Recommended attractions in Hakodate, Hokkaido and review of Hakodate Hotel Banso
Foreword
🔗After leaving Noboribetsu, the next destination is Hakodate. This is my second time visiting Hakodate. During my previous visit, I experienced the Hakodate Morning Market, the night view from Mount Hakodate, Goryokaku Tower, and the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. These are all excellent attractions, and I highly recommend them to first-time visitors to Hakodate. However, this time, due to a tight schedule, I will only be staying in Hakodate for one night, so I didn't plan many activities. My main plan is to relax in the hotel's hot springs, take a leisurely walk on Hachiman-zaka, and explore the nearby Hakodate Hokkoku Shrine.
Hachiman-zaka
🔗Hachiman-zaka is an ancient street located in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan, and it is one of the iconic tourist attractions in the city. The name of this slope comes from the nearby Hachiman Shrine, which is considered the guardian deity of Hakodate. The starting point of Hachiman-zaka is near Hakodate Station, and it has a steep incline, extending all the way up the slope. Along the street, cherry trees are planted on both sides, and during the spring season when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, Hachiman-zaka becomes a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing, attracting a large number of visitors.
Walking up Hachiman-zaka, you can admire the beautiful scenery of Hakodate city. Along the slope, there are many old and well-preserved historical buildings, including traditional Japanese-style architecture and Western-style buildings, giving a nostalgic feeling.
At the top of Hachiman-zaka is the cable car station for Mount Hakodate, where visitors can take the cable car to the summit and enjoy even more breathtaking views, including the cityscape of Hakodate, the harbor, and the nearby mountains. The atmosphere differs between daytime and nighttime visits.
Hakodate Hokkoku Shrine
🔗While walking along Hachiman-zaka, you can also visit Hakodate Hokkoku Shrine. Established in 1879, it was built to honor the Japanese soldiers who died in battle. The shrine is considered the guardian shrine of Hakodate city and is an important attraction for local residents and tourists. During my previous visit, I didn't have much of an impression, but this time, I felt a sense of unusual antiquity and neglect in its maintenance.
The torii gate is located at the entrance of Hakodate Hokkoku Shrine and symbolizes the symbolic act of meeting with the divine spirits upon entering the shrine. It serves as a reminder to respect and revere the sacred, while also representing reverence and remembrance for the fallen soldiers. Additionally, the torii gate serves as a recognizable symbol of the Hokkoku Shrine, making it unique and eye-catching in the cityscape of Hakodate. When visitors see the red gate, they naturally associate it with the presence of a shrine and become intrigued.
During this visit, I didn't have much interest in exploring the shrine itself. I simply found the positioning of the torii gate, which conveniently separates the interior of the shrine from Hachiman-zaka, with its long staircase, a great photo opportunity.
Hakodate Hotel Banso
🔗I chose to stay at the Hakodate Hotel Banso this time, and I found it to be perfect in terms of its hot springs, dining options, location, and price.
I noticed that many Japanese people, upon checking into a hotel, would immediately choose to go for hot springs. So, when it came to having dinner, they would typically be dressed in the yukata provided by the hotel. It felt a bit out of place at first because we were all dressed in casual attire for dinner.
The attire provided for bathing in Japanese hotels' hot springs is called a "yukata." The yukata is a traditional Japanese garment typically made of lightweight cotton or linen fabric, perfect for use in hot springs or during the summer.
Yukatas are often single-colored or patterned and feature wide sleeves and cuffs. They are tied around the waist with a sash or belt called an "obi." Wearing a yukata provides a comfortable and refreshing feeling while also allowing one to experience the traditional style of Japan.
Yukatas are not only provided in Japanese hot spring hotels but are also commonly seen during summer festivals, tourist attractions, and traditional events. Many people enjoy wearing yukatas to participate in activities or stroll through onsen towns, showcasing their love for Japanese culture.
When staying in a Japanese hotel and enjoying the hot springs, yukatas are typically provided for use. You can put one on and experience Japan's hot spring culture while immersing yourself in a unique atmosphere of leisure and relaxation. However, in the end, I personally prefer to wear the yukata only when going to soak in the hot springs.😂
Overall, I genuinely feel that this accommodation experience was excellent, and I would recommend this hotel to anyone planning to visit Hakodate.
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
🔗Located in the Yunokawa Onsen area, the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is one of my personal favorite attractions. It primarily showcases a variety of tropical plants, which may not be particularly surprising for someone from Taiwan like me. The botanical garden also features a greenhouse that provides a constant temperature and humidity, allowing tropical plants to thrive in Hokkaido's cold climate. Inside the greenhouse, visitors can explore a diverse range of tropical plant species, including cacti, orchids, and rainforest trees, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of being in a tropical region.
However, one incredibly unique sight in the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is the opportunity to observe Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) soaking in hot springs! The botanical garden houses many Japanese macaques, and during the winter, the water pools in their enclosures are filled with hot springs. It is quite amusing to witness these monkeys, just like humans, enjoying themselves in the warm water. It has become one of the fascinating and rare scenes during the winter season. Since I visited in early May, I was still able to see the macaques. However, as the weather gradually becomes hotter, it becomes less likely to observe this phenomenon. If your intention is to witness the macaques bathing in the hot springs, it would be best to visit during the winter season.
Conclusion
🔗
This visit to Hakodate was quite brief, with just a one-night stay, which didn't allow for a thorough exploration of every attraction. Personally, I recommend staying for at least two nights to fully experience the morning market and enjoy the night view from Mount Hakodate. However, if you have the opportunity to choose a quality hot spring hotel, indulging in a luxurious seafood experience can also be a fantastic option.
Reference
Alvin
Software engineer, interested in financial knowledge, health concepts, psychology, independent travel, and system design.
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