Hakodate, situated at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Japan, is a city rich in history, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Known for its stunning night views from Mount Hakodate, unique star-shaped fort, and the historical ambiance of its Motomachi district, Hakodate offers a variety of experiences that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical sites, enjoying its natural hot springs, or indulging in the freshest seafood, finding the right place to stay is crucial. Here’s a guide to the best places to stay in Hakodate, ensuring your visit is as comfortable and fulfilling as possible.

Hakodate Station Area

Ideal for first-time visitors and convenience seekers. The area around Hakodate Station is a bustling hub, offering easy access to transportation, making it convenient for those planning day trips or arriving from other parts of Hokkaido.

Nearby attractions include the Hakodate Morning Market, where you can enjoy fresh local seafood and other delicacies. A wide range of accommodations is available, from luxury hotels with panoramic views of the bay to budget-friendly options. Staying near Hakodate Station is perfect for travelers looking to maximize their convenience in transportation and accessibility to various attractions within and outside the city. It’s also great for foodies who wish to explore the morning market’s delights.

Luxury

• OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts is a chic and modern hotel blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary comforts, situated in front of Hakodate Station.
• Hakodate Kokusai Hotel, a luxurious hotel offering stunning views of Hakodate Bay and Mount Hakodate, known for its top-tier service and convenient location near popular attractions.
• La Vista Hakodate Bay Annex is an elegant hotel featuring panoramic bay views, natural hot springs, and refined accommodations, perfect for a relaxing stay in Hakodate.

Mid-range

• JR Inn Hakodate is a stylish and convenient hotel directly connected to JR Hakodate Station, offering modern amenities and easy access to local attractions.
• La’gent Stay Hakodate Ekimae is a contemporary hotel located right next to Hakodate Station, featuring comfortable rooms and a variety of dining options nearby.
• Tokyu Stay Hakodate Asaichi Akarinoyu is a comfortable hotel with in-room laundry facilities, ideally located next to Hakodate Morning Market and offering a relaxing hot spring experience combined with a central location.
• Premier Hotel – CABIN PRESIDENT – Hakodate provids spacious rooms, exceptional dining, and panoramic views of Hakodate Bay, situated right next to Hakodate Station.

Budget

• Route Inn Grantia Hakodate Ekimae is a convenient hotel featuring comfortable rooms, a public bath, and a prime location right next to Hakodate Station.
• FLEXSTAY INN Hakodate Station is a budget-friendly hotel offering practical amenities and easy access to Hakodate Station and nearby attractions.
• UNIZO INN Express Hakodate Ekimae is a modern hotel providing compact, well-equipped rooms and a convenient location just steps from Hakodate Station.

Goryokaku Area

Ideal for history buffs and families. Goryokaku is best known for its massive, star-shaped fort and surrounding park, a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. The area also hosts the Goryokaku Tower, offering stunning views of the fort and the city.

Accommodations here range from traditional ryokan inns to contemporary hotels, catering to those who wish to immerse themselves in the area’s historical significance. If you’re fascinated by Japan’s Meiji Restoration period or enjoy scenic natural beauty, Goryokaku is a compelling choice. It’s a bit quieter than the city center, ideal for travelers looking for a more relaxed stay.

Mid-range

• Hotel Hokke Club Hakodate is a well-appointed hotel offering comfortable accommodations and easy access to Hakodate’s major attractions.
• Smile Hotel Premium Hakodate Goryokaku is a modern hotel featuring spacious, well-equipped rooms, providing guests with convenient access to the historic Goryokaku area and its many attractions.
• HOTEL MYSTAYS Hakodate Goryokaku is a stylish hotel offering contemporary rooms with modern comforts, ideally situated close to the iconic Goryokaku Fort and nearby shopping and dining options.

Budget

• Route Inn Grantia Hakodate Goryokaku is a comfortable hotel with extensive amenities, including a public bath and on-site dining, located near the Goryokaku district and offering easy access to local points of interest.

Motomachi Area

Ideal for culture enthusiasts and romantics. The Motomachi district is known for its picturesque slopes, historic Western-style buildings, and the stunning Hakodate Orthodox Church. Its elevated location offers breathtaking views of Hakodate Bay, especially beautiful at night.

The accommodation options in Motomachi are varied, with several boutique hotels and guesthouses located in historic buildings, providing a unique experience. Motomachi is perfect for those looking to soak in the city’s historical ambiance and enjoy some of the best views in Hakodate. Its charming streets and proximity to attractions like the ropeway to Mount Hakodate make it an ideal spot for romantic getaways or cultural deep dives.

Luxury

• Villa Concordia Resort & Spa is a luxurious resort offering spacious suites, fine dining, and a full-service spa, situated with stunning views of Hakodate Bay.
• Hakodate Classic Hotels is a charming hotel that combines historic elegance with modern comforts, located near popular cultural and historic sites.

Mid-range

• HakoBA Hakodate by THE SHARE HOTELS is a trendy, community-focused hotel featuring modern accommodations and communal spaces, conveniently located in the heart of Hakodate.
• La Jolie Motomachi is an elegant boutique hotel offering stylish rooms, personalized service, and a prime location in the historic Motomachi district.

Yunokawa Onsen

Ideal for spa lovers and those seeking relaxation. Yunokawa Onsen is Hakodate’s famous hot spring area, offering a range of traditional onsen (hot spring) baths with healing properties, many of which have views of the Tsugaru Strait.

The area is also home to the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, where you can see Japanese macaques enjoying the hot springs. Accommodations in Yunokawa Onsen include luxurious spa resorts and traditional inns, focusing on relaxation and wellness. For those looking to unwind and enjoy Japan’s onsen culture, Yunokawa Onsen is a sanctuary. It offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, perfect for rejuvenating after a day of exploration.

Luxury

• Heiseikan Shiosaitei Hanatsuki is a sophisticated hotel featuring traditional Japanese-style rooms, exquisite dining, and breathtaking ocean views, located in the Yunokawa Onsen area.
• Bourou Noguchi Hakodate is a luxury ryokan offering spacious, elegantly designed suites, private hot springs, and gourmet cuisine for a refined experience.

Mid-range

• Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei is a renowned hotel providing rooms with private open-air baths, panoramic sea views, and a relaxing onsen experience.
• Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari Hewitt Resort is a modern resort featuring stylish accommodations, multiple dining options, and serene onsen facilities with ocean views.
• Yunokawa Onsen Emi Hakodateya is a charming hotel offering cozy rooms, traditional onsen baths, and convenient access to local attractions.

Budget

• Credo Hotel Hakodate is a comfortable and affordable hotel providing practical amenities and easy access to Hakodate’s main attractions and transportation links.

Each neighborhood in Hakodate offers a distinct and unique experience, from the convenience and culinary delights near Hakodate Station to the historical intrigue of Goryokaku and Motomachi, and the serene relaxation offered by Yunokawa Onsen. Whether your visit focuses on history, culture, cuisine, or relaxation, Hakodate has the perfect place to stay, ensuring your trip is memorable and enjoyable.

Article by Maria Fukuda. Photos by gandhi/pixta (1), Angkana Unthaya (2), apple2/pixta (3), aegis/pixta (4), Grand Seiko/pixta (6). All rights reserved.