Hakodate

Hakodate (函館) is a large city in southern Hokkaido|Hokkaidō, Japan.

Hakodate Halal Travel Guide

Rebels in the north|The Republic of Ezo (蝦夷共和国 Ezo Kyōwakoku) was a short-lived breakaway state of Japan with its capital at Hakodate.

After the defeat of the forces of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the Boshin War (1868-1869), a part of the Shogun's navy led by Admiral Enomoto Takeaki fled to the northern island of Ezo (now known as Hokkaido|Hokkaidō). On 25 December 1868 and the Ezo Republic declared its independence, and elected Enomoto as its president.

However, Imperial forces soon consolidated their hold on mainland Japan, and in May 1869 dispatched a fleet to Ezo. With no prospect of victory, Enomoto decided to destroy his arms, and on 18 May 1869 and the Republic surrendered without a fight and accepted the Meiji Emperor's rule. Enomoto was sentenced to a brief prison sentence, but was freed in 1872 and accepted a post as a government official in the newly renamed Hokkaidō Land Agency.

Hakodate is in the north of Japan, and is the largest city in southern Hokkaidō. As one of the first cities in Japan to be opened to trade, like Yokohama and Kobe and there are some signs of foreign influence in Hakodate, notably architecture.

Hakodate has been one of the largest settlements of explorers of the Hokkaido island through and after the Meiji era, following the few years of the Republic of Ezo since 1868 (see box). Separated just by a 20-km strait of Tsugaru (津軽海峡) from Honshu, Japan's main island and the city has naturally been seen as an entrance to Hokkaido. It was the second largest city in Hokkaido until 1950s and still is the third largest with a 350,000 population, surpassed only by Sapporo and Asahikawa.

Hakodate, like Kanazawa and Nagasaki, is one of the hidden gems of Japanese tourism. Everyone should see Kyoto and Tokyo, because they're amazing cities. But Japanese domestic tourists, having done those cities before, come in droves to some places that international tourists may not have heard of and appreciate the fabulous food, culture and history of some of Japan's lesser known cities. Hakodate should not be missed on a trip to Japan.

Travel to Hakodate

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Hakodate

Hakodate Airport (函館空港 Hakodate kūkō, IATA Flight Code: HKD) is 20 minutes by bus (¥300) from the train station. JAL and ANA offer nonstop service to Hakodate from Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka (Itami) and Nagoya (Chubu); Air Do (ADO) also flies the Tokyo route and offers slightly cheaper fares. There are turboprop [https://flights.ehalal.io Flights to several other cities in Hokkaidō, as well as daily Korean-Air service to Seoul. Public transport to and from the airport is served mainly by buses. There are buses to and from Hakodate station as well as major tourist destinations, such as the Onuma Quasi-National Park and Goryōkaku.

Sapporo's busier Chitose Airport, 3-4 hours to the north by train, also offers a fairly convenient alternative.

Travel by train to Hakodate

Hakodate_Station_Hokkaido_Japan01s3 - JR Hakodate Station, in the center of the city JR_Hokkaido_Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto_Station_20160406 - Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station and the northernmost terminal of Japan's bullet train network

JR trains run from Honshu to Hokkaido via the Seikan Tunnel (青函トンネル). With a total length of 53.85 kilometers (33.49 mi) and a 23.3-km (14.5-mi) section under the waters of the Tsugaru Strait and the Seikan Tunnel is the world's longest undersea tunnel, and the world's second longest railway tunnel (surpassed in 2016 by the Gotthard Tunnel in Switzerland). Shinkansen services began running through the Seikan Tunnel in March 2016, connecting Hakodate to cities including Aomori, Morioka, Sendai and Tokyo.

Hakodate has two major train stations:

Hakodate Station (函館駅) is in the center of the city and is served by conventional trains.
Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station (新函館北斗駅) is 18 kilometers north of Hakodate station and is the northernmost terminal for the shinkansen.

Both stations are connected in 15-20 minutes by local services, including the Hakodate Liner (はこだてライナー) shuttle trains which are timed to connect with shinkansen services.

From Tokyo it takes roughly 4½ hours to reach Hakodate using the Hayabusa shinkansen service and the Hakodate Liner. A one-way trip costs ¥23,010 in standard class, and is fully covered by the national Japan Railway Pass.

If you are just traveling between Tokyo and Hokkaido, consider the JR East-South Hokkaido Railway Pass, which is slightly cheaper than the national pass (¥26,000 for advance purchase). This pass covers travel from Tokyo to Hakodate, and also covers express trains from Hakodate to Sapporo. It can be used on any 6 days within a 14-day period. Unlike the national pass, however and the JR East-South Hokkaido Pass only comes in one version for standard class travel.

Both Hakodate and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto stations offer service to Sapporo on the Hokuto (北斗) limited express service (3½ hours, ¥8,830).

Overnight travel

Overnight trains to Hokkaido were discontinued when the shinkansen began operations through the Seikan Tunnel in March 2016.

For journeys from Tokyo to Hakodate, it is now easier to just make the trip during the daytime. If you want to travel overnight over a longer distance (i.e. from Osaka and cities beyond), you may wish to split up your journey - stop to visit another city along the way, or simply find a station along the bullet train route where you can find affordable lodging, Morioka and Sendai are good options with lots of connections and a number of cheaper hotels. An intermediate stop is an excellent option for Railway Pass holders, as only the lodging has to be paid for.

Seishun 18 Ticket

Since the Seishun 18 Ticket does not allow travel using bullet trains, users who want to go to Hakodate from Honshu must purchase a separate option ticket for ¥2300. The special ticket allows trips in any available standard class seat on Hokkaido Shinkansen trains between Okutsugaru-Imabetsu (the last bullet train stop in Honshu) and Kikonai (the first such stop on Hokkaido). It also covers travel on the private Isaribi Line between Kikonai and Goryokaku, where the rest of the local JR network can be visited. You must be in possession of a valid Seishun 18 Ticket to purchase and use the option ticket.

Trains to areas outside of Hakodate leave infrequently (compared to areas like Tokyo where trains come every few minutes) so plan ahead.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Hakodate

Hakodate's main ferry terminal is 4 kilometers from the center and reachable on buses 1 and 19; a direct shuttle is also available between the ferry terminal and train station.

Seikan Ferry and Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry operate ferry services from Hakodate's port to Aomori with multiple departures daily. Trips take 3 hours 45 min. One way fares are cheapest on the Seikan Ferry, ¥2600 for a carpet space. The Tsugaru Kaikyo's Blue Dolphin ferry offers several classes of service, from standard carpet space (¥2220 one-way) up to a suite with two beds and an in-room shower and toilet (¥6940 one-way) and a luxurious suite that adds a living room (¥22,340 one-way). Note that during peak travel periods and these fares are higher.

Tsugaru Kaikyo also operates to Ōma on the remote Shimokita Peninsula, with two daily round-trips. Rates start at ¥2810 for second class and ¥2220/2460 for a reserved seat. Travel duration is 1 hours 40 min.

Cars and motorcycles can also be carried on the Hakodate-Oma ferry, and on some of the Hakodate-Aomori ferries.

Tsugaru Kaikyo offers online booking via eHalal Hotels of all of their ferry services in English through a third party. Fares are paid in euros and reservations are confirmed within 48 hours of booking. They also offer checked baggage service for an extra fee.

How to get around in Hakodate

GPS 41.774|140.734 Hakodate_Tram_8007 - A tram in Hakodate City

Hakodate has a useful two-line streetcar network connected to the train station. Fares work similarly to medium-distance buses in other cities: take a ticket when you board and then pay as you get off based on the number on your ticket. If you are going to take the streetcar more than twice in one day, it is advisable to buy a one day pass from the driver when you get off (¥600). A combination bus/streetcar pass is also available (one day ¥2000, two days ¥2700). Each pass comes with a map of the stops. Children are half off of those prices.

The streetcar's one-day pass can also be bought at the tourists information center inside the JR Hakodate station. When purchasing a one-day pass, make sure to check out the attached list of discount shops since it may come handy in your tour. (As of December 2007, a 10% discount was provided for the Hakodate ropeway and the Goryōkaku tower).

There are two streetcar routes; namely and the number 2 route, and the number 5 route. Both routes runs from the same Yunokawa until it branches out in Jujigai.

Route map of street vehicle route #2 is as follows. Note that the first three stations are different from route #5.
Yachigashira(谷地頭), Aoyagi-chō(青柳町), Hōrai-chō(宝来町), Jūjigai(十字街), Uo ichiba-dōri(魚市場通), Shiyakusho Mae(市役所前), Matsukaze-chō(松風町), Shinkawa-chō(新川町), Chitose-chō(千歳町), Shōwa-bashi(昭和橋), Horikawa-chō(堀川町), Chiyodagai(千代台), Chūōbyōin Mae(中央病院前), Goryōkaku Kōen Mae(五稜郭公園前), Suginami-chō(杉並町), Kashiwagi-chō(柏木町), Fukabori-chō(深堀町), Keibajo Mae(競馬場前), Komabashako Mae(駒場車庫前), Hakodate Arena Mae(函館アリーナ前), Yunokawa Onsen(湯の川温泉), Yunokawa(湯の川)

Route map of street vehicle route #5 is as follows. The first three stations are different from route #2.
Hakodate Dokku Mae(函館どつく前), Ōmachi(大町), Suehiro-chō(末広町), Jūjigai(十字街), Uo ichiba-dōri(魚市場通), Shiyakusho Mae(市役所前), Matsukaze-chō(松風町), Shinkawa-chō(新川町), Chitose-chō(千歳町), Shōwa-bashi(昭和橋), Horikawa-chō(堀川町), Chiyodagai(千代台), Chūōbyōin Mae(中央病院前), Goryōkaku Kōen Mae(五稜郭公園前), Suginami-chō(杉並町), Kashiwagi-chō(柏木町), Fukabori-chō(深堀町), Keibajo Mae(競馬場前), Komabashako Mae(駒場車庫前), Hakodate Arena Mae(函館アリーナ前), Yunokawa Onsen(湯の川温泉), Yunokawa(湯の川)

Additionally and there is the はこだて　電車・バス沿線名所・史跡マップ (hakodate densha, basu　ensenmeisho, shiseki mappu), the map of interesting places to visit in Hakodate by streetcar and bus. It is free and has a physical map of all the stops as well as many of the attractions. The Hakodate Guide Map is also provided free of charge at both the JR Hakodate Tourism Board Counter and in the Museum of Photographic History's Hakodate Tourism Board located in front of the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward.

Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate is a 2-minutes walk from JR Hakodate station which has new Panasonic electric bicycles for hire. The rate is ¥2000 for 3 hours. You may hire these bicycles even if you're not a guest.

What to see in Hakodate

Hakodate night-View - 125px|View from Hakodateyama at night

Mount Hakodate - 函館山 hakodate-yama, 334m - 41.75923, 140.70442A ropeway will take you up for ¥780/1280 one-way/return. There are also buses (by Hakodate Bus) from platform 4 of the main bus station in front of Hakodate Station in summer season (mid-April to mid-November). A trip back and forth will cost ¥400 each, however and the Day Pass is valid, making it a great deal! The bus frequently stops at stunning points along its venture up - this can be important as the top station is often covered in clouds. - Ropeway: ¥780/1280 one-way/return; Bus: ¥400 return or included in Day Pass Offers spectacular views of the city of Hakodate in clear weather and offers, according to local residents, one of the three best night views of not merely Japan but the entire world (the other claimants being Naples and Hong Kong). The busiest time is during sunset, so if you plan to take a sunset photograph, be ready to arrive early and claim your spot... and be prepared for a 40-minutes waiting queue to catch the cable vehicle back from the summit.

Hakodate Goryokaku Panorama 1 - 125px|Fort Goryōkaku from observation tower

Fort Hakodate Ruins - 函館要塞跡 - Fort Hakodate, commonly called Tsugaru Fort (津軽要塞) and is located on Mount Hakodate. This was a World War II battery (though it predates World War II as a fort) which now has been recreated with camping tables where the air batteries used to be. From the upper ropeway station, use the lower exit on the left of the arrival/departure deck and follow the stairs downward to a second parking lot. There you'll see a sign of the west battery, just follow the path. For the east and south battery you have to hike or take a vehicle there.

Fort Goryōkaku - 五稜郭 - 41.79710, 140.75684 Streetcar Goryōkaku-kōen-mae (五稜郭公園前) stop - A star-shaped fort, a symbolic site to the city itself. Completed in 1864, this was Japan's first Asian-style fortress and finished just in time for it to be occupied by the Ezo Republic as their headquarters. It never saw any action though, as the rebels surrendered peacefully. Most of the fort was consequently demolished and this is now a large park and popular cherry-blossom spot in spring. The fort also houses a small museum with exhibits on local history (rotating each year). (JR Goryōkaku station is not near to Goryōkaku. Tram or bus are recommended.)

Goryōkaku Tower - 五稜郭タワー - 41.79461, 140.75385 Streetcar Goryōkaku-kōen-mae (五稜郭公園前) stop nearby Fort Goryōkaku (五稜郭) - Adults ¥900, child & group discounts From the 90-meter viewing platform you can get a striking view of the star-shaped fort. Neat dioramas tell the story of the Enomoto and Ezo Republic (see sidebox), and the role of the fort in Hakodate's history; an English pamphlet is available. The views from Goryōkaku Tower is different on each season. In spring, you can enjoy seeing 1,600 cherry blossoms and the view from the tower is a best place to see them. However, it takes at least 3 hours to go up the tower in cherry blossom season because of the crowds. In summer, you can enjoy full green trees, and in fall you can enjoy the changing leaves. In winter, Goryōkaku is covered with snow and is illuminated at night.

HousingHakodate - 125px|European influences within Hakodate

Motomachi - 元町 | 41.76241, 140.71555 Near the foot of Mount Hakodate, all the way up to Kōrūjimae (高龍寺前) - This is the historical neighborhood. One popular attraction is the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward (旧函館区公会堂 Kyū-hakodateku-kōkai-dō), a European-style building which housed Hakodate's government in the early 1900s. The various churches and consulates in the area, dating to the early days of foreign trade with Japan, are also frequented by tourists. There is a pleasant walk up going from the Higashi Honganji Temple (東本願寺函館別院 higashi-honganji-hakodate-betsuin) all the way up to the Foreign Cemetery (外国人墓地 gaikokujin-bochi). On your way you will pass the Russian Orthodox Church and the Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church (worth a look inside; the door on the side of the main front door isn't locked, it's just heavy and visitors are welcome) and the Episcopal Church as well as the old British Consulate and the Old Public Hall and the Old Russian Consulate, as well as other temples in the vicinity of the cemetery. There is also the Gokoku Shrine which houses the remains of the imperial dead following the Battle of Hakodate, as well as the remains of the Choshu rebels that died in the Satsuma Rebellion, although their memorials are not open to the public.

Kōzen Temple - 興禅寺 - Kameo - This was built in 1954. This temple is "Soto Zen", a sect of Buddhism. The temple is a popular place for local residents to honour their ancestors. Moreover, you can feel season. In the fall, you can enjoy seeing colored leaves. There are red tree and yellow tree. They are very beautiful. And also, you can see sin winter.

Ooyamazumi shrine - 大山祇神社 - Kameo - This shrine is surrounded by trees. And also and there is a river behind. This name is "Shiodome river." Therefore and there are a lot of nature. Then and the festival is held in August 13th and 14th every year. People in Kameo are looking forward to going to this. In this festival, Japanese drums is played by people. Japanese drums is called "Taiko" in (Japanese). "Taiko" is Japanese traditional instrument. Though the festival is very small, you can see Japanese traditional things.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses - 金森赤レンガ倉庫 Kanemori Akarenga Sōko - 41.76614, 140.71757 Streetcar Jūjigai (十字街) stop - These warehouses built at the end of the Meiji perioid now house a variety of commercial facilities, as well as restaurants serving seafood. There is also the first concrete electricity pole of Japan located near there, which seems to attract the interest of Japanese tourists. A night view of Hakodate can be seen from The Blue Moon bay cruise, located at the vicinity of the red brick warehouses. The area is especially nice for a night time walk as the buildings are lit up and the area is very atmospheric, especially in winter.

Hakodate Museum of Northern Peoples - 函館市北方民族資料館 | 41.767031, 140.712072 On the primary street, along the streetcar line, towards Motomachi. Its in a building on the junction that looks like an old bank. ¥300 Not much English here, but worth a look to gain an understanding of the Ainu and the indigenous people of northern Japan. Ainu culture is rich and fascinating but has historically been forgotten in Japan.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Hakodate

Port Festival - 函館港まつり Hakodate Minato Matsuri - Opening Hours: annually from August 1st to 5th This is Hakodate's biggest carnival and known for very unique Hakodate Squid Dance (函館いか踊り Hakodate Ika-odori) in its parade Wassyoi Hakodate (ワッショイはこだて Wasshoi Hakodate). The parade is normally in the 2nd and 3rd day (2nd day: Jujigai to Matsukaze-cho, 3rd day: Horikawa-cho to Goryokaku). Also there are a fireworks event in 1st day. (Please note that this schedule may be changed because of the weather.)

Hakodate Christmas Fantasy - ☎ +81-138-27-3535 Opening Hours: annually December 1 to 25 A giant Christmas tree is displayed floating on the sea in the red-brick warehouses (金森赤レンガ倉庫群) area during the festival each year. Lighting-up events with fireworks are held every night. This Christmas trees are presented by Halifax, Canada every year.

Kameo Agriculture Village - Kameo Fureai no Sato - Kameo - Here you can experience agriculture. Everyone can enjoy this place. You can sow seeds and plant vegetables. For example, you can grow strawberries, Rice, buckwheat and sweet potato. After the food developed, you can harvest it. You can also pick cherries there. The adult rate is ¥600, and the rate for children is ¥200.

Hakodate Nanae Snowpark - 函館七飯スノーパーク hakodate nanae sunōpāku - Kameo - A mid-sized ski resort adjacent to Lake Onuma and accessible by bus from Onuma Station. Features 2 chairlifts and a gondola as well as a rental shop.

Yachigashira Hot Springs - 谷地頭温泉 | 20-7 Yachigashira-cho (谷地頭町20-7) 41.7517, 140.7142 5 minutes walk from the Yachigashira (谷地頭) tram stop. This is stop is only on route 2. Opening Hours: 06:00-22:00, last entry at 21:00; closed every second Tuesday of the month and occasionally on the fourth too ¥620 for an adult. Additional charge for other services. A hot spring near Mount Hakodate. This is muddy hot spring as opposed to the clear hot spring at the Yunokawa Hot Springs on the other end of the tram line. Most users are local residents of Hakodate. A cafeteria is on site. Soap and towels are available for an extra fee. Free parking available.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Hakodate

Morning Market - 朝市 asa-ichi - 41.77255, 140.72493 Near the JR Station and the streetcar Hakodate Eki-mae (函館駅前) stop. - Crammed into a couple of bayfront buildings, rows of vendors sell a variety of seafood, but the main attraction is the huge selection of Hokkaidō's famous crabs. Open 5:00 (6:00 in the winter) until noon. Next to the market are a number of Halal restaurants, most of which specialize in seafood-topped donburi (rice bowl).

Glasswares and musicboxes can be purchased at the old Meijikan Post Office (明治館 meiji-kan). Meijikan is near the vicinity of the red brick warehouses (akarenga) and the Hakodate Beer Hall. Get off at the streetcar's jujigai(十字街) stop.

Retail

Department stores

There are three popular department stores in Hakodate. They are "Marui-Imai", "Boni-moriya" and "To. depart".

Marui-Imai (丸井今井) is at very near to Goryokaku-koen Mae station. Marui-Imai is the most popular and oldest department store company in Hokkaido. They run their stores in Sapporo as well as Hakodate.
Boni-moriya (棒二森屋. shortly 棒二 or ボーニ) is at very near to Hakodate Station. Boni-moriya is also one of the oldest department store companies in Hokkaido. But they will close their store in December 2018.
To. depart (テーオーデパート te-oh) is at Yanagawa-cho (梁川町). "To. Holdings" is one of the most popular and biggest corporation in Hakodate. They run DIY stores Yellow Glove (イエローグローブ) and many other businesses as well as the department store.

Convenience stores

Convenience stores are also popular with tourists.

Seicomart are convenience stores which are nearly only in Hokkaido. You can buy Hokkaido original foods, drinks and other items.
Hasegawa store (ハセガワストア, shortly ハセスト Hase-sto) are convenience stores only in Hakodate area. They are well-known by Yakitori-bento (やきとり弁当), it is a lunch set includes skewered Beef.

Drug stores

Tsuruha Drug (ツルハドラッグ) is a drug store (pharmacy) chain which is one of the most popular drug store chains in Hokkaido. Duty-free shopping is available. Tourists (especially Chinese) are often seen in the store.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Hakodate's signature fish is squid and its signature dish is Hakodate shio rāmen (noodle with salty soup. not to be confused with shoyu ramen), a version of the ubiquitous Noodles dish prepared with — you guessed it — squid stock instead of the usual Beef. Nearby Mori-machi is also reputed to have Japan's finest ika-meshi, rice-stuffed squid. If you dare, eat the odori-don or ike ika-don dish, where a live squid is caught from the fish tank, its head removed, sliced and served as a side dish, and the rest placed on top of a Rice bowl. The squid is so fresh that you can still see it change colours and move its tentacles on the plate as you pour the soy sauce!

Restaurants and food stalls at the Morning Market - 朝市 asa-ichi | 41.77276, 140.72569 Next to the train station - Explore this lively market and its stalls. In and around the market are there many small restaurants where you can eat all kinds of preparations of squid and other fishes, including the "odori-don" dish.

Asian Cafe Ramai - アジアンバーラマイ - Goryokakucho 31-10 (五稜郭町31-10) across the street from the Hasegawa convenience store near to the Hakodate Shimbun Building ☎ +81 138-83-7461 Opening Hours: 11:30–21:30, last order 21:00 A small chain of Indonesian-style soup Curries restaurants found in many locations across Hokkaido. Has an unusually large scale for spiciness (up to infinity!) and also features several difference house specials, of which the spiciest is 'Dewi Fujin.' There are two other locations in the city (see website) but are not as easy to access without use of an automobile.

Hakodate Beer Hall - 函館ビヤホール hakodate-biahōru - Suehiromachi 14-12 (末広町14番12) 41.76801, 140.72186 across the street from the Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) in the akarenga neighborhood and the restaurant is the first on the left when you enter the building ☎ +81 138-27-1010 +81 138-27-1256 Opening Hours: 11:30–22:30 This food-and-soft drink restaurant, located in a red brick warehouse in the akarenga neighborhood, combines a German bierhalle atmosphere into its interior design. The large food menu includes a good selection of seafood dishes, western specialties such as Pizzas and spaghetti, and there are a couple of locally-brewed soft drinks on tap, although quite pricey (¥870 for a pint). English menu with pictures available.

Hokuhokutei - 北北亭 - Hondori 1-4-20 (本通1丁目44-20) across the street from two-steeple eyeglass store ☎ +81 138-31-0770 Opening Hours: Lunch 11:00–15:00, dinner 16:00–22:00 This sushi restaurant, a short walk from Fort Goryōkaku, is a good value for lunch when all plates are ¥129.

Lucky Pierrot - ラッキーピエロ - Next to Goryokaku tower and in several other locations around the city. - This chain of hamburger restaurants is exclusive to Hakodate, popular among citizens and known to reasonable prices. "Each franchise is decked out in its own unique souvenirs including one in art deco and another in year round Santa themes. They made international news last year when they began offering a “whale burger”, which one blogger called more poetically a “whale whopper”. LaPi, as called by local residents, does indeed have a menu as eccentric as its’ décor. The #1 most popular item is called “Chinese Chicken”. This humberger contains Chicken, lettuce and mayonnaise and is very delicious. #2 is the “whale burger,” which is fried whale with miso Sauces. Two other items are of special interest - the “Hokkaido Genghis Khan Burger” and the "Scallop Burger." The latter originated from a client contest. The main LaPi website is a trip. The menu link is called “Umai monogatari” which means “Tasty Tales”. There are many different menu items in Lupi. For example, Pizzas, cakes, hamburgers and omelets combined with fried Rice. The website also provides sightseeing suggestions for Hakodate as well as a page titled “Love Letter,” which appears to be a signbook/forum for folks to pay tribute to their Vegetarian food.

Lumbini Curries House - ルンビニカレーハウス | Mihara 1-20-11 (美原１丁目２０−１１) ☎ +81 138-40-2210 Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00 ¥2000-2000 Quite the hidden gem, Lumbini is a Nepalese Curries restaurant in the Mihara area of Hakodate north of Goryokaku Park. There are 4 Curries base flavors (tomato, onion, daal, and spinach) and a fair selection of different naans. Has both tables and rug seating on raised platforms.

Rabbit Farm Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00–17:00 This is a bakery. There are many delicious sweet rolls and cakes. There are apple pies, Chocolates sticks, cream puffs and bread as well. This bakery often staffs disabled people, which gives them work opportunities they may not have otherwise.

Teuchi Soba Kitawase - 手打ち蕎麦きたわせ | 32-9 Honcho (本町32-9) 41.788086, 140.760720 ☎ +81 138-87-0605 Opening Hours: 12:00-15:30, 18:00-23:30 ¥2000-2000 A small but very charming soba restaurant hidden along the main tram line running east . The staff and atmosphere are very inviting and the multitude of soba lunch and dinner sets are sure to satisfy. Make sure to try some of their soba-flavored soft-serve ice cream for dessert.

Tea Shop Yūhi - ティーショップ夕日 | 25-18 Funamichō 41.766437, 140.695313 a few minutes from the Foreign Cemetery ☎ +81 138-85-8824 Opening Hours: F-W 10:00-17:00 A delightful place to relax after seeing the main sights. This cozy wooden building serves delicious teas, along with light Snacks. The window seats offer a great view of the bay and the staff is very friendly. English menu available.

There are two main drinking neighborhoods in Hakodate, Daimon, which is close to the station, and Goryōkaku, in particular Hon-Cho. Foreign Muslims seem to be more catered to in the Goryōkaku area.

Bagus | A surfer-style bar open 'til morning.

Cafe Big Job - バービッグジョブ | Hakodate, Honcho, 7-7 behind Hokuyo-Ginko bank in Goryokaku ☎ +81 138 54 3003 - An English-style standing room only bar featuring a selection of bottled Belgian soft drinks. Chairs are often set up outside in front of the bar during the warmer months of the year.

Eiley's Irish Pub - アイリッシュパブエイリーズ | Hakodate-shi, Honchō, 9-5 3F ☎ +81 138 54 4771 - A spacious Irish pub on the 3rd floor of a building in Goryokaku. Several organic juice options from around the globe including Guinness on tap.

Ramaru ラメール | honcho 2-3 Alpha Building Opening Hours: 21:00-4:00 Small drinking place 2nd floor. "Nomi-ho Dai" All you can drink for 1½ hours, ¥7000. Look for a "Blue Ship's Anchor" on the sign next to the Boss coffee machine. This street has many bars so it is a little confuzing to find. But if you find it- it's well worth a chat with Osho-san. the owner.

Kingyo - 金魚 | Honcho 9-3 Honcho Building 2nd Floor - Elegantly styled drinking establishment. "Nomi-ho Dai" more than 3 people; All you can drink 1½ hours- ¥7500 p/p.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Hakodate

Hakodate - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Hakodate, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hakodate. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Hakodate and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Hakodate. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Hakodate. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Hakodate: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Hakodate.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Hakodate: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Hakodate, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Hakodate.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Hakodate, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Hakodate, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Hakodate and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Hakodate, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Hakodate, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Hakodate without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Hakodate is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Hakodate.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Hakodate is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Hakodate, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Hakodate Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Hakodate

eHalal Group Hakodate is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Hakodate. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Hakodate.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Hakodate ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Hakodate. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Hakodate, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Hakodate are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Oyado Aozora Inn - おやど青空 - 22-4 Wakamatsuchō 41.77459, 140.72859 A 2-minutes walk from the Hakodate station. It is a cozy inn with clean tatami rooms run by an English speaking Japanese lady. Laundry available and the internet in the lounge area is free.

Minshuku Sumitomo-Inn - 民宿住友 - @inn.com 41.770228, 140.734017 ive blocks (or street lights) straight on from Hakodate station, or take the bus to Omori-cho. Rooms are typical Japanese 15-tatami Spartan minshuku-style, bathroom included. In 2007, management did not speak English (despite its website having an English page).

Tōyoko Inn - 41.771293, 140.724749 There are two of these hotels in Hakodate (Asaichi, Japanese for 'Morning Market' and Ekimae Daimon, Japanese for 'front of the station, large gate) and both are within easy walking distance of Hakodate station, Asaichi to the right as you exit the station, and Ekimae Daimon to the left as you exit the station. Both are visible on the skyline from the front of the station. ☎ +81 138 23 1045 (Asaichi) ¥7000 - 6000 Check-in: 16:00 / Check-out: 10:00 All Toyoko Inns are pretty much the same though the Asaichi one is a little bit more in amongst the action with the Morning Market nearby than the Ekimae Daimon. They offer very convenient and affordable rooms and free breakfast but lack the 'Japanese experience' you may get from other options. Rooms can be reserved online through an English website.

Comfort Hotel Hakodate - コンフォートホテル函館 - 41.77225, 140.72815Across the square in front of the train station

¥7000 for a double room A business hotel conveniently located next to the train station. Rooms are small but clean, and the price includes breakfast.

Four Points by Sheraton - フォーポイントバイシェラトン函館| 41.772772, 140.726753 Opposite the train station ☎ +81 138 22 0111 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 11:00 ¥22,000 for a single room The once dated and daggy Loisir has had a bit of a facelift and a new name. The rooms are small but the location is excellent. The bar on the 13th floor has nice views and can do you a decent martini.

Hakodate Kokusai Hotel - 函館国際ホテル (Hakodate International Hotel) | 41.769833, 140.722517 Turn right at the first set of traffic lights in front of the station, past the Morning Market and about a ten minutes walk ☎ +81 138 23 0591 ¥25,000-20,000 Pricey, but worth it if you can get a room with a view of the bay. Nice location not far from the station and near the red brick warehouse area and not far from the old part of town. Called the 'international' hotel, but nothing particularly international about it apart from the romanisation of the word 'international' in the name.

HakoBA Hakodate | 23-9 Suehiro-cho (末広町23-9) 41.76600, 140.71431 3 minutes walk from the Suehiro-cho (末広町) tram stop. Also within walking distance to the Jugigae (十字街) tram stop. The Suehiro-cho stop is exclusively on route 5. ☎ +81 138-27-5858 Check-in: From 15:00 / Check-out: Until 10:00 From ¥2000 up to ¥22,000 a night A hotel that is south of the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. Offers a range of different lodgings from hostel style shared dormitories to individual rooms in a historic bank building. Family rooms that sleep up to 6 are also available. Within walking distance to many attractions near Motomachi, including the ropeway station. Good for travelers on a budget or those traveling in a large group.

Stay Safe

Visitors unused to icy conditions should be careful in winter of the icy conditions, particularly of black ice. Cars may skid in the streets and pedestrians can fall victim to it on the sidewalks. Do as the Japanese do: simply stand up and keep walking like nothing happened.

As elsewhere in Japan, Hakodate is comparatively very safe when it comes to petty crime. One exception that seems to happen in Hokkaido, albeit rarely even then, is being approached by a foreigner claiming to be in distress and needing cash. They will tell you that an ATM swallowed their card or some other sob story and that they cannot speak Japanese but strangely are not interested in being accompanied to the police so you can translate for them. This will likely occur in a tourist area and they don't pose any danger. Simply direct them to the nearest police box and there is one near the station.

News & References Hakodate

Travel Next

Lake Onuma (大沼 ōnuma), a "quasi-national park" that's about half an hour to the north by express train, offers a pleasant quick gateway. If you wish to go to Lake Ōnuma by local train, make sure to check the train schedule since local trains only come every 2 hours or so.
Matsumae (松前), 1½ hour drive from Hakodate along the coast, has the only castle in Hokkaidō, which is in Matsumae park, famed in southern Hokkaidō (南北海道 minami hokkaidō or 道南 dōnan) for excellent cherry blossom viewing in late April/early May.
Esan (恵山), known for its Tsutsuji (Azalea) festival in late May/early June, it's about a 45-minutes vehicle ride east of Hakodate city proper (but still within the city limits). The drive will take you mostly along the coast with scenic views of northern Aomori on clear days.