Hakodate Mountain
The night view from Mount Hakodate is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Hakodate. Known as one of Japan’s three great night views, this spot offers stunning scenery year-round. During the day, you can enjoy the expansive natural surroundings, and as night falls, the city lights sparkle, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Hakodate Bay.
The night view from Mount Hakodate can be enjoyed from the summit at an elevation of 334 meters. You can access the top via a ropeway, and even on the way up, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful views. From the summit, you’ll have a 360-degree panorama, including the city of Hakodate, Hakodate Harbor, and distant mountains. At night, the countless streetlights create a dazzling, jewel-like scene that is truly mesmerizing.
Access Information
Access by Tram and On Foot (Public Transportation)
Take the tram from Hakodate Station to Hakodate-dotsukumae and get off at Jujigai tram stop.
From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Ropeway Mountain Station.
Access by Car or Taxi
It takes about 10 minutes by car from Hakodate Station.
From Hakodate Airport, it’s about a 30-minute drive.
There are paid parking lots near the Ropeway Mountain Station, but it tends to get crowded during the evening and nighttime, so public transportation is recommended.
Access by Bus
The Hakodate Mountain Ropeway Shuttle Bus (Route 2) runs from Hakodate Station to the Ropeway Mountain Station.
It operates during the evening and nighttime, and the journey takes approximately 11 minutes.
Details
| Operating Hours | April 20 to September 30: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (last ascent at 9:50 PM) October 1 to April 19: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last ascent at 8:50 PM) |
| Fees | Adults (Middle School Students and above): Round-trip 1,800 yen, One-way 1,200 yen Children: Round-trip 900 yen, One-way 550 yen |
| Official Website | Hakodate Mountain Ropeway Official Website |
Visit Log
On April 25, 2025, around 7:30 PM, I took the ropeway up to Mount Hakodate. The path from the tram stop is quite a steep incline, which may make some visitors feel a bit uneasy. For those who prefer a more comfortable option, the bus can take you directly to the summit.
I personally recommend the ropeway. The views along the way were stunning, and I was truly excited. Watching the cityscape of Hakodate gradually unfold was an unforgettable experience.
The summit can be windy and cold, so I suggest bringing warm clothes, especially in the evening.
Although it can get crowded with tourists, the view from the highest observation deck is a must-see. The scene is like a jewel box, with a beautiful contrast between the sea and land, and the lights shining warmly. It’s a different kind of beauty compared to typical city nightscapes.
The night view changes with the seasons, and I’m looking forward to seeing it again in the snow. The daytime view of the sea is also breathtaking and offers a different charm.