Night views from Mount Hakodate
Hakodate
One of Japan’s 3 great night views of light and shadow
Christian churches, Western-style architecture, red-brick warehouses… Hakodate city streets preserve remnants of European influence. Yet the city wears a different “face” at night. In fact, the Hakodate nightscape viewed from Hakodate-yama (Mount Hakodate) is so stunningly beautiful that it has been honored as one of Japan’s three great night view sites, receiving the highest rating of three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Just as Hakodate city lights illuminate life along the edge of the bay, the exquisite contrast of light and dark defines the Hakodate nightscape.
Ideal Ropeway access to the top of Mt. Hakodate
Although you can reach the observation deck located atop Mt. Hakodate by car or bus, Mt. Hakodate Ropeway is the recommended way to enjoy the landscape from on high. Transit to the top takes about three minutes on this aerial tramway. Restaurants with great night views and souvenir shops are available nearby. Since this scenic overlook is located at 334-meter elevation, it is cool even during summer, so be sure to bring a coat with you.
Evening near sunset — the “miracle” hours
If you want to fully appreciate the spectacular Hakodate nightscape, start ascending the mountain shortly before sunset. Darkness slowly spreads across the face of the city, and you can witness the progressive illumination of city lights. The best seasons for night viewing are fall and winter, when the illuminated glow of the city is even more beautiful in the cold, clear air.
For reference
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- Address
- Hakodate-yama, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido
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- Telephone
- 0138-23-6288
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- Open
- 10:00-22:00 (to 21:00 during winter)
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- Service holiday
- none
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- Charge
- free (round-trip ropeway fare: 1,200 yen)
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- Recommended seasons
- fall, winter, and early spring (October to April)
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- Web Sites
- http://www.334.co.jp/eng/
Access
- 20 minutes from Hakodate Airport to Hakodate Station. Change to the municipal railway (tram), which takes about 10 minutes to reach Jujigai-Teiryujou. 10-minute walk from Jujigai-Teiryujou to Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Sanroku-eki Station.
- Access to the nearest airport (Hakodate Airport)
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- From Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) - 1 hour and 20 minutes
- From New Kansai International Airport - 1 hour and 40 minutes
- From Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) - 1 hour and 45 minutes
- From Chūbu Centrair International Airport- 1 hour and 30 minutes
- From New Chitose Airport - 35 minutes