Call us FREE 0800 204 4635
Opening Hours - Office open, we'll close at 8:00pm
Call us FREE 0800 204 4635
Opening Hours - Office open, we'll close at 8:00pm
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 (Yokohama), Japan - Aomori - Hakodate - Busan, South Korea - Hiroshima - Kobe - Kyoto (Osaka) - Mt Fuji (Shimizu) - Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
Includes: FREE Stateroom Upgrades*, Exclusive FREE On Board Spend of up to $1,000*, 4★ Hotel Stay in Tokyo, Japan Included*, FREE All-Inclusive Drinks Package, Gratuities & Wi-Fi Included*
Itinerary: Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan - Mt Fuji (Shimizu) - Kyoto (Osaka) - Kobe - Hiroshima - Busan, South Korea - Hakodate - Aomori - Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
Includes: Exclusive FREE On Board Spend of up to $1,000*, Just a Deposit Required, then Nothing to Pay until 2022*, Classic Drinks Package, Surf Wi-Fi & Gratuities, Always Included*, Four...
Itinerary: Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan - Aomori - Hakodate - Busan, South Korea - Hiroshima - Kobe - Kyoto (Osaka) - Kyoto (Maizuru) - Mt Fuji (Shimizu) - Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan
Includes: FREE Stateroom Upgrades*, Exclusive FREE On Board Spend of up to $1,000*, 4★ Hotel Stay in Tokyo, Japan Included*, FREE All-Inclusive Drinks Package, Gratuities & Wi-Fi Included*
Hakodate, Japan
Cherry blossom, Hakodate, Japan
Mount Hakodate, Hakodate, Japan
Mount Hakodate, Hakodate, Japan
Onuma Park, Hakodate, Japan
Onuma Park, Hakodate, Japan
Russian Orthodox Church, Hakodate, Japan
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.
