Hakodate's night view is one of the most popular and well-known in the world. But you might be wondering, "Where's the best place to view the night view?" or "Are there any hidden gems?" If you're going to come all the way to Hakodate to see the night view, you want to enjoy it in a way that suits your style and situation, right? So this time, we'll introduce night view spots that offer different ways to enjoy the view depending on your mood and the occasion, from spots perfect for enjoying with your lover or friends, to special hidden spots, and night views from restaurants.

 1. Don't miss the classics! The million-dollar night view from Mount Hakodate

1-1. What is the night view from Mount Hakodate like?

Widely known around the world as one of the "World's Three Great Night Views," this is an extremely famous night view spot, also referred to as the "Million Dollar Night View." From an altitude of 334 meters, the view encompasses the city with its warm glow, the Tsugaru Strait on the left, and Hakodate Bay on the right, attracting many tourists every day to witness this fantastical night view.

1-2. Access

There are two ways to go see the night view. One is to take the ropeway up to the mountaintop. The other is to take public transportation or a tour bus. The best recommendation is to take the ropeway. It usually runs every 10 minutes, and the ride only takes 3 minutes. If it's crowded, it runs every 5 minutes, so you don't have to worry about waiting for a long time. You can also enjoy the scenery as you go up.

≪Prices≫ *As of April 2017

[Adults] (Junior high school students and older)
...780 yen one way, 1280 yen round trip
[Children] (Ages 3 and up, up to junior high school age)
...390 yen one way, 640 yen round trip
[Infants] (0-2 years old)
…free

⇒Hakodateyama Ropeway Website

 1-3. Facilities on Mount Hakodate

·Observatory

Mount Hakodate is a major tourist attraction, so there are plenty of facilities for enjoying its night view.
Mount Hakodate has two observation decks, one indoors and one outdoors. During the warmer months from May to September, both the indoor and outdoor decks get very crowded. On the other hand, during the winter months from October to April, the outdoor deck is relatively empty, so if you dress warmly, you can enjoy the night view in peace.

・Hakodateyama Observatory Restaurant "Genova"

For those who want to enjoy a meal while admiring the night view from Mount Hakodate, we recommend "Genova," a very popular restaurant located on the second floor of the Mount Hakodate observation deck. Situated at the summit of Mount Hakodate, you can enjoy your meal with the world-famous night view right before your eyes. However, reservations for window seats are limited to three per day and are only available for dinner courses.

• Souvenir shop

There are shops at the base station and the summit station, selling original goods that can only be purchased there.

 

 

 

 

 

1-4. The Heart Legend of Mount Hakodate

Did you know the legend that the word "heart" appears in the night view from Mount Hakodate? Imagine the romantic atmosphere of the nightscape with such a hidden word – it would surely deepen the bond between lovers or partners. There's also a wonderful legend that finding the heart symbol means you'll be united with the person you see it with, and that your wishes will come true. What do you think?

 2. Enjoy the night view from the hotel bar.

Mount Hakodate isn't the only place to enjoy the night view of Hakodate. For those who want to enjoy the night view in a relaxed atmosphere, without worrying about other tourists, whether you're with your lover, spouse, or even alone, there are bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink and soak up the sophisticated ambiance.

2-1. La Vista Hakodate Bay 'Shelly's Bar'

La Vista Hakodate is a striking high-rise hotel located in Hakodate Port. From Shelly's Bar on the 12th floor, you can enjoy the night view of the bay area and the night view of Mount Hakodate while sipping on original cocktails. The chic interior has two chairs lined up facing the windows, creating a wonderful atmosphere for couples and married couples. The atmosphere becomes even better late at night, so it's highly recommended.

"business hours"
20:00 - 25:00 (Last order 24:30)
Average budget: 2500 yen and up (table charge 500 yen)
Open all year round
La Vista Hakodate Bay HP

2-2. Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate 'Night View Bar Estelado'

The bar incorporates LED lighting and trendy projection mapping, and its spacious interior boasts a fantastic atmosphere. It opens relatively early for a bar, at 18:00 PM, allowing you to enjoy the gradual illumination of Hakodate city during the longer daylight hours. The counter seats facing Mount Hakodate are the most popular, and reservations are possible. For special occasions or when you want to fully enjoy the mood, reservations are highly recommended. The bar's design is supervised by night view critic Motoo Marumaru.

"business hours"
18:00 - 24:00 (Last order 23:30)
*July to September: 18:00 to 25:00
Average budget: 3000 yen and up (table charge 525 yen)
Open all year round
Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate

2-3. Hakodate International Hotel 'Sky Lounge Le Mont Gagyu'

The panoramic view from the windows, stretching from Hakodate Port to Mount Hakodate, offers a sense of openness and allows you to spend time in tranquility. They also offer a wide variety of original cocktails that change with the seasons and events, and there's no table charge, making it a great place to enjoy even if you're alone.

"business hours"
20:00 - 24:00 (Last order 23:30)
Average budget: 1500 yen and up (no table charge)
Open all year round
Hakodate Kokusai Hotel

3.I want to brag about being different!Night view spots for Hakodate enthusiasts

3-1. Night view from the back

While the classic view of Hakodate's nightscape is the "front night view" overlooking the city from Mount Hakodate, the "back night view," which offers a panoramic view of Mount Hakodate from the opposite side of the city, is also gaining attention as a hidden gem.

Jōdai Ranch, located in Nanae Town next to Hakodate City, is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Hakodate.
As it's a ranch, cows graze freely, and the lush, laid-back atmosphere evokes the feeling of Hokkaido. A new indoor observation deck was added in 2012, making it the number one spot for enjoying the night view from behind the scenes. Please note that the observation deck's opening period and hours are limited, unlike those of Mount Hakodate.

《Jotai Farm Observation Deck Opening Hours》
<5月中旬～10月中旬>　9:00～17:00　※6～9月の土曜日のみ9:00～21:00

You can reach the Jodai Ranch Observatory via the Jodai Skyline, but it is closed for winter from late October to early May each year. There is a free parking lot with 30 spaces that can be used at any time just before the observatory. It's a great place to stop by on your way back from sightseeing in the Onuma Park area during the summer season.

3-2. Hidden Gem Night View Spots

It's not just the main night view and the hidden night view. You can enjoy the night view of Hakodate from various angles. We'll also introduce some hidden spots to help you become a Hakodate expert.

Night view from Hakodate Port Central Wharf

From JR Hakodate Station, head towards Onuma on National Route 5 and turn onto Chuo-futo-dori. This hidden gem of a night view spot is about 10 minutes from Hakodate Station. During the day, it's a fishing spot where anglers enjoy catching sardines and mackerel with sabiki fishing, but as the sun sets, the city begins to sparkle with Mount Hakodate in the background, creating a romantic atmosphere. The Seikan Ferry Mashu Maru is also lit up, adding to the night view. Parking is available.
Unlike popular spots, it's less crowded, making it ideal for couples who want to enjoy the scenery in peace.

Night view from Omorihama

Omorihama is a coastline facing the Tsugaru Strait, stretching from Mount Hakodate towards Yunokawa Onsen. Along the way to Yunokawa Onsen, there is "Takuboku Small Park," where a statue of Ishikawa Takuboku stands, and this area is a perfect spot for photos. There is also a camera stand, so you can take a picture with Takuboku using the self-timer. Furthermore, from summer to autumn, it is the peak season for squid fishing, and you can see the countless fishing lights of squid fishermen illuminating the Tsugaru Strait.
During the warm summer months, you can sit on the beach and enjoy the sunset, feeling the sea breeze, and leisurely chatting while admiring the glittering night view that unfolds as dusk falls.

4. How to fully enjoy the night view!

4-1. Best Season

Recommended season No. 1: "Winter! December to March"
The greatest charm of winter nightscapes is the interplay between the snow's illumination and the city lights, a sight unique to this season. Streetlights and neon signs reflect off the snow, making them shine even brighter and creating a mystical night view. You can witness a truly spectacular night view that cannot be seen in any other season.

The other seasons also offer their own unique charms.

The next recommended season is autumn, from October to November.

Autumn offers many sunny days and clear air, allowing you to enjoy a dynamic night view that stretches far into the distance.

While spring and summer don't offer the same vibrant colors as winter and autumn, you can still enjoy fantastic night views peeking through gaps in the sea of ​​clouds and mist. Also, if you don't like the cold, spring and summer are recommended due to their comfortable weather.

4-2. Best time slot

20-30 minutes after sunset

Get ready at sunset and enjoy the sight of the city lights gradually coming on as dusk falls for 30 minutes. At the best time, the city lights will shine brilliantly against the deep blue sky.
Please refer to the sunset times in Hakodate listed below.

Sunset times in Hakodate: August 2014 - August 2015

4-3. Using the Hakodate Night View Tour Bus

If you're planning a trip to Mount Hakodate, using a convenient and affordable regular sightseeing bus is a great option. The most popular and reasonably priced option is the "Mt. Hakodate Night View Romance Course" organized by Hokuto Kotsu. If you're staying in the Hakodate or Yunokawa area, the bus will pick you up right in front of your major hotel, and you'll also get a guided tour where you can learn about the history and interesting facts about Mount Hakodate. There are Yunokawa and Hakodate routes, but both require advance reservations, so if you're interested, be sure to book early.
Hakodate Regular Sightseeing Bus

5. Things to keep in mind when viewing winter nightscapes

 5-1.Clothing

The minimum temperature from December to March is between -3 and -6°C.
There is an observation deck at the summit of Mount Hakodate, so you can enjoy the view from a warm, heated room, but reflections on the window glass can make it difficult to take good photos. If you want to enjoy a truly memorable and magnificent night view, you should definitely go outside, but the winter cold is very harsh.
Items you should prepare
・Gloves ・Scarf ・Hat (a knit hat that covers your ears is best) Choose clothing that blocks the wind from your jacket to your feet, making sure your entire body is covered and no skin is exposed. Be fully prepared so that the best night view is not ruined by the cold.

5-2.Freezing

The area outside the observation deck is dimly lit, although there are minimal lights. Please watch your step while enjoying the view. Especially in winter, even flat areas outdoors can freeze and become slippery. Many areas without snow, like a skating rink, are extremely smooth. If you are not used to winter in Hokkaido, it is a good idea to bring shoes with non-slip soles.
*A must-have item for winter in Hokkaido: shoe anti-slip devices.

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