Motomachi Park is located on the slopes of Mount Hakodate and is a great place to enjoy views of Hakodate Harbor and soak up the historic atmosphere. As you slowly walk uphill to the park, you can take in sweeping views of the harbor and city, and on clear days, the view is quite expansive. There are also many well-preserved historic buildings and landmarks nearby, such as the Western-style Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall. If you have enough time, you can spend a few leisurely hours exploring the area.
Motomachi Park (Hakodate) | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Kokin-denju-no-sato Yamato
Everything you need and more awaits at this roadside station, packed full with handy tips at the tourist information center, a local products shop, a free foot bath, restaurants, and a workshop for making ice cream and yogurt. Connected just next door is the local vegetable market, Yamato Onsen Yasuragi-kan hot spring, and the Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Gujo hotel, ensuring there's plenty to enjoy for a whole day.
Ever since I watched a Japanese TV show featuring roadside stations around the country, whenever I pass one during a trip, I can’t resist stopping to hunt for local-exclusive souvenirs or regional specialties. This time, at Kokin-denju-no-sato Yamato, what I was looking forward to most was the well-known charcoal-grilled sweetfish! When I arrived, the fish had just been skewered and were lined up neatly beside the charcoal fire, so I had to wait patiently. When I finally got my piping-hot grilled sweetfish, the skin had a smoky charcoal aroma, and it was delicious with just a simple sprinkle of salt. The tender meat was fresh, sweet, and juicy, and the more I chewed, the more I could taste the natural flavor of the fish. Before leaving, I also soaked my feet in the free foot bath, giving my tired feet a chance to relax after walking all day. It was such an unexpected and soothing little treat during the trip!
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Hokkaido Shiki-Saikan JR Hakodate Store
Located inside JR Hakodate Station, Hokkaido Shiki-Saikan offers more than 1,000 items, including popular Hakodate and Hokkaido sweets. Open from early in the morning, the store is crowded with people stopping by before boarding the train.
The location is very convenient, right inside JR Sapporo Station, so you can pick up all kinds of Hokkaido specialty souvenirs without going out of your way. They have everything from classic Hokkaido sweets, cookies, and snacks to local specialties. Whether you’re buying something to enjoy yourself or bringing gifts home for family and friends, there are plenty of good options. Last time I stopped by, I found the famous peppermint oil and immediately bought a few bottles to take home. The small bottles are easy to carry in your bag.
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Hakuba Happo One
Hakuba Happo One offers trekking and mountain climbing in summer, winter sports in the winter, and many other activities throughout the year. Hakuba Happo Onē is also famous for being used as the venue for the Alpine skiing competitions at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
For my first time snowboarding, I chose Hakuba Happo One in Nagano! The snow quality is very good, and it’s also a famous ski resort that once hosted the Winter Olympics, so I was glad to finally have the chance to experience it myself. Everywhere I looked, the mountains were blanketed in snow, and the expansive mountain scenery was beautiful.
My friends said the snow quality at Happo One is somewhat different from Hokkaido’s powder snow, but as a first-time snowboarder, just being able to stand on the board and slowly find my balance already felt like an accomplishment! Even falling a few times didn’t dampen my enthusiasm. Instead, the more I snowboarded, the more hooked I became.
The overall environment was great, and the snowy scenery was especially refreshing. The only minor downside is that it’s quite far away. If I remember correctly, we had to transfer several times before finally arriving.
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