In 2009, a regional brand survey conducted by Brand Research Institute, Inc identified Hakodate as the most attractive city or town in Japan. The night view from the top of Mt. Hakodate has been described as one of the top three in the world, along with Hong Kong and Naples. The city, which fans out from the base of Mt. Hakodate, begins to glow like jewels as the sun sets. Hakodate is situated in the south of Hokkaido and is surrounded by the Tsugaru Straits, the Pacific Ocean and Volcano Bay. The seafood caught in these waters is another attraction. We would like people to visit Hakodate to get some respite from their hectic lives.

Hakodate has a long and interesting history. After becoming an international port in the 1850s, Hakodate became open to foreign culture, resulting in, among other things, the construction of many western-style buildings. Some of these remain in the Western Area around the foot of Mt. Hakodate. The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, painted in vivid yellow and grayish blue; churches of countries' denominations; red brick warehouses built along the waterfront of the port; and stone-paved streets laid on the foot of the mountain create an atmosphere that suits the term "exotic". In addition, the Yunokawa Hot-Spring Resort, Hakodate's original place of retreat, was developed in the 1880s. You can see an array of hotels and Japanese-style inns varying in age and size.

Hakodate has many year-round attractions such as historical sites, fresh seafood and farm produce, and hot springs, as well as seasonal events such as festivals and its well-renowned open air play. Local people will welcome you in accents characteristic of port towns. Please visit and enjoy Hakodate to your heart's content.