Hakodate trip

Our family holiday this year took place in Hakodate, a city located in the south end of Hokkaido Island. This trip was sponsored by my parents who live in Tomakomai city which is located on the south coast about 30 minutes from Sapporo Chitose Airport. My two sisters and their hubbies were invited on this trip so we had a big family reunion. 

We took the Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo stopping on the way at Hiraizumi, Iwate to visit the world heritage temples and stayed one night at Aomori. 

My sister who visited Hakodate last year knew very well on where to dine, together with the information I collected from my hairdresser, who is from Hakodate, we had the best Hakodate dining experience, which I will write about it in my blog later on.

If you are going there by air, a weekend trip is just enough to enjoy Hakodate as the tourist attractions are quite limited in the city. (There are a lot of attractions outside the city as well) ​I've written a short description and a link to details along with some travel trips. 
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You can plan your trip by arriving on Saturday morning. Having lunch, then having a stroll at Motomachi looking at the historic architecture, then dinner,  afterwards going up to Mt Hakodate for the night view.
Day two can start off to going to Goryokaku Tower (and Trapistine Monestry if you like) in the morning, then lunch and finish off with shopping at the Red Brick Warehouse. You might want to leave on Monday morning if you want to enjoy another night of a good meal. 
For more information on Hakodate Sightseeing please visit : Hakodate Official Travel Guide

1. . Motomachi Area
A former residential area for foreign traders. We visited the Public Hall and The Old British Consulate. You can get a pass to visit multiple places at the entrance of each building. We bought a pass for 500 yen to visit the 2 places.
For more info : Japan Guide.com

 2. Mt. Hakodate night view
We went to the top of the mountain by ropeway - a big mistake! The waiting line to get on the returning ropeway was so long and stressful, and they packed so many people in the car as if we were cattle. If you do not want to waste an hour standing in line, I strongly recommend you to get a cab as it will cost only 4,000 - 5,000 yen round trip and well worth it if you are travelling in a group of 3 or 4 as the ropeway fare is 1280 yen round trip (as of Aug. 2017) per person. The hotel we stayed at had a car sharing tour to go up the mountain twice a day which we failed to check. By the way, the view was great.
For more info : Mt Hakodate Ropeway

3. Goryokaku Tower
An observatory that overlooks the star shaped visita that shines on the grounds of Goryokaku Fort, a historic spot. You can also catch the views of the mountains and the Tsugaru Strait. 
For more info :Goryokaku Official Website

4. Trappistine Convent
Japan's first convent built in the 19th century featuring a mix of Gothic and Romanesque style. It's located out of the city and it was part of a tour we went on along with the Goryokaku Tower & Fortress.
For more info : Travel Hakodate

​5. Kanemori ​ Red Brick Warehouse
Brick warehouses from past trading days along the waterfront in the bay area redeveloped into an atmospheric shopping, dining and entertainment complex.
We went on a short 15 minute boat ride out to the bay which was really fun. (1500 yen for adults)
For more info : Kanemorei Red Brick Warehouse official site