Located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, the Southern Hokkaido region is home to Hakodate, a popular tourist destination with an exotic atmosphere.
In addition, there are many other popular tourist spots in the southern Hokkaido region, including natural wonders and scenic locations.

On March 26, 2016, the Hokkaido Shinkansen opened, and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, a hub station in southern Hokkaido, was established.

Therefore, this time, we will introduce popular tourist spots, scenic spots, and hidden gems, focusing on the southern Hokkaido area, which will become even more accessible with the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen.

<Contents>
Introduction
1. What is Southern Hokkaido?
2. Sightseeing in Hakodate, the heart of southern Hokkaido
3. Nature and scenic spots in southern Hokkaido
4. History and historical sites in southern Hokkaido
5. Seasonal Spots in Southern Hokkaido
6. Hot spring spots in southern Hokkaido
Afterword

In Hokkaido, the region is divided into four areas: Central Hokkaido, Northern Hokkaido, Eastern Hokkaido, and Southern Hokkaido.
A distinctive feature is that there is no "Western Hokkaido," only "Central Hokkaido."

The Southern Hokkaido region is located in southwestern Hokkaido, and on a map, the area shown in green is primarily referred to as the Southern Hokkaido region.
While "Southern Hokkaido" isn't a clearly defined regional name, it's often used to refer to the area encompassing the Oshima and Hiyama regions.

This region of Hokkaido has a relatively mild climate, and its population accounts for only about 1% of Hokkaido's total population. It is a region with small temperature fluctuations and abundant nature.

◆Night view from Mount Hakodate

Speaking of southern Hokkaido, you absolutely can't miss the night view of Hakodate, which is praised as the "million-dollar night view"!
The night view from Mount Hakodate, overlooking the city of Hakodate, is breathtaking.

The best time to go is within an hour after sunset.
When taking the ropeway up Mount Hakodate, be sure to secure a window seat with a view overlooking the city of Hakodate.

As the ropeway ascends, the night view of Hakodate that unfolds below is truly exceptional.

【Related article】
Spectacular Views! Everything You Need to Know and Hidden Gems to Enjoy Hakodate's Night View to the Fullest
https://hokkaido-labo.com/hakodate-night-view-61

◆ Goryokaku Park

At the popular Goryokaku Park, the "Hakodate Magistrate's Office" was restored within Goryokaku in 22, and visitors can now tour its interior.
In the summer, you can even take a boat ride around the moat of Goryokaku, so why not give it a try?

Also, if this is your first time visiting Goryokaku, be sure to climb Goryokaku Tower. You'll see breathtaking views just like in the pictures!

【Related article】
First time traveling to Hakodate! 7 must-see popular tourist spots
https://hokkaido-labo.com/hakodate-sightseeing-spot-7883

◆ Yunokawa Onsen

Yunokawa Onsen, a hot spring resort area in Hakodate, has many hot spring inns clustered together in an area very close to Hakodate Airport.
Let me introduce some hidden gem hot spring inns that I personally recommend.

<Yumoto Gyokakan>
It's a small, cozy hot spring inn, but its main attraction is undoubtedly the meals featuring fresh seafood.
Of course, the hot spring water is 100% natural. It's a small place with one indoor bath and one open-air bath, but the view of the Sea of ​​Japan and the lights of the fishing boats floating on it from the open-air bath is absolutely beautiful.

The hot spring water is quite hot, so if you don't like it too hot, you can add cold water to make it more palatable. This is a hot spring inn that offers excellent value for money.

【Related article】
Recommended hot spring spots in Hakodate and southern Hokkaido [from famous hot springs to hidden gems]!
https://hokkaido-labo.com/hakodate-spa-2494

◆Hakodate Motomachi area

Hakodate's Motomachi district is home to many historical buildings, including valuable structures with an exotic atmosphere such as consulates and churches.
You can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city during the day, or go out at night to see the buildings lit up at night.

This is a region where you can fully experience foreign cultures.

【Related article】
First time traveling to Hakodate! 7 must-see popular tourist spots
https://hokkaido-labo.com/hakodate-sightseeing-spot-7883

★Let's go on a long-distance trip to Hakodate with JAL!★

◆Onuma Quasi-National Park

Located in the heart of nature, Onuma Quasi-National Park is the only quasi-national park in southern Hokkaido, featuring numerous islands of varying sizes formed by active volcanoes, where visitors can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and diverse flora and fauna.

From spring to autumn, visitors can enjoy cycling, boating, and sightseeing cruises, while in winter, it's a popular spot offering a wide range of outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.

We recommend checking the activity information at the Onuma International Exchange Plaza.
Don't forget to try Onuma's famous "Onuma Dango"!

[Onuma International Exchange Plaza]
Address: 145 Onuma-cho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun
Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Hakodate city center.
Opening hours: 8:30-17:30
URL:http://www.onuma-guide.com/

◆Shirotai Ranch

Located about 40 minutes by car from downtown Hakodate, Shirodai Ranch is a hidden gem and a popular spot where you can see the night view of Hakodate from behind the city.
Located on a hill with a great view, this is a viewpoint where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hakodate city even during the daytime.

There is also a free indoor observation deck. Please note that surrounding roads are closed during the winter months.

[Jotai Farm Observation Deck]
Address: 564 Kamifujishiro, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun
Access: 40 minutes by car from Hakodate city center
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Late October to early May (Winter road closure)

◆ Funka Bay Panorama Park

Funka Bay Panorama Park in Yakumo Town is a vast park built on a hilly area of ​​62.7 hectares, offering facilities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
Besides the stunning scenery, another highlight is the abundance of facilities that children can enjoy.

Located next to the Yakumo PA on the expressway, it's an ideal rest stop for travelers heading to southern Hokkaido.

Next door is the recommended restaurant "Harvester Yakumo," where you can enjoy dishes made with seafood from local contracted farmers and Funka Bay, such as fried chicken and pizza baked in a stone oven.
Enjoy delicious food while taking in the panoramic views characteristic of Hokkaido in a spacious and open setting.

During the warmer months, we recommend sitting on the terrace.

[Funka Bay Panorama Park]
Address: 368-8 Hamamatsu, Yakumo-cho, Futami-gun (1 hour 30 minutes by car from Hakodate)
Access: (1 hour 30 minutes by car from Hakodate)
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 18:00 PM
Telephone number: 0137-65-6030
URL:http://panorama.town.yakumo.hokkaido.jp/

[Harvester Yakumo]
Address: 365 Hamamatsu, Yakumo-cho, Futami-gun
Access: Adjacent to Funka Bay Panorama Park
Hours: 11: 00 ~ 18: 00
Telephone number: 0137-64-3113
Regular closing days: Mondays from December to February
URL:http://harvester-yakumo.com/

◆Charolais Ranch

Charolais Ranch offers horseback riding experiences on its vast grounds.

How about enjoying a forest bath from horseback amidst the great outdoors?
It can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults, so why not visit with your family?

It is open 24/7 and available year-round. Please be sure to make a reservation before using it.

[Charolais Ranch]
Address: 469 Komagatake, Mori-machi, Kayabe-gun
Access: (45 minutes by car from Hakodate Station)
Opening hours: 10:00 AM to sunset
Telephone number: 080-6065-3331
Closed: Late October to early May (Winter road closure)

◆Oniushi Park

Oniushi Park, adjacent to the roadside station "YOU・Yu・Mori," boasts a spacious area with approximately 500 cherry trees in bloom, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.
On clear days, this viewpoint offers views of Mount Yotei and Mount Usu in the distance.

[Oniushi Park]
Address: 326-18 Kamidai-cho, Mori-machi, Kayabe-gun
Access: 15-minute walk from Mori Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line

◆Tachimachi Cape

The cliff at the southern tip of Mount Hakodate is called "Tachimachi Cape." It's a viewpoint overlooking the Tsugaru Strait, and at night you can see the fishing lights of squid fishing boats.
The walking paths are well-maintained, making it a great place for a short stroll.

It can be windy, so please be careful not to let your hat blow away.

[Tachimachi Cape]
Address: Sumiyoshi-cho, Hakodate City
Access: Get off at "Yachigashira" tram stop, 20-minute walk.
Parking: Free
*Road closure at night: 20:00 PM to 6:00 AM the following morning.
*Vehicle traffic is prohibited from mid-November to mid-April.

◆ Matsumae Castle

The castle was built in 1606 (Keicho 11) by Matsumae Yoshihiro, the first lord of the Matsumae clan. After subsequent fires and repairs, the current castle tower was rebuilt in 1961 (Showa 36).
The interior of Matsumae Castle houses a museum displaying cultural artifacts related to the Matsumae Domain and materials concerning the Ainu people.

[Matsumae Castle and Matsumae Castle Museum]
Address: Matsushiro, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun
Access: Approximately 120 minutes by car from Hakodate city center.
Admission fee: 360 yen for adults, 240 yen for elementary and junior high school students.
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Opening days: April 10th to December 10th

◆Hakodate City Lighthouse Museum "Pikarin-kan"

The Hakodate City Lighthouse Museum "Pikarin-kan" is a unique museum in Japan that provides detailed explanations about lighthouses around the world, including the history of the "Esan Cape Lighthouse" located right in front of the museum, and a large graphic display of the "Pharos Lighthouse," the origin of lighthouses. It offers a great understanding of the history and mechanisms of lighthouses.

Esan Cape Lighthouse boasts an exceptional location, so much so that it was selected as one of "Japan's 50 Best Lighthouses."
Because it's located in a geographically secluded area where very few people go, it's considered a hidden gem.

Guests staying at the nearby Hotel Keifu can enter the facility free of charge.

[Hakodate City Lighthouse Museum "Pikarin-kan"]
Address: 80-9 Esanmisaki-cho, Hakodate City
Admission fee: 400 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary, junior high, and high school students.
Opening hours: 9:15-17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Closed on: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday), and during the winter season (December 1st to March 31st).
URL:http://hakodate-cape.com/pikarin/pikarin4.html

◆ Hakodate City Jomon Culture Exchange Center

The Hakodate City Jomon Culture Exchange Center, located next to the roadside station "Jomon Roman Minami Kayabe," exhibits approximately 1200 items, including stone tools, pottery, diverse implements, and various artifacts related to daily life, showcasing the beginnings of the Jomon culture and the lifestyle of the Jomon people as they adapted to the harsh natural environment and prospered.

The most valuable of these is the "Hollow Clay Figurine," the first to be designated a National Treasure in Hokkaido. It is hollow inside, and its entire body, from head to toes, is thinly and exquisitely crafted, with excellent pattern composition.
A replica of this hollow clay figurine is on display at the Hokkaido Museum in Sapporo, but the original is also on permanent display there.

[Hakodate City Jomon Culture Exchange Center]
Address: 551-1 Usujiri-cho, Hakodate City
Access: 60 minutes by car from JR Hakodate Station
Admission fee: 300 yen for adults, 150 yen for students, pupils, and children.
Opening hours: (April 1st to October 31st) 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November 1st to March 31st) 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday), the last Friday of the month, and during the New Year holidays.
URL:http://www.hjcc.jp/

◆Ofuna C ruins

Located on a coastal terrace facing the Pacific Ocean, this is the site of a large settlement from the Middle Jomon period (approximately 5,000 to 4,000 years ago), where the remains of about 120 dwellings have been discovered.
This is a place where many other archaeological sites are believed to be buried. There are remains of pit dwellings and reconstructed pit dwellings that you can look inside.

When I visited, I was surprised to see white smoke rising from the reconstructed pit dwelling, but I was told it was smoked to repel insects. There is an exhibition room nearby with many pottery and clay figurines on display.

[Ofuna C Ruins]
Address: 575-1 Ofunacho, Hakodate City
Access: 70 minutes by car from JR Hakodate Station
Fee: Free

5-1. Spring

Around Golden Week, the cherry blossoms in southern Hokkaido are in full bloom.
Last year, the cherry blossoms bloomed early and were past their peak before Golden Week, but if it's like previous years, the cherry blossoms will be at their best during Golden Week, which is the best time for sightseeing.

Here are three recommended spots in southern Hokkaido where you can see cherry blossoms.

◆ Goryokaku Park

Goryokaku Park has approximately 1,600 cherry trees planted, and when the cherry blossoms bloom, the entire park is dyed pink.

In designated areas, you can enjoy Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) under the cherry blossoms. As the cherry blossom season comes to an end, the fallen petals fill the moat of Goryokaku Park, allowing you to enjoy cherry blossom viewing from a different perspective.

During cherry blossom season, the area is illuminated at night to coincide with the blooming of the cherry trees, allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms after dark.
The view of the cherry blossoms from Goryokaku Tower when they are in full bloom is breathtaking.

◆Hakodate Park

Hakodate Park is a unique park in Japan, completed through citizen participation, thanks to the call of the then British Consul, Eusden, who said, "Just as the sick need hospitals, healthy people also need places to rest." Many citizens agreed with this call and cooperated by providing funds and labor.

The park is quite large, and within it there is a very small amusement park-like area called "Children's Land."
It is also famous for having the world's oldest surviving Ferris wheel. In addition, there are animal facilities where you can leisurely observe animals, just like in a zoo.

In spring, approximately 420 cherry trees bloom, and at night, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms illuminated by lights.
This park is a popular place for citizens to relax.

◆ Matsumae Castle

Matsumae Park, where Matsumae Castle is located, is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, with approximately 1 cherry trees of about 250 varieties in full bloom.

Matsumae Castle boasts three famous cherry trees, the Ketchimyakuzakura, the Ezo Kasumizakura, and the Meotozakura, all said to be over 300 years old. It has also been selected as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots" by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association. Springtime, when the cherry blossoms bloom, is arguably the best time to visit Matsumae Castle.

5-2. Summer

The southern part of Hokkaido is a comfortable place to live, as it's not too hot and the humidity is low even in summer.
In Hakodate, Yukawa Beach, famous as the only net-covered swimming beach in the country, has been closed this year due to difficulties in maintaining it.

It's a real shame, as it was such a fantastic location. Here are two other recommended summer spots besides the beach.

◆ Remains of a gun battery on Mount Hakodate

How about a stroll around the lush natural surroundings of Mount Hakodate this summer?
It was also featured on NHK's travel program "Buratamori," where it was introduced with the question, "Was Mount Hakodate a fortress?", so I think many people have become interested in it.

The TV program showed areas that are normally off-limits, but you can see the other parts of the mountain by taking a walk around Mount Hakodate.
There are still remnants of gun emplacements near the summit of Mount Hakodate, preserving the memory of the time when the entire mountain was a fortress.

A walking map of Hakodate Fortress has been released, so why not use it as a reference and go for a stroll around Mount Hakodate?

<Hakodate Fortress Ruins Walking Map>
http://www.city.hakodate.hokkaido.jp/file/kankoubrand/hakodateyousai-map.pdf

◆Onuma Quasi-National Park

Onuma Quasi-National Park, a popular spot, offers a wide variety of popular activities, including cycling, sightseeing boat rides, boating, canoeing, and horseback riding—so many that it's impossible to experience them all in one visit.

The experiences offered vary from facility to facility, so it's best to start by visiting the Onuma International Exchange Plaza.
It's located right next to JR Onuma Park Station and provides information on various activities.

[Onuma International Exchange Plaza]
Address: 145 Onuma-cho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun
Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Hakodate city center.
Opening hours: 8:30-17:30
URL:http://www.onuma-guide.com/

5-3. Autumn

Hokkaido boasts a rich natural environment, making it the perfect place to fully enjoy the autumn foliage. Just a short trip into the mountains reveals numerous spots teeming with vibrant autumn colors. Why not grab your camera and head out for a visit?

◆Miharashi Park

It was built around 1898 (Meiji 31) by Minejiro Iwafune, a kimono merchant from Hakodate.

It is a "landscape garden," featuring a garden pavilion, a stream, and a brick greenhouse.
With its large plaza and well-maintained walking paths, the area attracts many visitors as a spot to admire the autumn foliage.

The "Hakodate MOMI-G Festa," an event that illuminates the autumn leaves at night, is also being held, and the autumn leaves at night are also breathtakingly beautiful.

◆Mount Esan (an active volcano)

Mount Esan, an active volcano located in the Esan region, is designated as a prefectural natural park.
You can drive up to near the crater, but there aren't many plants near the summit.

However, from spring to summer, approximately 60 Ezo azaleas and Enkianthus campanulatus bloom at the foot of the mountain, and in autumn, the area is dyed red and orange, creating a beautiful landscape.

[Mount Esan, an active volcano]
Address: Kashiwano-cho, Hakodate City
Access: 1 hour by car from JR Hakodate Station

5-4. Winter

While Hokkaido in winter is generally associated with harsh cold, the southern part of the prefecture enjoys a relatively mild climate compared to other parts of Hokkaido.
If you come to Hokkaido in winter, be sure to try some snow activities.

◆Onuma Quasi-National Park

Onuma Quasi-National Park offers plenty of snow activities, not just in the summer!

There are a variety of activities available, including ice sledding tours, snowmobiling, smelt fishing, and snowshoeing.
Located approximately 10km from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station on the Hokkaido Shinkansen line, which is scheduled to open in March 2016, access to Onuma Quasi-National Park is expected to become even more convenient.

[Onuma International Exchange Plaza]
Address: 145 Onuma-cho, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun
Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Hakodate city center.
Opening hours: 8:30-17:30
URL:http://www.onuma-guide.com/

◆Hakodate Nanae Snow Park

Enjoy a long run of over 4,000 meters on Hokkaido's unique powder snow while overlooking a panoramic view of the magnificent natural landscape.
With one of the longest gondolas in Japan and numerous courses that take advantage of the natural surroundings, it can be enjoyed by skiers of all levels, from beginners to advanced.

[Hakodate Nanae Snow Park]
Address: 666 Higashi-Onuma, Nanae-cho, Kameda-gun
Access: Approximately 50 minutes by car from Hakodate city center.
URL:http://hakodate-nanae.jp/

◆Miichi Onsen Ryokan

Miichi Onsen, famous as a hot spring inn with a history dating back to the Meiji era, is a hot spring inn surrounded by nature, featuring free-flowing natural hot spring water.
The spring water is a weakly chlorinated spring containing bicarbonate earth minerals and is said to be effective for injuries, bruises, rheumatism, and neuralgia.

When you think of Kumaishi, you think of abalone. You can even enjoy a full course meal featuring abalone from Kumaishi.

[Miichi Onsen Ryokan]
Address: 13 Otani-cho, Kumaishi, Yakumo-cho, Futami-gun
Telephone number: 01398-2-2002
URL:http://www.kenichi-spa.com/

◆Seseragi Onsen

Seseragi Onsen is a hot spring resort that offers day-use bathing only.
The beautiful building, spacious changing rooms, and large public bath will soothe your travel fatigue.

Every year from late October to mid-November, you can enjoy a "quince bath," where quince, a specialty product of Hokuto City, is floated in the bathtub.
They sell quince juice, which is hard to find elsewhere, so be sure to give it a try.

[Seseragi Hot Spring]
Address: 4-3-20 Honmachi, Hokuto City
Hours: 10: 00 ~ 22: 00
Phone number: 0138-77-7070
Closed on Mondays (open on public holidays)
URL: http://www.city.hokuto.hokkaido.jp/modules/health/content0057.html

◆ Hiratanai Onsen (Hiratanai Hot Spring) Kuma-no-yu

This open-air mixed-gender bath is located beside a mountain stream. It's a secluded hot spring where you can enjoy nature to the fullest.
There are separate changing rooms for men and women, but please be aware that you can see quite a bit. The open-air bath, where you can listen to the sound of the stream flowing amidst nature, is truly exceptional.

[Hiratanai Onsen Kuma-no-yu]
Address: Kumaishihira-cho, Yakumo-machi, Futami-gun
Operating period: Late April to the end of October

Afterword

The southern Hokkaido region, particularly Hakodate, boasts numerous attractive tourist spots that offer a wealth of history, culture, natural beauty, and various activities to enjoy throughout the year.
On March 26, 2016, the Hokkaido Shinkansen opened, and the first station to open was "Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto" station.

This will make access not only to Hakodate but also to the southern Hokkaido region even more convenient. Why not take this opportunity to start planning a trip to southern Hokkaido?

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