Excursion Strolling around motomachi district tour at Hakodate

Discover the beauty, culture and charm of Hakodate on-foot during this delightful, half-day walking tour through this historic city.

Hakodate Morning Market

Depart the pier for the brief walk to Hakodate Station. Upon arrival, take a guided stroll through the bustling Hakodate Morning Market, which is engulfed by cars and people from the time the 400 stalls open at 5 a.m. Discover an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, including squid, salmon eggs, sea urchins and the hairy crabs for which Hokkaido is famous. The garden also offers fresh, locally-grown vegetables, along with flowers and household goods.

Motomachi District and Churches

Next, board a tram at the Hakodate-ekimae Tram Station for the short ride to Jujigai Station. Upon arrival, walk up the inclined streets of the Motomachi District. Along the way, see historic churches such as the Gothic-style Motomachi Roman Catholic Church, famous for the altar presented to it by Pope Benedict XV. The view from atop the hill is stunning, and reflects the contrast between the hill, churches and shoreline.  

Mount Hakodate and Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

Your tour continues with a Hakodate Ropeway cable car-ride up to the all-weather observatory at the 1,100-foot (335-metre) summit, which offers spectacular panoramic vistas over the surrounding area (weather permitting). Afterward the cable car down, your walking tour continues on-foot to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. Remodelled in 1988 as part of the redevelopment of Hakodate's waterfront, this area's old, red-brick warehouses have been converted into bars and restaurants. Some free time is made available here for shopping and exploration before returning to the Jujigai Station for the tram-ride to the Hakodate-mae Station.  Upon arrival, commence the approximately 10-minute walking back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Hakodate, Hakodate Morning Market, Motomachi District, Motomachi Roman Catholic Church, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Round Cable Ride, Hakodate Mount Hakodate Summit

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 4 miles (about 6.4 kilometres), with inclines in the Motomachi District, a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 40 steps at the cable car station and 70 steps at the top of Mt. Hakodate. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring a light sweater or jacket from the ship. Proper attire is required to enter the cathedral; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Loud talking is not permitted inside the church. On Sunday mornings, church holidays and during weddings, tour groups are not allowed inside churches during services; guests may have a chance to visit the church independently.  Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.  The view from the Mt, Hakodate observatory is dependent upon weather conditions. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you to book in advance to avoid disappointment. (Hakodate cable car will not be operated due to the bad weather. In this case, the tour will go up/ down to Mt. Hakodate by bus and may partially vary the tour itinerary). Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility.