Area Information Southern Hokkaido
The Donan (Southern Hokkaido) area at Hokkaido's southern tip features exotic, beautiful streetscapes. It still retains the rich history of the late Edo period when Japan opened its doors to the world. History, culture, stunning views, and hidden hot springs are all packed into this compact region.
Hakodate & Motomachi A retro, romantic port town where Western buildings, churches, and red brick warehouses harmonize.
A Miraculous Night View Nestled Between the Seas A panoramic night view from Mount Hakodate, showcasing rare "fan-shaped" city lights flanked by the ocean on both sides.
"Yunokawa," a Hot Spring Town with Ocean Views One of Hokkaido's most historic hot spring areas, located near the airport and city center, offering premium baths with views of the Tsugaru Strait.
Access
The travel options to Donan and Hakodate include the JR Limited Express and Hokkaido Shinkansen, which offer excellent punctuality, as well as the long-distance direct bus (Kosoku Hakodate-go) for those who prioritize comfort during their journey.
Smart travel tip
Choose between direct buses and trains to best match your travel style and convenience!
Comfortable Direct Bus -Kosoku Hakodate-go- Travel from central Sapporo or New Chitose Airport to Hakodate with a direct, transfer-free ride. Using the overnight bus also allows you to start sightseeing immediately the next morning.
Reliable Train -JR Limited Express / Shinkansen- Known for punctual operations, this classic route accesses Hakodate via limited express from Sapporo, or by Shinkansen from Honshu via Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station -transferring to the Hakodate Liner-.
After arriving in Hakodate city, you can safely and affordably tour the sightseeing spots, as the retro streetcars (tram) and local buses cover a detailed network of the area.
The 3 Great Spots of Southern Hokkaido
Introducing three iconic, world-class main spots that you absolutely cannot miss when visiting Donan and Hakodate.
The night view from Mount Hakodate
It is a world-class "million-dollar night view" that earned three stars in the Michelin Green Guide and is counted among Japan's top three night views. The panorama of lights created by the unique "hourglass" topography, flanked by the sea on both sides, offers a one-of-a-kind beauty.
Goryokaku Park
This is one of Japan's largest star-shaped forts -fortresses-, which served as a stage for Japanese history. From the observation deck of the adjacent "Goryokaku Tower," you can look down on its unique, beautiful, and massive star-shaped form from directly above.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses
A retro Meiji-period red brick warehouse complex that passes down the history of the port town of Hakodate to the present day. Today, it is a sophisticated waterfront area filled with shops and restaurants, where you can enjoy a romantic seaside stroll.
Local Cuisine
The three must-try gourmet specialties in Donan and Hakodate that will deepen the excitement of your stroll through the city.
Hakodate Morning Market
A massive market right in front of Hakodate Station, offering freshly caught seafood. You can catch squid at the famous "Live Squid Fishing Pond" to enjoy as sashimi on the spot, or indulge in a luxurious seafood donburi packed with fresh sea urchin, crab, and salmon roe.
Hakodate Salt Ramen
Born with the opening of the port in the late Edo period, this is the original Hokkaido ramen. The crystal-clear soup is characterized by a light yet deeply flavorful taste. It is a bowl unique to this historic port town, warming your cold body from the very core.
Lucky Pierrot
This is a highly popular local burger shop, exclusive to the Hakodate area, that is immensely popular with international guests. Beyond the delicious taste of the most popular "Chinese Chicken Burger," the flashy and unique theme-park-like atmosphere inside the restaurant offers a special experience you can only find here.
Seasonal Activities
The Donan area is a place where you can encounter dramatic, breathtaking scenery and special events that change completely depending on the season you visit. Here are the best ways to spend your time during each of the four seasons.
Spring
Matsumae Park Cherry Blossoms
When May arrives, the area around Matsumae Castle, Japan's northernmost historic castle, is dyed pink with about 10,000 cherry blossoms. With over 250 varieties, different cherry blossoms continue to bloom one after another for over a month, making it Hokkaido's premier historic home of cherry blossoms.
Summer
Onuma Quasi-National Park's Refreshing Outdoors
The refreshing summer from July to August is the peak season for Onuma Quasi-National Park, which spreads out at the foot of majestic Mount Komagatake. You can fully enjoy pleasant summer outdoor activities, such as cycling along the beautiful lakeshore or leisurely canoeing on the lake surrounded by rich nature.
Autumn
Kousetsuen Autumn Foliage Light-up
From late October to early November, the beautiful Japanese-style garden is dyed in vibrant autumn colors. A light-up event is held at night, allowing for a romantic stroll through a magically illuminated tunnel of maple trees.
Winter
"Monkey Mountain Hot Spring" in Yunokawa Tropical Botanical Garden
During the deep winter from December to February, the tropical botanical garden in the Yunokawa Onsen area takes center stage. You can observe up close the adorable, uniquely Japanese sight of Japanese macaques blissfully soaking and warming themselves in real hot spring water amidst the falling snow.
Bus Routes in the Southern Hokkaido
Sapporo / New Chitose Airport Long-Distance Express Bus and Ferry Routes connecting Honshu / Remote Islands with the Donan (Southern Hokkaido) Region.
Please choose the best means of access to suit your travel plans.
- From Sapporo / New Chitose Airport - Long-Distance Direct Access to Hakodate
Comfortable, long-distance travel is fully possible with no transfers required, even when carrying large luggage. By taking advantage of overnight buses, you can make efficient use of your travel time and enjoy sightseeing in Hakodate completely unburdened from the early morning.
Sapporo / New Chitose Airport 
Hakodate
Hakodate Sapporo / New Chitose Airport