bay Area isn't just for sightseeing. You can shop, eat, and buy souvenirs all in one place. It's perfect for spending half a day walking around and browsing at a relaxed pace. If you like retro streetscapes and little shops, you really shouldn't miss this area. -
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Asahikawa City Museum
The "Asahikawa City Museum" displays materials related to the history, culture, and nature of northern Hokkaido. A distinguishing feature is its rich collection of materials about the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido.
Asahikawa isn't just for shopping and eating ramen. I also highly recommend visiting the museum to learn about a different side of Hokkaido's history and culture.
Although the Asahikawa City Museum isn't very large, with only one floor above ground and one below, it has more to see than expected. On the first floor, you can see scenes of traditional Ainu life and the tools they used, giving you a more concrete understanding of Ainu culture. The basement focuses on Hokkaido's natural environment and settlement history, with many animal specimens and historical artifacts on display. It isn't tiring to walk through and is also a good place to take your time.
It happened to be drizzling the day we visited, which was a little disappointing at first, but then we realized that an indoor attraction like this is perfect for a rainy day. Without having to walk too much, you can learn about Ainu culture, Hokkaido's natural environment, and its settlement history all at once. If it happens to rain while you're in Asahikawa, this is a good backup plan. -
