Hakodate is a port city on a narrow sandbar in southern Hokkaido, with the bay on one side and Mount Hakodate rising at the southern end of the peninsula. The central city sits on the flat land of the tombolo, so most of what a visitor wants is within a compact, walkable area.
For planning purposes, the city divides into a few practical bases: the flat grid around JR Hakodate Station and its morning market, the historic slopes and foreign-settlement streets of Motomachi below the mountain, and the bayfront near the red brick warehouses. This guide covers which of those areas to choose, and what kind of accommodation you will find at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Hakodate
1. Around JR Hakodate Station and the Morning Market
This is the most convenient base for a first visit. The station area is flat, easy to navigate on foot, and puts you within a short walk of the morning market, which sits just to the right as you exit the station. Buses to Mount Hakodate depart from the station, and the tram network connects you onward to the bay and the historic districts.
You will find the widest choice of accommodation here, from business hotels to small inns and minshuku-style lodgings, several of them within a few minutes' walk of the platforms. It suits travellers arriving or leaving by train, anyone who wants to keep transfers short, and visitors who prefer to have transport, food and shopping on the doorstep.
2. Motomachi and the slopes below Mount Hakodate
Motomachi is the old part of town, on the rising ground below Mount Hakodate, where the historic missionary churches and the foreign settlement are found. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the ropeway station for the mountain and of the bayfront attractions, including the red brick warehouses.
This area suits visitors who want atmosphere and proximity to the sights rather than transport links, and who do not mind slopes. Accommodation here includes small pensions and guesthouse-style places, some in historic buildings, with a mix of private rooms and shared facilities.
3. The bayfront near the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
The bayfront, just south of the station area and around the red brick warehouses, is a pleasant place to base yourself if you want the waterfront close at hand. It sits between the station and Motomachi, so you can walk to both, and the tram stops at Suehiro-cho and Jujigai keep the rest of the city within reach.
This area suits travellers who want a quieter setting in the evening and easy access to the historic sights. Lodgings here range from hostel-style shared dormitories to individual rooms and family rooms, including options in converted historic buildings.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: small inns and minshuku with tatami rooms, some with shared bathrooms; hostel-style dormitories and simple private rooms, often in older or historic buildings. Expect basic furnishings and a location within walking distance of the station or the tram.
- Mid-range: business hotels, typically near the station or the bayfront, with small but clean rooms and breakfast included. Some are part of national chains with online booking in English.
- Splurge: larger hotels, including ones with bay views, in the station and bayfront areas. Rooms are more spacious and the location is central, though you pay for the view and the address.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself around JR Hakodate Station and the Morning Market. It is flat and walkable, gives you the easiest connections by tram and bus to Mount Hakodate, Motomachi and the bayfront, and offers the greatest range of places to stay at every price level. For a short first trip, that convenience matters more than atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to stay near the station if I arrive by train?
Not necessarily, but it helps. The station area is the transport hub, with trams and buses to the rest of the city, and several lodgings are within a few minutes' walk of the platforms. If you prefer the historic streets, Motomachi and the bayfront are still reachable by tram.
Which area is best if I want to walk to the main sights?
The bayfront and Motomachi are the closest bases to the red brick warehouses, the historic churches and the ropeway station for Mount Hakodate. The station area is flatter and better connected, but you will use the tram for some sights.
Is Hakodate hilly?
Parts of it are. The central city sits on flat sandbar land, but Motomachi and the approaches to Mount Hakodate rise steeply. If walking on slopes is a concern, the station area is the easier base.
What kind of accommodation is available for families or groups?
Family rooms sleeping up to six are available in the bayfront area, and larger hotels near the station can take groups. Small inns and minshuku are better suited to couples or solo travellers.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.