As one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade, Hakodate wears its international history openly. The Motomachi district climbing the slopes of Mount Hakodate and the red-brick warehouses along the bay are full of Western-influenced architecture found nowhere else in Japan.

The Motomachi Slopes

Steep, photogenic streets lined with churches, old consulates and Western-style homes climb the hillside. The Hachiman-zaka slope, with its straight run down to the harbour, is one of the city’s most photographed views, and the old British and Russian buildings reflect Hakodate’s trading past.

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses

Down at the bay, the Kanemori warehouses have been restored into a lively complex of shops, cafes and restaurants. The waterfront is especially pretty in the evening, when the brick buildings and harbour are lit up, an easy and atmospheric stroll.

Getting Around

Hakodate’s vintage trams make it easy to move between Motomachi, the bay and the station. A day tram pass is good value if you plan to explore the historic areas on foot with the night view to finish.

Motomachi captures Hakodate’s worldly character. The city’s other great pleasure, its incredible seafood, is best found at the morning market.

More Hakodate Travel Guides

• Mount Hakodate: One of the World’s Great Night Views
• Hakodate Morning Market and Seafood
• Goryokaku: Hakodate’s Star-Shaped Fort

See our Hakodate Travel Guide for the full overview. Planning the whole trip? Visit The Complete Hakodate Guide for every guide and hotel in one place.