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

Address

Hakodate-yama, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido
Telephone

0138-23-6288
Open

10:00-22:00 (to 21:00 during winter)
Service holiday

none
Charge

free (round-trip ropeway fare: 1,200 yen)
Recommended seasons

fall, winter, and early spring (October to April)
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)