7 Romantic Date Spots to Visit in Hakodate, Hokkaido!

As you may know, Hakodate in Hokkaido is famous for its beautiful night views. Its breathtaking scenery has even been awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan, a travel guide specializing in introducing Japan! During the squid fishing season, the fantastical sight of the "isari-bi" (fishing lights) spreads across the sea, creating an especially romantic atmosphere. The night view alone makes it a highly recommended destination for a date, but Hakodate, with its rich history, also offers many other retro-modern streetscapes and magnificent views unique to the area. From among these, we will introduce places you should definitely visit on a date with your partner or someone special!

1. Mount Hakodate

If you're visiting Hakodate for a date, Mount Hakodate is the first place we recommend. It takes about 3 minutes by ropeway from the foot of the mountain to the summit. From the top, you'll be greeted with breathtaking views of Hakodate's cityscape, the surrounding sea, and mountains—sure to bring a smile to your face. At both the summit and the foot of the ropeway, there are shops selling original goods, Hakodate-limited items, and famous Hokkaido sweets. It might be nice to casually pick up some snacks for your trip, souvenirs, or even a gift for your partner.

At the summit, there's also the "Mount Hakodate Observatory Restaurant Genova," where you can enjoy a meal while gazing at the night view. They have a wide variety of lunch menus as well, so it's a great place to visit even during daytime dates. The official website provides information on sunset times and when the night view begins, so you can plan your visit accordingly and make the most of your precious date time without missing the scenery you’re looking forward to.

Besides the ropeway, you can also take a mountain bus departing from JR Hakodate Station to reach the summit. If you’re going by car, note that the mountain road for vehicles is open only from late April to mid-November. There are traffic restrictions for private cars and rental cars during the night view time, so please be aware.

2. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse / Hakodate Port

Next up is the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, a symbol of Hakodate's bay area. These retro warehouses, built over 100 years ago, have now been transformed into a popular tourist spot, home to sweets shops, general stores, restaurants, and more. Strolling through this historic district on a date will make you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time.

The bay area where these red brick warehouses stand—Hakodate Port—was awarded one star by the Michelin Green Guide Japan under "A Stroll Around Hakodate Port." Feel the refreshing breeze from the sea as you enjoy window shopping and take a relaxing walk through this historic port town.

In the bay area, you'll also find the popular hotel "La Vista Hakodate Bay," which is often featured in the media. It's a great place to base your date, and they have a natural hot spring with an amazing location. You can take a relaxing soak and unwind during your date. Plan ahead with some extra time so you can make the most of your time together!

Inside the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse complex, you'll find the "Hakodate Beer Hall," where you can enjoy freshly brewed local beer in a spacious setting. They offer two types of local beers: "Hakodate Kaitakushi Beer," which has a crisp finish, and "Hakodate Red Brick Beer," known for its smooth richness. These beers are only available at the restaurant, so it would be fun to taste and compare both together during your date.

3. Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall (Closed for Renovation)

Next, we introduce the Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall. It is about a 10-minute drive from JR Hakodate Station toward the Bay Area and Mount Hakodate. Built in 1910 (Meiji 43), it has been designated as an Important Cultural Property by the national government. The building features a beautiful Western-style design with bright blue-gray and lemon yellow colors, and its symmetrical colonial architecture leaves a very elegant impression. Located on a hill overlooking the port, the view from the second-floor balcony is absolutely stunning! It’s a place you’ll definitely want to visit on a date.

Inside the building, you can see the VIP rooms that were used as accommodations for the Crown Prince (later Emperor Taisho) when he visited Hakodate in 1911 (Meiji 44), as well as the gorgeous interior decorations. The second floor has a large hall of about 130 tsubo (approximately 430 square meters), an open space with no columns, featuring a luxurious chandelier. Back in the day, this space was used for concerts, balls, and gatherings of local citizens. Visiting during the quieter hours, such as at sunset, will create a more romantic atmosphere for your date.

There is also the Haikara Costume House, where you can dress up in elegant period costumes and take photos. They offer dresses for women, as well as costumes for men and children. Why not enjoy the glamorous retro vibe together with your partner? You might even discover a new side of them! There are also optional services like hairstyling and makeup by professional beauticians (for a fee), so you can fully transform!

Note: The Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall is closed for preservation and repair work from October 1, 2018 (Heisei 30) to around April 2021 (Heisei 33). You can still view the building from the outside.

4. Motomachi Park

Next is a classic date spot: Motomachi Park. It’s perfect for taking a break during a walk, offering views over the port and a sense of the area's history. The park itself isn't very large, but it’s a peaceful place where you can enjoy historic buildings and seasonal flowers. It’s definitely worth visiting for a relaxing time.

One of the historic buildings in the park is the former Hokkaido Hakodate Subprefectural Government Office, now serving as the Motomachi Tourist Information Center. Stopping by here to gather information and plan your date could be a great idea!

Incidentally, Motomachi Park is located at the very site that gave Hakodate its name. The history of Hakodate dates back to the Muromachi period. The name "Hakodate" originated when the local feudal lord built a box-shaped mansion ("hako" means box) in the area that is now Motomachi Park and the former site of Hakodate Municipal Hospital. Sharing this bit of history during your date could make for an interesting conversation! It shows you’ve done some research and are excited about the experience together.

5. Goryokaku Fort

If you visit Hakodate, one place you absolutely must see is Goryokaku Fort. This historic site is incredibly famous and is also a must-visit date spot. When you're there with your partner, make sure to go up the Goryokaku Tower and enjoy the beautiful scenery. From the observatory, you can see Mount Hakodate, the Tsugaru Strait, the Yokotsu Mountain Range, and of course, the impressive star-shaped layout of Goryokaku.

Various events are held here throughout the year, and the lighting changes with the seasons. One highly recommended event is the Goryo Star Dream (Hoshi no Yume) Illumination, held in winter. Wrapped in this romantic and magical atmosphere, your date will be unforgettable.

Inside the observatory, there is also the Goryokaku History Corridor, where you can learn about the fort's past, and a "see-through floor" made of reinforced glass where you can look directly below. Standing on the glass floor together might just bring the two of you even closer! There are also shops and a café stand, so you can take breaks while leisurely exploring Goryokaku.

6. Hachiman-zaka Slope

Next is the famous scenic spot Hachiman-zaka Slope. This is another place you’ll want to include in your romantic date plan. If you walk along the waterfront lined with red brick warehouses, the slope leading toward Mount Hakodate is Hachiman-zaka. At the top of the slope stands Hakodate Nishi High School, and from directly below it, you’ll see a straight, beautiful road that stretches out towards the sea—a breathtaking view. It’s so picturesque that it’s been used as a filming location for many movies and TV commercials. One famous commercial featured an elderly couple skipping hand in hand, earning the slope the nickname “Charmy Green Hill.” It’s the perfect spot for a date!

Incidentally, this high school is also the alma mater of Saburo Kitajima, a legend in the enka music world. The stunning views of the ocean, the road that makes you want to hold hands, and fun stories about “Sab-chan” create a warm and romantic atmosphere. In winter, the Hakodate Illumination lights up the stone-paved street and townscape of Hachiman-zaka, adding an even more enchanting glow to your date.

7. Saburo Kitajima Museum

Finally, we introduce the Saburo Kitajima Museum, where you can experience the life and achievements of Saburo Kitajima, the legendary enka singer from Hakodate, who we mentioned earlier at Hachiman-zaka. Here, you can learn about “Sab-chan’s” journey, from his struggles to his success, and feel his fighting spirit. The museum is divided into three zones, and visitors can enjoy a guided tour by dedicated staff, which takes about 40 minutes.

The highlight of the museum is Saburo Kitajima On Stage. A robot version of Saburo Kitajima appears, standing on a large, brilliantly lit treasure ship! Despite being a robot, his powerful presence is impressive. On a giant screen behind him, real live footage plays as he passionately sings his famous song Matsuri. It’s a moving performance that is sure to excite you and your date even more.

The museum is located inside Winning Hotel Hakodate. On the 7th floor, the hotel’s Restaurant Winning offers a romantic night view that’s simply spectacular. It’s an ideal place to visit on your date! The food is also excellent, using plenty of fresh local ingredients, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Stop by during your Hakodate date to enjoy both the view and the cuisine.

◎ Summary

Spending time together and sharing experiences with someone special is already a source of happiness, but why not create a wonderful date plan to fill your time with even more smiles? With the Shinkansen line now open, Hakodate has become even more convenient and accessible. The spots introduced here, along with historical and beautiful buildings and delicious gourmet locations, make Hakodate a perfect place for a date. Both you and your partner are sure to have a truly satisfying and memorable time. We wish you both a successful and romantic date in Hakodate!