The view from Mount Hakodate is famous as one of the finest night panoramas in the world. The city’s unusual hourglass shape, pinched between two bays, lights up after dark into a glittering jewel framed by dark sea on either side. It is the experience that defines a visit to Hakodate.

The Ropeway and Summit

A ropeway whisks visitors up the 334-metre mountain in a few minutes to a viewing terrace at the summit. Arrive around sunset to watch the city transform from dusk to full darkness, when the twin curves of the bay glow most dramatically.

Tips for the Best View

Clear, calm evenings give the sharpest views, and the terrace can get crowded, so go early to claim a spot at the railing. In the warmer months you can also drive or take a bus partway up, though the road closes to private cars in the evening.

Getting There

A tram and a short walk or bus connect central Hakodate to the ropeway base station in the historic Motomachi district. Combine the climb with an early-evening stroll through the old town below.

The night view is Hakodate’s signature. By day, the historic Motomachi slopes and the bayside warehouses reveal the city’s cosmopolitan past.

More Hakodate Travel Guides

• Motomachi and the Bay: Historic Hakodate
• 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.