1. Full of Christmas spirit! "Bay Area"

The first recommended spot I'd like to introduce is the Bay Area, a classic tourist spot in Hakodate.

The Bay Area becomes even more vibrant than usual as December approaches.
The Kanemori Warehouse complex is adorned with illuminations, and you can even see Santa Claus climbing the walls.

Also visible on the sea is the "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy" tree, transported from Halifax, Canada.

At Meijikan, the ivy leaves covering the walls turn bright red in late autumn.

Unlike the usual refreshing green walls, this one has a vibrant atmosphere.
The trees are lit up at night, but the illumination during the season when the leaves turn red is particularly beautiful.

If you visit Hakodate in late autumn or early winter, be sure to take a look at its beautiful form.

<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/

2. The Motomachi Churches, beautifully illuminated amidst a snowy landscape.

The Motomachi Churches are a popular tourist spot in Hakodate throughout the year, but they become even more charming in winter.

Hakodate is a warm city located in the southern part of Hokkaido.
However, January and February bring severe cold and snow.

For residents, snow is a bit of a nuisance because it means they have to shovel it...

But the pure white snow makes the exotic buildings even more beautiful.

Famous churches in Motomachi, such as the Hakodate Orthodox Church, the Catholic Motomachi Church, and the Hakodate St. John's Church, are illuminated at night all year round.

However, the illuminations against the snowy landscape are truly exceptional!
The snow piled on the surrounding trees and buildings gleams, and the details of the buildings stand out against the white ground.

December is also the Advent season, leading up to the holy day of Christmas, and you can feel the church's atmosphere as it is both festive and solemn.

<Hakodate Orthodox Church>
Address: 3-13 Motomachi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 040-0054
TEL：0138-23-7387
開館時間：平日10:00～17:00　土10:00～16:00　日13:00～16:00
Closed: February 26th to March 15th (Open during Coming-of-Age Day, Hikari no Komichi, and Sapporo Snow Festival)
Admission fee: 200 yen (donation)
Official website:http://orthodox-hakodate.jp/

<Catholic Motomachi Church>
Address: 15-30 Motomachi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 040-0054
TEL：0138-22-6877
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 16:00 PM (except Sunday mornings and during worship services)
Closed days: New Year's holidays (December 30th to January 5th), and when the church is in use.

<Hakodate St. John's Church>
Address: 3-23 Motomachi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 040-0054
TEL：0138-23-5584
Official website:http://nskk-hokkaido.jp/church/hakodate.html

3. When you think of December in Hakodate, you think of "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy"!

As I mentioned briefly when talking about the Bay Area, the main attraction in Hakodate in December is undoubtedly the "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy."
The sight of the large tree, adorned with numerous lights, shining brightly is truly impressive.

From the beginning of December until December 25th, when the "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy" is being held, a lighting ceremony with fireworks will take place every evening.

While enjoying the fireworks from the bay area where the event is held offers the most immersive experience, viewing them from other locations such as the summit of Mount Hakodate or the top of Hachiman-zaka slope is also recommended.

Additionally, a soup bar featuring popular local restaurants will be set up at the venue.

Try buying soups from different shops and sharing them with your friends and family.

<Hakodate Christmas Fantasy>
Venue: Suehiro-cho, Hakodate City
For inquiries, please contact: 33-14 Motomachi, Hakodate City (Hakodate Christmas Fantasy Executive Committee Secretariat / Hakodate International Tourism and Convention Association)
TEL：0138-27-3535
FAX: 0138-27-6775
Event period: December 1st to December 25th (start date may vary each year)
Illumination lighting time: 16:30 - 17:45
18:00 to 0:00 the following day (until 2:00 the following day on Fridays, Saturdays, and from the 22nd to the 25th)
Soup bar available from 16:00 to 20:00
Soup: 600 yen per bowl (1000 yen for two bowls with advance tickets that include a raffle ticket)
Official site:http://www.hakodatexmas.com/

4. Enjoy the long-lasting, dazzling scenery at "Hakodate Illumination".

In winter in Hakodate, illuminations are displayed not only in the bay area and Motomachi district, but also in front of Hakodate Station.

These illuminations are not only displayed in December, but also until the end of February, making them an attractive feature that can be enjoyed for an extended period.

This image shows the illuminations on Hachiman-zaka, one of the many slopes in Hakodate, which often appears in dramas and movies.

During the "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy" event, fireworks will be launched from the venue at the top of the hill.

These are the illuminations in front of Hakodate Station.
Beautiful illuminations welcome visitors arriving in Hakodate by train.

There are many other illuminations held in Hakodate during the winter season. The one at Goryokaku Park is also famous.

Please enjoy the combination of snow, illuminations, and the townscape.

<Hakodate Illumination>
Illumination venues: Nijukkenzaka, Hachimanzaka, Kaikodori (around the bay area), Hakodate Station Square
TEL: 0138-27-3535 (Hakodate Winter Festival Executive Committee)
Event period: December 1st to December 28th (start date may vary each year)
Lighting hours: Sunset to 22:00 PM
URL:http://www.hakodate-illumination.com/illumination/

5. What are the temperatures and weather like in Hakodate during winter? What kind of clothes should I wear?

So, for those considering a trip to Hakodate during this time of year, what are the winter temperatures and weather like in Hakodate? What kind of clothing should you wear?
When you're planning a trip, there are things that come to mind, right?

First, regarding temperature and precipitation, please refer to the table above. Both represent the average over the past 30 years.

As you can see from the table, although it is located in the south of Hokkaido, winters tend to see many days with sub-zero temperatures and frequent snow and cold rain.

Therefore, we recommend wearing shoes that are slip-resistant in snow and have waterproof properties.

Hakodate city center, which has many tourist attractions, is surrounded by the sea on three sides, and is therefore famous for its strong winds.

Also, many of the spots and events we introduced this time are located near the sea or on hills, and are especially windy places.

Therefore, it is recommended to take thorough precautions against the cold.

Pack your layers with a down coat or thick mountain jacket, and don't forget accessories like a knit cap and gloves!

However, indoor spaces like shops are often warm, so make sure to layer your clothes under your outer layer so you can regulate your body temperature.

Final thoughts

We've introduced recommended winter spots and events in Hakodate, along with information on the climate and appropriate clothing.

Sightseeing while enduring the cold diminishes the enjoyment by half.

Please dress warmly and be fully equipped for a wonderful time sightseeing in Hakodate.

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