Top 5 Must-Visit Spots in Hakodate for Solo Travelers

Hakodate is the perfect place for solo travelers who want to take their time and explore quietly. With convenient streetcar (tram) transportation, you can easily travel around the city. There are many beautiful Western-style buildings, parks, and scenic streets that are perfect for leisurely strolls. Walking through the city, you’ll discover beautiful landscapes that make it an ideal destination for solo travelers seeking tranquility.

Goryokaku, built as a Western-style fort, is star-shaped and surrounded by a moat. First, head to the Goryokaku Tower next door for an aerial view of the star-shaped park, then enjoy a relaxing walk around the park. During the cherry blossom season, the park turns a beautiful pink. Inside the fortress walls, tall, magnificent pine trees stand out. The peaceful, wind-free atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for reading or simply unwinding.

The night view from Mount Hakodate is one of Japan’s top three night views. There are two ways to reach the summit: by bus or ropeway, but the ropeway is definitely recommended. The ride itself offers beautiful views of the city, building excitement for the night ahead. The summit tends to get crowded, but the night view is so stunning that you’ll want to keep looking at it. It’s a perfect spot for solo travelers to enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, built in 1909, are located in the Hakodate Bay Area. After renovations, the warehouses now house shops, restaurants, and hotels. The combination of the sea and the red brick buildings creates a picturesque setting, perfect for solo travelers who enjoy photography. You can shop, enjoy a meal, or simply stroll around and take in the surroundings. It’s a peaceful place to spend some time on your own.

Hachimanzaka offers beautiful views of the sea, which is rare among the many hills in Hakodate. The name comes from the fact that the famous Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine was once located at the top of the hill. Although it’s a steep incline, there are handrails, so it’s easy to climb. Along the way, there’s a lovely café where you can stop for a break (more on this in a separate article).

Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine is not as famous as some other tourist spots, but it’s definitely worth visiting due to its connection with Hachimanzaka. The shrine sits at the top of a gentle slope leading from the sea, and although the steps are steep, the view from halfway up is spectacular. You can see the sea, roads, and the torii gate beautifully combined in the scenery. The shrine is large and surrounded by mountains, creating a mystical feeling. The flower decorations at the handwashing station and the blooming cherry trees add to the serene atmosphere, and the sea breeze makes the experience even more refreshing.

Hakodate offers a variety of spots that are perfect for solo travelers who want to enjoy peaceful moments while taking in the beautiful scenery. From the stunning views at Hachimanzaka and Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine to the refreshing atmosphere at Goryokaku and Mount Hakodate, there’s plenty to explore.
In addition, Hakodate has many cafes and restaurants ideal for solo travelers. You can relax at a café near the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses or enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant at the foot of Mount Hakodate. I’ll be covering each of these spots in more detail in future articles, so stay tuned!