Cruising into Hakodate Japan for Markets Views and Motomachi Charm

Hakodate was one of those cruise stops I hadn’t researched much in advance, but it quickly became one of the most memorable ports of my trip. Located on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate was among the first Japanese cities to open to international trade in the 1800s. That early influence shows up in the Motomachi district, where Western-style churches, mansions, and cobblestone streets create a totally different vibe from other places I’ve seen in Japan.

Since my time in port was limited, I joined a shore excursion that managed to squeeze in a lot without feeling rushed. We began at the Hakodate Morning Market, which was already packed with activity. The seafood stalls were impressive, but I broke away from the group to explore a nearby park. The cherry trees weren’t in full bloom yet, but the buds were just starting to open, and the whole place had that quiet anticipation of spring.

Next was the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway. The cable car ride took us up over the city, and at the top, we were rewarded with a sweeping panoramic view. You could see both sides of the peninsula curving into the sea, with the harbor, coastline, and even our cruise ship in clear view. It’s often listed as one of the top views in Japan, and even during the day, it lived up to the hype.

After descending, we walked through the Motomachi district, one of the city’s most distinctive areas. I passed the red-roofed Motomachi Roman Catholic Church and the white-walled St. John’s Church, both perched on the hillside with great views back toward the water. I also came across the peaceful Funadama Shrine, which felt like a quiet pocket of tradition tucked between residential streets.

The standout, though, was the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward. Painted in bold yellow and gray-blue, it sits high on a hill overlooking the city and looks like it was plucked from a completely different era. Between the architecture, the streets, and the skyline, it felt like I had stepped into a living postcard.

Wandering those stone paths with the city below and the ship docked in the distance felt like a perfect way to cap off a short visit that delivered way more than I expected.