With the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, Hakodate is a tourist destination that is attracting even more attention. While a leisurely tour of the city by streetcar is wonderful, how about a bay cruise on a sightseeing boat if you're traveling to the port city of Hakodate?

The "Blue Moon" sightseeing cruise, departing from the bay area, is a 30-minute cruise around Hakodate Port aboard a luxury cruise ship. You can enjoy sightseeing Mount Hakodate and the city of Hakodate from a different perspective than usual.

So, in this article, I'll introduce you to the Blue Moon Bay Cruise, based on my own experience on board. I'll show you all the charms of the bay cruise, including the views of Hakodate city from the sea!

<Table of Contents>
1. What is the sightseeing cruise ship Blue Moon?
2. Where can I board? How do I get a ticket?
3. The luxurious interior will lift your spirits.
4. Step out onto the deck for a prime spot to enjoy the ocean view.
5. Finally, we set sail.
6. At Hakodate Dock, I was amazed by the sheer power of the ships.
7. Turn around and view the city of Hakodate from the sea.
8. Viewing the Mashu Maru from the sea
9. Reflecting on the approaching Mount Hakodate
In conclusion, I was very satisfied with the boat trip, especially the view of Hakodate from the sea.

The Blue Moon is inspired by the moon floating on the sea. This luxurious two-story cruise ship, measuring 31.0 meters in length and 9.2 meters in width, can accommodate up to 200 people and boasts a striking, sharp crescent shape.

This type of boat, known as a catamaran, has a hull split into two sections, allowing for a comfortable cruise with minimal rocking.

The Blue Moon ferry departs from in front of Hakodate West Wharf, near the Red Brick Warehouses, one of Hakodate's top tourist attractions. Look for the blue pier. The bay cruise is a 30-minute boat trip that departs from Hakodate Port and cruises around the bay.

The ferry operates from March to December, with 6 to 7 departures daily. First, purchase your ticket at the reception desk. The price is 1,800 yen for adults (junior high school age and older), 900 yen for elementary school students, and 350 yen for infants (3 years and older). Once you have purchased your ticket, head straight onto the ship.

Self-taken photos

The Blue Moon's seating area is divided into two floors, with the first floor featuring a spacious dining restaurant-like atmosphere with brown flooring and rows of tables. It's also possible to rent out the entire ship in advance for events such as parties and weddings.

Going up to the second floor, you'll find a guest room with a luxurious lounge-like atmosphere, complete with a navy carpet. Large windows offer a view of the vast ocean, allowing you to relax on the sofa and enjoy the scenery outside.

If you're going to enjoy a cruise, you definitely want to feel the wind on the deck. So, I went out onto the upper deck. However, on this day in early October, the wind on the upper deck was quite chilly. The wind gets even stronger once we depart, so if you're going out on the deck outside of summer, a jacket seems to be a must.

Stepping out onto the deck, the reddish-brown brick buildings visible to the right are the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses. These warehouses were originally built in 20 as commercial warehouses for trade. After being destroyed in the Great Hakodate Fire of 40, they were rebuilt in 42. In 21, they were designated as an Important Cultural Property, having surpassed 100 years of construction. The former warehouses have now been transformed into a shopping mall and have become one of Hakodate's most representative tourist attractions.

Self-taken photos

And so, it was finally time to set sail. We said goodbye to Hakodate Port, and when we looked back, Mount Hakodate was there to see us off.

Mount Hakodate gradually recedes into the distance. From the summit of Mount Hakodate, which stands at an altitude of 334 meters, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hakodate city, a view so magnificent that it has earned a 3-star rating in the Michelin travel guide. The night view of Hakodate, especially the one sometimes called the "million-dollar night view," is well worth seeing.

Hakodateyama offers a stunning contrast between the mountain and the sea, a view that is just as beautiful as the night scenery, and can be appreciated only by sea travel.

Something unusual was about to appear on the left side in the direction of travel. We could see Hakodate Dock, lined with large cranes and ships under construction. Hakodate Dock is one of the leading shipbuilding companies in Japan, founded in Hakodate in 29. They manufacture large vessels such as escort ships and ferries.

Hakodate Dockyard, as seen from the sea, looks like a diorama. The sight of large cargo ships and patrol boats lined up as if competing with each other is truly impressive.

The red and white breakwater visible ahead is the Tsugaru Strait. The Tsugaru Strait, which was also sung about in the enka song "Tsugaru Strait Winter Scenery," is strongly associated with rough winter waves, but on this October day it was very calm. In the distance, you can see the cityscape of Hokuto, next to Hakodate.

The ship turns around at this point and begins its return journey, with Hakodate city visible on the left. As I gazed vaguely at the city of Hakodate, I spotted a tall building.

In the distance, you can see Goryokaku Tower, adjacent to Goryokaku, a special historical site in Hakodate City. Originally built in 1964, the tower was rebuilt in 2006 due to aging, resulting in its current appearance. From its 90-meter-high observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of Goryokaku Park and the city of Hakodate.

The ship sails on, with Goryokaku Tower receding into the distance. As we approach the vicinity of JR Hakodate Station, we can see a large ship.

This is the Seikan Ferry Mashu Maru. Until the opening of the Seikan Tunnel in 1998, it was a passenger ship that connected Hakodate and Aomori. Now that its service has ended, it is possible to tour the ship's interior as a memorial museum, passing on its history to the present day. The Mashu Maru, which is usually seen from land, has a different charm when viewed from the sea. You can appreciate it from angles that cannot be seen from land, such as the stern and bow.

Now, Hakodate Port is approaching on our left. Our 30-minute bay cruise is almost over. In front of us, Mount Hakodate is getting bigger and bigger. It's only been 30 minutes, but for some reason, I feel very nostalgic. I wonder if the people who crossed the Tsugaru Strait on the ferry in the past felt the same way when they saw Mount Hakodate. And just as I was thinking that, the ship arrived safely at Hakodate Port.

In conclusion, I was very satisfied with the boat trip, especially the view of Hakodate from the sea.

We've shared our experience of a bay cruise aboard the sightseeing boat Blue Moon. Blue Moon's concept is "a prime seat to meet, gather, and enjoy the sea." We were thoroughly satisfied with the trip, enjoying a different view of Hakodate from the deck of this luxurious cruise ship. If you ever visit Hakodate, we highly recommend taking a ride on this cruise ship. A wonderful encounter with the sea awaits you.

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