Hakodate

Hakodate was one of those ports I didn’t know much about ahead of time, but it ended up being a surprisingly memorable stop. Sitting at the southern edge of Hokkaido, this coastal city was one of the first Japanese ports to open to foreign trade in the 19th century. That influence is still visible today, especially in the Motomachi district where old Western-style buildings and stone-paved streets give off a completely different vibe from other parts of Japan.

Since this was a short stop on my cruise, I joined a ship excursion that helped cover a lot in one morning. We started at the Hakodate Morning Market, which was already buzzing with people. The seafood stalls were impressive, but I took a detour and wandered off to a nearby park where the cherry blossoms were just starting to peek out. Still early in the season, but the trees were covered in pink buds just waiting to pop.

Next up was the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway. We rode the cable car up the hillside and were greeted with an incredible panoramic view of the city, the twin bays, and the ship down in the harbor. It’s easy to see why this spot is considered one of the top three night views in Japan, though even by daylight it was impressive.

After the descent, we explored the Motomachi area, which felt like a different world with its steep hills and historic buildings. I passed by churches like the Motomachi Roman Catholic Church, its red roof standing out against the stone exterior, and the elegant St. John’s Church up on a hill. There was also a peaceful stop at the Funadama Shrine, tucked quietly among trees and stone steps.

One of the more striking buildings was the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, painted in vibrant yellow and slate blue. It overlooks the harbor and adds a splash of historical drama to the city’s skyline.

Walking the cobblestone paths of Motomachi and looking back toward the water with the cruise ship in view felt like the perfect way to wrap up a brief but satisfying visit.