Was in Hakodate for two days and one night. Arrived via the Hokuto 6 train on 19 May and departed on 20 May 2015. Not much time to do a lot since arrival day was marred by rain. Had to skip Goryokaku.
Stayed at Hakodate Grand, which was booked through Agoda. The hotel is located close to the Mt Hakodate and within its vicinity, there are a few restaurants (including a curry house and an Italian restaurant) and of course,
Lucky Pierrot.
Hakodate Grand Hotel is located closest to the Horai-cho tram stop. About 5 minutes from that station. If walking from the main tram stop of Jiujigai, it took me 15 minutes to reach. Stayed in a Deluxe Double room, and indeed it felt spacious when compared to Sapporo hotel.
 |
| Hakodate Grand Hotel facade |
 |
| Double bed |
 |
| complimentary green tea, free coffee at hotel lobby from coffee machine |
 |
| shower and bathtub |
 |
| bath stuff |
No breakfast, as the hotel's restaurant was closed for some reason. For the life of me now, I can't remember what I ate for breakfast. Think I didn't have one. -_-'
Dinner was Lucky Pierrot, and woke up the next day to good weather. Blue sky and sunshine!
 |
| next day weather at 7:30am |
Was out and about at 7:30 in the morning, and headed towards the sea as seen from my window. Along the way, there was few people in the area on a weekday.
 |
| beautiful dandelion by the road sidewalk |
Took 15 minutes to walk from hotel and towards the sea coast. I enjoyed the sea view, gentle breeze and solitude.
 |
| refreshing sight |
Then, backtracked to the hotel, as somewhere near there, there is a Statue of Kahei Tadaya.
 |
| statue |
 |
| Statue of Kahei Takadaya |
Was just a few minutes away from Mt Hakodate Ropeway, so decided to move along that way. Met an elderly Japanese couple and they asked whether the ropeway was opened (or at least, that was I thought they were asking). Of course, I didn't know and hence could only offer my apologies. Somehow we ended up 'talking', or rather, they asked something and I could only reply in short simple words. Found out that it was also their first time in Hakodate and the おばあさん (grandma) revealed that the おじいさん (grandpa) had been to Singapore before when he was a hockey player in his youth. She was commenting he has yet to bring her to Singapore. I do admire them, this elderly couple. So sweet and loving. Wish them best of health and many more lovely years to come.
 |
| up-slope to the ropeway |
Went past the ropeway as I intend to explore other touristy spots. Saw a torii gate from afar and decided to investigate.
 |
| Gate of Gokoku Shrine |
 |
| tulips in the garden of Gokoku Shrine |
 |
| serenity |
Went back down and walked past the ropeway station and saw that it has started operations. Hope the grandpa and grandma had gotten into the cable car safely and enjoying the sights.
 |
| to Mt Hakodate |
There sure are a lot of slopes in Hakodate! Up down we go, whee! Onwards to the Motomachi area.
 |
| slopes everywhere |
Saw some interesting shops, flowers and couldn't help but to snap a few pics.
 |
| cute cafe but it's not opened yet |
Finally, saw the churches. The Episcopal Church was under renovation, but one could go into the Russian Orthodox Church grounds.
 |
| Episcopal Church 函館聖ヨハネ教会 |
 |
| Russian Orthodox Church |
 |
| entrance to the church |
 |
| a garden in the church |
 |
| beautiful pink rose |
Next, a few minutes walk from the churches and ended up at the famous Hachiman-zaka slope for its postcard worthy view.
 |
| Hachiman-zaka slope |
Was curious to know what lies at the bottom of the slope? Don't be. Because I did and ended up walking down-slope and of course the subsequent up-slope again. Good exercise though.
 |
| that's not a real bird |
 |
| going up again |
Nearby, is the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward and Motomachi Park.
 |
| film students? |
 |
| red brick warehouse |
 |
| view from the top |
Posts
