When you’re in Hakodate, you can’t ignore the beauty of Mother Nature. Trees are everywhere. Although it is a city, the trees sway freely and the fresh air will soothe your soul. After spending the entire day learning about Hakodate’s rich history and culture, don’t forget to sit, watch the leaves of the trees dance along with the wind or simply close your eyes and breathe. Hakodate is where you will see how the past intertwines with the present and how nature can coincide with modernization.
Feel free to scroll and look at the pictures if you are not in the reading mood. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Motomachi
Motomachi is filled with steep slopes where you can find many historical buildings that have contributed to Hakodate’s rich history. There you will find many different churches.
If you haven’t seen these churches, please visit Absorb the History of Hakodate, Japan.
Motomachi Park
I found this park by accident. I had just come from Hakodateyama and had no other plans or places to go. I was simply walking when I heard children laughing and running around. I headed to that direction and found this gem.
Hakodateyama
The Hakodate Ropeway is within walking distance from the Motomachi churches. At the observation deck, you will see an amazing view – trust me! If you don’t… then here’s my proof:
Flower Picnic Cafe
After walking around the streets of Motomachi, I became thirsty and my feet were killing me. It was hooooot outside! I visited in the middle of summer. I wanted to find a place to sit, preferably in an air-conditioned room , and sip some cold drink. Fortunately, as I walked down an unknown street, a nice lady was handing out flyers to the Flower Cafe, encouraging passersby to come in and check out their store.
I have never been to a flower cafe. I ordered a cupcake with an ice tea (I’m sorry I actually forgot the name of the drink). The icing on the cupcake made me not want to eat it – it was so beautiful!
The cafe was definitely instagrammable. It had a picnic style dining area upstairs. I definitely had my much needed rest and also quenched my thirst.
Fort Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku Park’s history can be found in Absorb the History of Hakodate, Japan.
Cape Tachimachi
Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.
Barry finlay
Cape Tachimachi is at the edge of Hakodate. It is difficult to get there by train and I was fortunate to have a friend that showed me around some areas of Hakodate.
and last but not the least…
Morning Market
Fun Fact: every sewage/canal covering in Japan is designed according to its location 
This came as a set with Miso Soup. It was sooo good! 
I have not seen crabs this big!
This market was soooo interesting! I saw huuuuge crabs (something I’ve only seen on tv). There are shops where you can choose your own seafood and have them cooked.
If you haven’t seen the historical sites in Hakodate, please visit:
What Traveling Solo Taught Me
To make a long story short, I booked a ticket in early January for a summer trip to Sapporo. I was so excited that within two months I finished planning. Google was my best friend at the time. I searched places to visit and how to get there, where to live, and how much money…
Gutless Travel 