First up is a must-see, quintessential Hakodate itinerary. A key selling point is that you can complete it using only the tram and on foot, without needing a rental car.

First, let's head to Goryokaku, characterized by its five-pointed star shape. From Hakodate Station, take the streetcar for 17 minutes and get off at Goryokaku Park Mae, then it's about a 15-minute walk from the streetcar stop to the park. This place was once home to the Hakodate Magistrate's Office following Japan's opening to the world, and was also the site of a fierce battle that decided the fate of Japan during the end of the Edo period. Now a popular park for locals, it's a famous cherry blossom viewing spot that attracts many visitors from both within and outside Hokkaido, especially around Golden Week when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

After enjoying a stroll around Goryokaku, turn around and head to Hakodate Station. Let's enjoy lunch at Hakodate Morning Market. You can enjoy seafood to your heart's content, with rice bowls starting from 500 yen and sea urchin bowls priced at market price. If you're looking to buy seafood souvenirs, Hakodate Morning Market is a good choice, but Hakodate Jiyu Market, located about a 10-minute walk away, is also popular for its low prices.

The afternoon begins with a stroll through the retro streets of Motomachi. Motomachi has been used as a filming location for many movies, so you might see some familiar scenery. From Hakodate Station, take the streetcar to Suehirocho, and along the cobblestone Motomachi Slope you'll immediately come across the former British Consulate. At the top of the slope is Motomachi Park, and beyond that you'll see the former Hakodate Public Hall. If you continue left towards the mountain, you'll find a row of Motomachi landmarks such as Hachiman-zaka Slope, the Orthodox Church, and the Catholic Motomachi Church.

Next up is the night view from Mount Hakodate. In Hakodate, sunset is generally after 19 PM in summer and after 18 PM in winter. Since we'll be going to a cafe after sightseeing in Motomachi, please adjust your timing accordingly. You can reach the summit of Mount Hakodate by ropeway, or in summer, by car or mountain bus. Please note that there are various restrictions even in summer if you choose to travel by car or bus.

After enjoying the night view, it's time to step into the sparkling lights. Take a leisurely stroll through the bay area, which is illuminated from sunset until 22 PM, on your way back to the hotel.

[Reference Information] Estimated time required: 8.5 hours / Hakodate City Tram 1-day pass: ¥600 / Motomachi area facilities: Free to around ¥300 / Hakodateyama Ropeway round trip: ¥1,280

Next, we'll introduce a driving plan that allows you to enjoy the magnificent scenery around Hakodate.

Restaurants in Hakodate Morning Market open as early as 5 AM. Squid fishing, a popular tourist activity, also starts at 6 AM, so make the most of your time by getting up early.

After a meal, the next stop is Onuma Quasi-National Park via Shirotai Ranch. The main attraction at Shirotai Ranch is the scenery. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Aomori, and the night view is beautiful! It's closed from November to April, so it's a spot you can only visit in summer and autumn. You'll also want to try the soft-serve ice cream at Yamakawa Ranch.

What you should enjoy in Onuma Quasi-National Park is the majestic beauty of Mount Komagatake and the lake dotted with numerous small islands. Enjoy nature in your own way, whether it's strolling, boating, or horseback riding.

Head south on National Route 5 and return to Hakodate city, then go to Goryokaku. Climb Goryokaku Tower to get a panoramic view of Goryokaku.

[Reference Information] Estimated time required: 8 hours / Goryokaku Tower: ¥900 There is no free parking at Goryokaku Park or Goryokaku Tower. Please use the nearby paid parking lots.