Japan Hokkaido - Hakodate Sights

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

The park was rather nice with some sculptures and statues.

four heavenly kings?

sculptures

Was walking back towards where I've started when I passed by one of the alleys/lanes near the churches. A lady handed me a coupon for soft-serve and there's a small discount if I visit her shop. Just nice, since I have not tried any Hokkaido ice-cream yet. The soft-serve was of a more sorbet kind of texture and it was cooling to have one after walking so much. The warm milk was seriously creamy and thick. For milk lovers. Got a free postcard from the friendly shopkeeper too.

shop front

vanilla flavour

warm milk - free postcard

After walking for about 2.5 hours, it was time to head back to the hotel for a quick shower as check-out time was 11am. Need to pay 1000 yen if want to extend the check-out time by an hour.

Saw a cute cat while on my way back, but the cat decided that humans (or rather, me?) was not interesting.

hello, kitty

loved the different designs of the pothole covers

tram stop

Hakodate JR Station

oyster

grilled scallops

Went back to the Hakodate Asaichi Market to look for the previous day grilled scallops but it was closed. Had lunch at one of the shops and then, it started to rain. Went to one of the seafood sellers and saw them grilling oysters. "Do you want to eat some?" The uncle asked. I nodded and asked for one oyster and one scallop. It was more costly than yesterday and of a smaller size too. There was no sauce added, just simply grilled over the fire. Tasted fresh and natural.

train back to Sapporo

things bought in Hakodate - dried scallops and dried squids

Japan Hokkaido - 19 May 2015 (Day 3)

Had quite the headache trying to decide if I should buy the Hokkaido Rail Pass, or not. Some calculation was definitely required. An ordinary pass costs about SGD261 for 5 days, inclusive of Fedex delivery service. It might be worthwhile if I'm using it to travel to Asahikawa and Hakodate. But looking at the schedule and since Asahiyama Zoo doesn't operate in May as well, decided to just do Hakodate. Travelling time to Hakodate is at least 3 hours and 20 minutes via rapid trains.

Reservation was fairly easy via this site before the travel dates. Easy to use, and there's some small discounts to the tickets. Chose the ordinary car and reserved a seat. Paid ¥14,810 for the tickets. That's about SGD$162.

ready for Hakodate

Taking the 8:34 morning train, so had a small breakfast of convenience store bought soft cake and coffee in the hotel before walking to the train station. There was a slight drizzly that morning.

Arrived at the station around 8:15am, and there were some people queueing up for their train. There's also a tiny stall that sells ramen at the platform where you eat while standing. Plenty of vending machines for drinks too.

train to Hakodate

Hokuto train to Hakodate had arrived!

Reserved seats are usually at carriage number 4. The Hokuto 6 train arrived at 8:21am and it moves off at exactly 8:34am. So, don't be late!

nice comfy seat

Train was clean and comfortable. As I was only doing an overnight stay at Hakodate, didn't have to bring much so was travelling with just a backpack.

some things to read, and my lemon tea drink from vending machine

As usual, ticket master will come around to check the tickets. Soon after that, the trolley service will begin. Here's the link to the Hokuto train menu. Looks interesting, so got myself an osusume bento for ¥980 (SGD12).

おすすめ bento

spring has arrived!

Loved the colourful bento. Lots of carbs though. 5 pieces of items with rice, some pickles, the deep fried stuff are forgetable and limp. Best item was the fishcake. The braised chicken and vege was quite nice too. There's a wrapped up sweet mochi in the bento too, for desserts.

Noboribetsu Station - for onsen goers

It was raining outside as the train moves along. Kinda happy to see coastal area.

still raining

nice view

some houses

The train was not too cold though it was raining outside. Was bored, so bought a cup of coffee to while the time away. Coffee is expensive at ¥300 (if I remembered correctly). Beer is about the same price. Yes, alcohol is also sold in the train.

JR train coffee

Didn't see a trash bin in the train (actually it's at the in-between of the carriage) so I ended up carrying the bento box, and coffee cup down the train with me. Others bought their own plastic to throw stuffs. Ok, I learn.

Arrived in Hakodate after 3 hours plus, and boy, it was cold! First stop, to the 函館朝市 or Hakodate Asaichi (Morning Market). いきます!

Click here for Hakodate Eats.