Call us FREE 0800 204 4635
Opening Hours - Office closed, we'll open at 8:30am
Designated in 1854, the fan-shaped city of Hakodate, once an island, is now linked to the mainland. One of the first treaty ports in Japan, it boasts some fine turn-of-the-century colonial architecture as well as shrines and temples and the Russian Orthodox Church. In the town, you can hire costumes, such as a kimono to stroll in whilst taking in the sights, including a visit to the many 100-year renovated traditional tea houses.
Itinerary: Tokyo, Japan - Sendai, Japan - Hakodate, Japan - Petropavlovsk, Russia - Dutch Harbour, USA - Kodiak, Alaska - Seward, Alaska - Sitka, Alaska - Juneau, Alaska - Ketchikan, Alaska -…
Includes: FREE On Board Spend of up to $400*, Up to 65 FREE Shore Excursions*, FREE Unlimited Beverages, Gratuities, Wi-Fi, & Speciality Dining*, Exclusive fares saving up to 25%
Itinerary: Yokohama - Hakodate - Aomori, Japan - Otaru - Seward - Juneau, Alaska, USA - Ketchikan, Alaska, USA - Victoria, Canada - Vancouver, Canada
Includes: Exclusive FREE On Board Spend of up to $500*, Five nights First Passage to the West Tour with two days on board Rocky Mountaineer*, Exclusive Rail Upgrade to GoldLeaf Service*,...
Itinerary: Yokohama (Tokyo) - Shimizu, Japan - Osaka, Japan - Kochi, Japan - Fukuoka (Hakata), Japan - Kanazawa - Vladivostok - Otaru - Hakodate, Japan - Aomori - Yokohama (Tokyo)
Includes: FREE Stateroom Upgrades*, Exclusive FREE On Board Spend of up to $600*, Exclusive savings of up to £2,800*, Two night 4★ hotel stay in Tokyo included*
ROL Cruise recommends…
Hakodate is a wonderful place to witness Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season. The most popular place in the city is the unique star-shaped Fort Goryokaku. This citadel was built near the end of the Edo period but is now open to the public and is popular all year-round. It contains a western-style fortress, art gallery and a 107m tower from where you can view the beautiful cherry trees surrounding the park. You can also hire a boat to ride around the moat or buy cherry-flavoured soft ice-cream as well as sampling the many food stalls surrounding the park.
For stunning views of the city below, many people ascend neighbouring Mount Hakodate. A short hike perfect for beginners, the views at the top are immense and most popular at sunset. If hiking isn’t for you then you can take a cable car to Mt. Hakodate Observatory, where you’ll see the sweeping view of the surrounding sea and mountains.
Like something from a dream state, Onuma Park is a short trip north of Hakodate but for those who prefer to escape the city, it really will deliver. This National Park made up of floating islands feels otherworldly, especially with mountains towering in the background. Covered in snow in the winter months and filled with green leaves in summer, whenever you visit it’s sure to take your breath away.
For morning risers, a trip to the morning food market in the centre of the city is a must. Sample the fresh catches prepared for you (some still alive in tanks) and try something new. Weave between the stalls and see what takes your fancy, from fresh seafood to luxury fruit and local sweets, you can even pick up some edible souvenirs to take home with you.
07 Jan 2021
Meet ROL Cruise Ambassadors, John and Liz Schultz. There to ensure your holiday runs smoothly, our Ambassadors are a friendly face to improve the cruising experience.
09 Dec 2020
Emerald Yacht Cruises celebrates float out of Emerald Azzura at the Halong Shipbuilding Company in Vietnam.
02 Dec 2020
Aurora Expeditions, Australian-owned expedition travel company, named ‘The World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator 2020’ in the prestigious World Travel Awards.