The IC card "ICAS nimoca" was introduced to the Hakodate City Tram and Hakodate Bus on March 25, 2017.

While there have always been convenient passes for sightseeing, such as the "Streetcar 1-Day Pass" which allows unlimited rides on the streetcar for one day, and the "1-Day Pass" and "2-Day Pass" which allow unlimited rides on the streetcar and Hakodate buses, these can sometimes be expensive if you only want to ride the streetcar or bus a short distance.

However, with the introduction of "ICAS nimoca," transportation IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can now be used on the city tram and Hakodate buses!

This time, we'll introduce tourist spots that you can visit using the Hakodate tram and bus, which have become even more convenient for sightseeing.

<Table of Contents>
1. Public transportation has become even more convenient with the introduction of ICAS nimoca.
2. Bay Area (Tram lines 2 and 5)
3. Hakodate Park (City Tram Line 2, Hakodate Bus Line 53)
4. Trappistine Convent (Hakodate Bus/Shuttle Bus)
5. Foreign Cemetery (Hakodate Bus Route 1)
6. Motomachi Park (Hakodate Bus Route 1)
Final thoughts

This is the "ICAS nimoca" transportation IC card introduced in Hakodate. It has a simple design, but the curved shape in the middle is said to be inspired by the Oshima Peninsula.

Until now, when visiting Hakodate as a tourist, using the streetcar and Hakodate bus required either purchasing a "one-day pass" or paying with cash. However, with the introduction of this card, it's now possible to use nationwide transportation IC cards to ride the streetcar and Hakodate bus! Take this opportunity to simply tap your usual IC card and enjoy sightseeing with ease.

The tram stop in the photo is "Jujigai." There are many tourist attractions nearby, so it is used by many tourists. Right next to the tram stop is the "Hokkaido Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum," where you will be greeted by a statue of Sakamoto Ryoma with one arm raised high.

A short walk away is the Hakodate City Community Exchange and Town Development Center, housed in a building constructed in 1923. Inside, there's a tourist information center, allowing you to gather information while experiencing a sense of history.

One of the tourist spots within walking distance from the Jujigai tram stop is the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses. This is a place where you can experience what Hakodate was like in the days when it prospered from maritime trade.

Many of the warehouses house stylish shops, souvenir shops, and restaurants, so please enjoy shopping and delicious meals.

Across the street is Lucky Pierrot Marina Suehiro, famous for its hamburgers, where you can enjoy Hakodate's soul food while overlooking the harbor where yachts are moored.

Near the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses is another building made of red brick, the Hakodate Meijikan. This building was constructed in 1911 as the Hakodate Post Office. It is also a place that many tourists visit as a spot where they can feel the history.

<Kanamori Red Brick Warehouses>
Address: 11-5 Toyokawa-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 040-0065, Japan
TEL: 0138-27-5530 (main)
Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 19:00 PM (may vary depending on the season)
Closed days: Open all year round (may be closed for maintenance)
Official website:http://www.hakodate-kanemori.com/
<Hakodate Meijikan>
Address: 11-17 Toyokawa-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 040-0065, Japan
TEL：0138-27-7070
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 18:00 PM (may vary depending on the season)
Closed: Open all year round
Official website: http://www.hakodate-factory.com/meijikan/

Hakodate Park is a 3-minute walk from the Aoyagi-cho tram stop, which can be reached by taking the No. 2 tram line. This park was created based on a park built by citizens in 1879.

The facility is planted with many trees, including cherry blossoms, azaleas, and maple trees, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of each season. It is a popular spot for cherry blossoms in spring and for viewing autumn foliage in fall, and is loved by locals.

There are also plenty of spots that children can enjoy, such as a mini amusement park with attractions including the oldest operating Ferris wheel in Japan, and a mini zoo.

You can also get to Hakodate Park by taking the Hakodate Bus Route 53. The bus stop is located near the park's entrance, so this is a better option for those unfamiliar with Hakodate.

<Hakodate Park>
Address: 17 Aoyagi-cho, Hakodate City
TEL: 0138-22-7255 (management office)
Opening hours: 8:45 AM - 17:30 PM (may vary depending on the facility)
Closed: December 29th - January 1st
Admission: Free
Official website: http://www.hakodate-jts-kosya.jp/park/p_hakodate.html

A shuttle bus to the Trappistine Convent operates from in front of Hakodate Station. The journey takes about 37 minutes, but the operating times vary depending on the season, so be sure to check the website in advance.

The Trappistine Convent, founded in 1898, is the first women's convent in Japan. The grounds feature statues of the Archangel Michael and the Virgin Mary, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

<Trappistine Monastery>
Address: 346 Kamiyukawa-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 042-0914
TEL：0138-57-3331
営業時間：8:00～17:00(4/21-10/31)、8:00～16:30(11/1-4/20)
Regular holiday: 12/30-1/2
Admission: Free

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

The Foreign Cemetery is located about a 3-minute walk from the "Koryuji-mae" bus stop on the Hakodate Bus Line 1. It became a burial ground for foreigners after the construction of a tomb for a sailor who arrived in Japan with Commodore Perry in 1854. The cemetery is divided into Protestant, Russian, and Chinese sections, and is said to contain the remains of people from all over the world.

From here, the view of the sea over the exotic-looking tombstones is very popular.

<Foreign cemetery>
Address: 23 Funami-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 040-0055
TEL: 0138-21-3323 (management office)
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: Open all year round
Admission: Free

On the Hakodate Bus Route 1, the stop "Motomachi" is six stops before "Koryuji-mae." A short uphill walk from here will take you to Motomachi Park. It's a popular tourist spot, known for its building painted in light blue and yellow, the Old Hakodate Public Hall.

Within the park, there are other old buildings besides the public hall, such as the former Hokkaido Government Hakodate Branch Office building, allowing you to enjoy the city scenery while feeling the history of Hakodate.

You can also rent dresses and take photos at the public hall, so it's a great way to create lasting memories of your trip!

<Motomachi Park>
Address: 12-18 Motomachi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 040-0054
TEL：0138-27-3333
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: Open all year round
Admission: Free

We've introduced some tourist spots that can be reached using the streetcar and Hakodate buses.

The next time you visit Hakodate, why not use a transportation IC card to create your own personalized sightseeing route? With just a tap of your IC card, you can easily embark on your own unique sightseeing trip!

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