“Like the moment when you open a jewel box” Someone who visits Mt. Hakodate Japan has described. In other words, as you stand at the top of Mt. Hakodate, a beautiful panorama spread out before you. Mt. Hakodate is a height of 334 meters above the sea overlooking the Hakodate city and the bays. The spectacular view no matter before or after sunset is different and beautiful. When the weather is clear, not cloudy or foggy, seeing the Hakodate city light with the ocean will be an unforgettable experience.
NOTICE: It is cold even during summer. Therefore, don’t forget to bring warm outerwear with you.
Hakodate Sunset Hour
The best night view is 30 minutes after sunset. The list below is an approximate Hakodate sunset timetable. According to it, you can plan your itinerary easier.
- January 16:24
- February 17:02
- March 17:36
- April 18:10
- May 18:43
- June 19:10
- July 19:13
- August 18:46
- September 17:57
- October 17:06
- November 16:22
- December 16:06
Information
You can walk, take a bus or taxi to the Mt. Hakodate Observatory desk. Most tourists choose the Hakodate ropeway. Above all, the Hakodate ropeway is the only way to access the mountaintop in the winter season.
I recommend travel families choose the Hakodate ropeway especially you and kids already stroll around Hakodate all day.
Mt. Hakodate Observatory Deck
Opening hour: 7 days a week, 10:00-22:00
Address: Hakodateyama, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0000, Japan
Contact: +81 138-23-6288
Hakodate Ropeway
Mount Hakodate ropeway is the most popular way to get to the mountaintop. It takes 3 minutes from the Mountain Base Station(Sanroku station) to the Mt. Hakodate mountaintop. In October the Hakodate ropeway is closed for about 10 days for maintenance, other than that it’s open through all year.
Fare:
Round trip: ￥1500/adult, ￥700/child
One way: ￥1000/adult, ￥500/child
Terms:
- 25 April – 15 October
First departure 10:00
Last departure to mountaintop 21:50
Last departure from mountaintop 22:00
- 16 October – 24 April 10:00-21:00
First departure 10:00
Last departure to mountaintop 20:50
Last departure from mountaintop 21:00
Address: 19-7, Motomachi, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido 040-0054 Japan
Contact: (0138)23-3105
If you want to know how to get to Mountain Base Station – Mt. Hakodate Ropeway, click the link below.
Mountain Base Station – Mt. Hakodate Ropeway
Mountain Climbing Bus
The Mountain Climbing Bus starts at Hakodate train station and goes up to the mountaintop. It’s about 30 minutes to take you to the mountaintop, and not available during the winter season for safety concerns.
For the Mountain Climbing Bus timetable and fare, you can check at the bus information kiosk located in front of Hakodate Station.
Sightseeing Bus
The sightseeing bus leaves and returns to JR Hakodate Station, certain hotels near the station, and certain hotels in Yunokawa Hot Spring. It takes 1hr 30mins from Hakodate train station to the Mountaintop and 2hrs 15mins from Yunokawa to the mountaintop. One thing that needs to be noticed is it takes you to the Mountain Base Station(Sanroku station) in the winter season depending on the road condition.
Taxi
Taking a taxi from the hotel you stay at to the mountaintop is a convenient way for travel families to visit Mt. Hakodate. I will recommend it for a group of 3-4 people. The fare from Hakodate train station to the mountain is around ¥8000-¥16000 per taxi. Also, it takes you to the Mountain Base Station(Sanroku station) in the winter season for safety concerns.
Walk
Walking from Hakodate train station to the Hakodate observatory desk will take about 1hr 20mins. It’s a challenge. I will bless any travel families who choose this way.
