Culture

“Hakodate Asaichi (Hakodate Morning Market)” has about 250 shops and is the largest seafood market in Hakodate. A variety of fresh seafood, such as squid, crabs, salmon roe, and sea urchins, will leave you amazed.

At the same time, it gathers local Hakodate specialties and delicacies. In addition to seafood, you can find seasonal vegetables, fruits, snacks, various processed seafood products, canned goods, and more. It’s highly recommended to come with an empty stomach and enjoy a feast!

Maruyamaen Tea Store is a shop specializing in green tea varieties, from sencha and ryokucha that are enjoyed on a daily basis in Japanese households to matcha and high-quality teas used in tea ceremony. You can taste a variety of teas and even purchase some as a souvenir. The shop also offers a simple workshop of preparing matcha green tea and enjoying it from a tea bowl along with traditional sweets.

This beautiful shrine, built over 100 years ago, consists of three buildings and is a model of traditional Japanese “shrine architecture.” The “Main Hall” is considered the sacred space where the gods reside, with its distinctive roof design that exudes solemnity. The stone torii gate, which represents the entrance to the divine realm, is also worth paying close attention to. Surrounded by forests, the shrine grounds carry a sacred and dignified atmosphere.

After visiting the shrine, take a stroll in the “Yachigashira Onsen” area, one of Hakodate’s hot spring districts! Hot spring enthusiasts should definitely visit the locally beloved “Yachigashira Onsen.”

It’s lunchtime, so head back to the harbor area and enjoy lunch at one of Hakodate’s most famous restaurants, “Lucky Clown.” The hamburgers and ice cream are the restaurant’s top-rated dishes.

We recommend trying their popular No. 1 dish, the “Chinese-style Chicken Burger” set, or the various ice creams made with rich Hokkaido milk, known as “Silk Softcream.”

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a commercial complex located in renovated warehouses that used to be part of the harbor at the beginning of the twentieth century. This facility is home to galleries, souvenir shops, and cafes. A cultural hub, this facility is an excellent place to encounter arts and crafts made by contemporary creators based in Hakodate.

Experience the Culture of “Hashigozake” (Bar Hopping) casually in Yokocho! “Hakodate Hikari no Yatai-Daimon Yokocho” is a food stall village where you can enjoy various flavours, including Izakaya (Japanese pubs), sushi, tempura, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), kushiyaki (grilled skewersw), Genghis Khan (grilled mutton dish), and ramen.

It is the perfect place to experience Japan’s unique bar-hopping culture. Visit different shops and find your favourite one!

*”Hashigozake” refers to the act of visiting different tavern, one after another, to continue drinking throughout the night, and it is one of the unique cultural practices of Japan.