Hakodate Park(Hakodate Koen) was created by locals in 1879. It’s one of the earliest city parks in Japan and one of the famous cherry blossom places in Hakodate. There is a mini amusement park and animal breeding facilities in the park. In this park, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing in spring, view autumn leaves and azalea flowers in autumn, and play in the water at the fountain square in summer. Therefore, it’s often crowded with local families.
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About Hakodate Park
In 1872, the Vice-Consul in the Former British Consulate of Hakodate-Eusden Richard said “Just like a patient needs a hospital, a healthy person also needs a place to rest.” He understood the need for the park. Afterward, Hakodate Park opened in 1879 donated by locals. It’s one of the earliest city parks in Japan and the Registered monument of nationally registered cultural property (scenic spot).
Also, you can have a good interpretation of Hakodate history from the museum in Hakodate park. Ludwig Haber’s monument is behind the museum in the southwestern corner of the park.
Cherry Blossom
Hakodate Park is one of the famous cherry blossom places in Hakodate.
Located on the hillside of Mount Hakodate, hence the park has undulations. It is attractive to enjoy the flowers from each viewpoint.
There are around four hundred cherry trees on its path. When in the cherry bloom season, many shops sell food and drink around the illuminated cherry trees.
Also, you can view gorgeous cherry blossoms in other spots in Hakodate. [Click Here]
Autumn Scenery
In addition to cherry blossoms in spring, it’s azalea blossom and maple leaves in Autumn.
Family Fun
Here is the children’s kingdom.
Firstly, the fountain and children’s playground are fun for kids. Secondly, there is a mini-community zoo where kids can have a good time together. Third, there is a mini amusement park called Children’s World. The rides in Children’s World such as Ferris Wheel, A Pirate Ship, Free Fall, Merry Go Round are so much fun. Above all, sitting under the cherry bloom tree to have a good picnic and rest is an idea for travel families to have a little rest.
Information
The cherry blooms season is from late April to early May.
Address: 17-3 Aoyagicho, Hakodate 040-0044 Hokkaido
Contact: 0138-22-7255
Hakodate Park Tourist Center
Opening Hour: 8:45-17:30
Fee: free
Hakodate Park Children’s World
Opening Hour: 11: 00-16: 00/Weekdays, 10: 00-17: 00/Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
* Spring break, summer vacation, and Golden Week are treated as holidays.
Closed Days: Rainy weather, Mid-November to Mid-March
Fee: free/entrance, ¥300/ticket, ¥2200/Tokutoku ticket(8 tickets package)
* One ticket can be used for each playset.
* Free for 0 and 1-year-olds, but a ticket for an attendant is required.
Hakodate Park Mini Zoo
Opening Hour: 8:45-17:00/April-October, 8:45-16:00/November-March
Fee: free
Hakodate City Museum
Opening Hour: 9:00-16:30/April-October, 9:00-16:00/November-March
Closed Days:
- Mondays
- The last Friday of every month except the period of special exhibitions
Holidays except for the period of Golden Week and Culture Day
- The year-end and New Year holidays
There are special holidays for exchanging exhibits.
Fee: ¥100/adult, ¥50/children
How To Get Here
It’s convenient to access here from the Hachiman-Zaka slope.[Click Here]
By Bus
Take Bus No.53, off at “Hakodate Koen” then walk 1 minute.
By Tram
From Hakodate-Ekimae tram get on either a Route 2 or Route 5 tram going toward Yachigashira or Hakodate-Dokkumae. And, get off at “Aoyagi-Cho” and walk for about 3 minutes.
Conclusion
It’s a beautiful park and great to bring children or to have a picnic. The cherry blossom view is gorgeous! The scene is different from Goryokaku Park and Goryokaku Tower. [Click Here]
Please check the Hokkaido weather [Click Here] and wear warm clothes because it’s on the hillside.
I love to spend hours here just enjoying the scenery! The park is lit up by lanterns at nighttime that makes it look magical.
