Located on the Southwest edge of Hokkaido lies Mount Hakodate, famous for being one of the best views in Japan. Part of the Michelin Green Guide, Mount Hakodate is a must visit for those visiting the Hakodate area and offers a view that you will never forget!
About Mount Hakodate’s Amazing View!
Known throughout Japan as one of the Three Major Night Views of Japan, Mount Hakodate shares this honor with the Ten Million Dollar View in Kobe and the Night view in Nagasaki city. Even though Mount Hakodate is only 334 meters above sea level, its view faces the city area of Hakodate and comes alive at night!
At the top of Mount Hakodate is a viewing area that tends to get very crowded when the sun comes down. The reason for this is the sparkling lights of the city that illuminate the landscape of the peninsula as you can see the city surrounded by water on both sides.
On very clear nights, you can see as far as the lights stretch and can enjoy the view of the Hakodate Market area, Fort Goryokaku, and more. It is the perfect opportunity for shutterbugs looking to get that iconic shot to share on social media or with friends and family!
If you plan on heading up Mount Hakodate to enjoy the view, then make sure to check with the local weather forecast! This is very important, because as Mount Hakodate is close to the sea, the weather can change very rapidly, and clouds can roll in at any time and block your view.
Getting up the mountain is very easy as you can access it via the Mount Hakodate Ropeway, hiking up, or depending on the time of year, you can even drive up or take a bus up the mountain. The choice is yours, though we recommend the ropeway, as it offer a great view while going up the mountain.
Taking a Bus to Mount Hakodate
Taking a bus to the top of Mount Hakodate is limited from around mid-April to mid-November. The major reason for this is to prevent any accidents due to the condensation and possible freezing of the roads during the cold winters.
There are actually two buses available. These are the Hakodate Mountain Climbing Bus and the Sightseeing Bus. The Hakodate Mountain Climbing Bus starts at the JR Hakodate Station and takes about 30 minutes to make it up the mountain for a one-way fare of only 400 yen.
The Sightseeing Bus leaves from and returns to the JR Hakodate Station and select hotels near the station and the Yunokawa Hot Spring. This bus will only leave you at the foot of the mountain and you will have to ride the cable car up. The fare from Hakodate Station varies from 1,000 yen to 1,600 yen.
About the Mount Hakodate Cable Car
The easiest way to get up the mountain is definitely the Mount Hakodate Cable Car. The schedule for the cable car is split between the summer and winter season. During the summer season of April 25th until October 15th, the first departure is at 10:00 am and the last departure to the top is at 9:50 pm, with the final departure to the bottom at 10:00 pm.
During the winter season of October 16th until April 24th, the first departure is at 10:00 am and the last departure to the top is at 8:50 pm, with the final departure to the bottom at 9:00 pm.
Fares for adults are 1,280 yen for a round trip ticket and 780 yen for a one-way ticket and for children, the fare is 640 yen for a round trip ticket and 390 yen for a one-way ticket.
Please note that between the period of October 9th until November 11th, 2018 the Cable Car will be closed due to equipment inspections. Keep this in mind if you plan to use the Cable Car during this time, as it might be easier to use the Hakodate Mountain Climbing Bus.
Can You Hike Mount Hakodate?
Want to take the more natural route? Well if you are up for a one hour hike up Mount Hakodate, then hiking is for you! Starting from the Mount Hakodate Information Center, you can take one of the well-maintained paths from the bottom of the mountain to the summit!
During the summer time, it is suggested to wear comfortable sneakers and light clothing and some bug spray due to the insects in the area. During the winter time, it is suggested to wear snow boots and warm clothes as the temperatures can get really cold!
Spot information
- Spot name: Mount Hakodate
- Street address: Hakodateyama, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0000
- Access: A 7-minute walk on foot to the Hakodate Ropeway from Jujigai Station on the Hakodate Shiden No.2 or No. 5 Line
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