Hakodate Hotel Guide: Where To Stay For The Best Experience

Last Updated on April 15, 2025 by Audrey

Wondering where to stay in Hakodate?

Have an upcoming trip to Hakodate and need to find out the best place to stay? 

I visited Hakodate last year and absolutely loved it. While the city is beautiful, with its coastal views and relaxing atmosphere, the fantastic hotel we chose elevated our experience to new heights.

Before my trip, I did a ton of research on where to stay, and have gathered the winners for your careful inspection. The cream of the Hakodate crop, you might say.

Here are the best areas in Hakodate, including my favorite pick that I personally stayed at and the top spots I recommend. From grand hotels with panoramic backgrounds to a lovely guest house run by a local couple, here’s where to stay in Hakodate!

Short on time? Here are my top picks of where to stay in Hakodate

What is Hakodate known for?

Hakodate is a mid-sized coastal city in Hokkaido, known for its relaxing Yunokawa onsen area, the star-shaped fort Goryokaku Fort, the incredible night view from Mount Hakodate, and the lovable local burger chain Pierrot Burger that can’t be found anywhere else. 

You’ll find the perfect blend of nature and city life here. The food is also super delicious as well, with fresh seafood daily at the Hakodate Morning Market. 

While it is a busy city, it’s not as crazy as Tokyo. That’s one of the reasons I really enjoyed my time in Hakodate, the pace is more relaxed and feels more welcoming. There are enough things to do without making you feel overwhelmed, and I felt like I could explore slowly and really absorb the town’s culture. 

Where to Stay in Hakodate: Neighborhood Guide

There are four main areas I would recommend staying in during your visit to Hakodate. Depending on your interests, I’ll help you figure out which will suit you best. Let’s start with Hakodate Station, the best area for those using public transportation and most first-time visitors to the city.

Area #1: Hakodate Station

❤️ Best for: First-time visitors, Solo travelers, Seafood lovers, Train Transportation

📍 Nearby Attractions: Hakodate Morning Market, Daimon Yokocho

Why Stay in Hakodate Station

If it’s your first time visiting Hakodate, you will probably want to visit the main attractions: Goryokaku Park, Mount Hakodate, Cape Tachimachi, and Yunokawa Onsen. While these are all located on opposite sides of the city, Hakodate Station is in the middle of everything, and the bus routes you’ll take all stop here.

The nearby Hakodate Morning Market is famous, bringing in 1.5 million annual visitors annually. Better yet, it’s only a minute's walk from Hakodate Station! If you’re a foodie, you can try Hakodate's specialty “dancing squid” here. Daimon Yokocho is also nearby, an alley with over 20 restaurants and izakayas to try out. 

Lastly, if you plan on visiting Onuma National Park during your trip, you’ll be able to get there easily by hopping on the Limited Express train for 30-40 minutes. This is much more efficient than taking a bus from your hotel to the station first.  

Area #2: Yunokawa Onsen

❤️ Best for: Couples and relaxation lovers

📍 Nearby Attractions: Yunokawa Onsen, Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, Hakodate Airport, Kosetsuen, Yukura Shrine

Why Stay in Yunokawa Onsen

Yunokawa Onsen is personally my favorite area to stay in Hakodate! I stayed here the first time I visited the city, and if you’re interested in soaking in a rejuvenating hot spring bath, Yunokawa Onsen is one of the top 3 hot spring areas in Hokkaido.

The waters are known for having a high mineral content and promoting healing and recovery. Plus, many of the onsen hotels are top-tier, with incredible views of the Tsugaru Strait and Pacific Ocean. 

The experience is incredibly romantic and relaxing, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re interested in booking a hotel with a private onsen, I’ve selected the best Hakodate hotels with private onsen for you here. 

The hot spring area is also right next to the airport, with easy transportation access. If you plan on flying out of Hakodate Airport, this is the most convenient spot for you. 

Area #3: Motomachi

❤️ Best for: Shopping lovers, Sightseeing, Foodies

📍 Nearby Attractions: Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Motomachi, Mount Hakodate Ropeway, Main Lucky Pierrot

Why Stay in Motomachi

Motomachi is another great area to stay in Hakodate if you want to be near most of the town’s attractions. This is the Hakodate Bay area where you can view the port, shop at the iconic Red Brick Warehouses, and walk around Motomachi, a historic district with western-style buildings created when Hakodate port started accepting foreign trade.

There are a couple of scenic areas in Motomachi as well. Mount Hakodate was voted one of the best views in the world by the Michelin Guide, with the sea surrounding the city on both sides. Out of all the neighborhoods I mentioned, Motomachi is the closest to the observatory and is only an 8-minute train ride away. You can also head down to Cape Tachimachi, a scenic coastal spot, with a quick 10-minute car ride.

Many of the city’s best restaurants and shops are located here, such as the Main Lucky Pierrot Branch and Petite Merveille, a highly rated bakery known for its milk pudding and mini souffle cheesecakes. You can shop and eat your day away, then head up to the observatory for an impressive view!

Area #4: Goryokaku Park

❤️ Best for: Families, Flower Lovers, History Buffs

📍 Nearby Attractions: Goryokaku Fort and Park, Hakodate Museum of Art, Hakodate-shi Hokuyo Museum

Why Stay in Goryokaku Park

Many visitors come to Hakodate to visit Goryokaku Park, especially during cherry blossom season. The historic fort is shaped as a 6-pointed star and was built toward the end of the Tokugawa Period. In fact, this park was the site of Japan’s last Civil War battle in 1869 where the Tokugawa Shogunate was defeated! Pretty interesting piece of history, and definitely worth a visit!

Because of the important significance of this fort and its incredible beauty, it’s a Special Historic site today. It’s a great place to walk around and explore and is suitable for everyone looking to enjoy the seasonal blooms in all their glory. 

You can rent boats and explore the moat, and cherry blossoms, wisteria, and azaleas bloom in abundance during spring and summer. After exploring the park, head up to Goryokaku Tower to see the fort’s special design and learn about the city’s extensive history. During cherry blossom season, the park has special illumination hours where you can enjoy the flowers under the moonlight.

This area is especially great for families. I saw so many children playing on the open grassy fields during the day!

The Hakodate Museum of Art and Hakodateshi Hokuyo Museum, which showcases taxidermied animals and fishing, are also nearby. Although it’s not as closeby to the other attractions in Hakodate, there’s a lot to learn and see in this area alone!

Best Hotels in Hakodate Station

Now then, let's jump into the top accommodation picks. As I mentioned before, Hakodate Station is ideal for travelers who will only use public transportation to get around.

Budget: Toyoko Inn Hokkaido Hakodate Ekimae Asaichi (2⭐) ($)

• ⭐ Rating:8.1/10 (2,900 reviews)
• ✅ Perfect for: All Travelers
• 💎 Known For: Buffet Breakfast
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

Toyoko Inn is the best budget hotel available near Hakodate Station! It’s only a 3-minute walk from the station and to Hakodate Pier and is a speedy 2-minute walk to Hakodate Morning Market. 

Room amenities include: air conditioning, water kettle, slippers, a TV, a desk, and a bathtub/shower combo. The rooms are compact, but all the essentials are included plus some extra amenities!

This hotel also offers a free buffet breakfast serving Japanese-style cuisine made from fresh local ingredients. This is a steal coming from a budget hotel. The staff are kind and speak English, and there is private parking available if you plan to rent a car during your stay in Hakodate. 

It’s conveniently located with a lot of amenities around the hotel. Also it is close to the main train station and all the tourist attractions. We really love this hotel and will definitely book with this hotel again. The staff are also very friendly and very helpful.

Murugiah  (Read more reviews)

Mid-Range: JR Inn Hakodate (3⭐) ($$)

• ⭐ Rating: 9.3/10 (14,000 reviews)
• ✅ Perfect for: All travelers
• 💎 Known For: Panoramic Lounge, Multiple Onsen Options, Pillow Station, Universal Access Room
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

JR Inn is seriously a diamond in the rough. It’s a 3-star hotel but has wonderful facilities, such as their lounge showcasing panoramic views of Mount Hakodate, filled with over 500 books to peruse and free coffee. 

Two public onsen are available for hotel guests, free of charge. One is indoors with a view of Hakodate Station, and the other is an open-air bath outdoors perfect for a late-night soak. I believe there's also a private onsen available to rent on the top floor!

Location-wise, I think JR Inn is the winner. It’s extremely close to the station, being just a 1-minute walk. Walk one more minute (strenuous, I know) and you’ll hit Hakodate Morning Market. Old Hakodate Pier is a 5-minute walk away. 

The rooms here are great too. They’re spacious, accommodating up to 4 people, and are decorated with soothing, modern colors with excellent views of Hakodate city. Room amenities include humidifiers, air purifiers, Simmons mattresses, desks, and a TV.

Additionally, if you’re particular about your sleep, you can stop at their pillow station to choose between 12 different types of pillows for the best night’s rest. There are tons of free amenities, even uncommon items like makeup remover, men’s hair products, face wash, face lotion and serums, and more!

Lastly, a breakfast buffet is offered for 2,600 yen ($17), serving Japanese cuisine (even sushi!) with customized Hokkaido ingredients. If I decided to stay around the station, I would choose this hotel.

A very nice stay: the location directly in the Hakodate train station is very convenient, the tourist spots are close too. The room is spacious with a beautiful view of the port of Hakodate. The public bath (we went with a 3-year-old child!) and the lounge are also very nice. The hotel staff are really kind and helpful.

Morgane (Read more reviews)

Luxury: Hotel ＆ Spa Century Marina Hakodate (4⭐) ($$$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 9/10 (2,400 reviews)
• ✅ Perfect for: Luxury lovers, Guests with pets
• 💎 Known For: Incredible views, Private onsen, aroma bar, pet-friendly, massages
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Agoda.com

Century Marina is the best 4-star hotel around Hakodate Station that I found, for several reasons. Their concept incorporates Hakodate’s port town identity and takes their guests on their own private cruise experience. 

The entire top floor rooms have private onsen baths with jaw-dropping views of Hakodate and the sea. The rooms themselves look newly renovated and are huge, and the onsen has a modern flair. Personally, if I book a high-end hotel, I’d want a private onsen option.

Additionally, there is a diverse range of rooms available. You can grab a standard room or a premiere room and still enjoy the multitude of available facilities such as their two Infinity onsen and lounge area with amazing city views.

Their rooms are extremely luxurious, with mattresses from their own exclusive partnership with Simmons, Nespresso machines, a pillow bar, and an aroma bar that lets you take your favorite aroma oil back to aid in your slumber. 

This hotel is so extra and glamorous, and to be totally honest I’m 100% here for it. They’re not currently booking on Booking.com, but you can book through Agoda.

One of the best hotels in Hakodate. Friendly staff, amazing breakfast and great hot spring pool. The view is splendid. The lobby offers drinks and soup and customers can choose their favorite fragrance and pillow.

Yaqi (Read more reviews)

Best Hotels in Yunokawa Onsen

Onto my personal favorite place to stay in Hakodate, the Yunokawa Onsen area! This top-rated onsen spot is simply magical. Relaxing in a steaming hot spring after a long day, watching the sunset over the ocean horizon, and ending your night with a delicious meal... this place is a fairy tale.

It's also the closest area to Hakodate Airport, which may be suitable for you if you plan on taking a flight from the city!

Budget: Yunokawa Kanko Hotel Shoen (2⭐) ($$)

• ⭐ Rating: 7.3/10 (1,200 reviews)
• ✅ Perfect for: Families, Game Lovers
• 💎 Known For: Multiple private onsen options, Free Karaoke, Free Shuttle Bus
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

To be completely honest, I found it pretty difficult to find a budget option in Yunokawa Onsen that didn’t have awful reviews. The fact of the matter is, it’s expensive to stay in Hakodate’s famous onsen area. It’s a beautiful area with soothing onsen waters, and those two things don’t come cheap.

Yunokawa Kanko Hotel Shoen is the best budget option I could find, costing around $80 for a night. It’s a traditional ryokan hotel with both private onsen in guest rooms and private rental open-air onsen options with panoramic views of Tsugaru Strait. 

The hotel is a traditional ryokan where you can experience Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and comfy futons, though there are also Western beds available. 

💡 Pro tip: I find futons to be more comfortable over Western beds a majority of the time in Japan! Regardless of whether it‘s a hostel or a 4-star hotel, the futons are usually very comfy, and help with my back issues too!

Make sure to check out their various facilities as well, with multiple karaoke rooms, table tennis, and mahjong!

Best hotel ever. The staff is very accommodating and nice. Amazing dinner. Free hot spring, a free karaoke room with English songs, and for a small fee you can rent a private bath on the 6th floor. The dinner includes all-you-can-drink beer and sake. Amazing sashimi!

- Anya (Read more reviews)

Mid-Range: Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei (4⭐) ($$$) 

• ⭐ Rating: 8.9/10 (900 Reviews)
• ✅ Perfect for: Couples, Families, Relaxation seekers
• 💎 Known For: Private open-air onsen, ocean views, amazing service
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

I personally stayed at Yunokawa Prince and loved my experience! You can read my full in-depth review here. 

I chose Yunokawa Prince because I wanted to stay in a private onsen, and there are 120 rooms that all have private open-air onsen overlooking the ocean (one of the biggest in Japan!). 

I can’t say enough great things about this hotel. The customer service was incredible, from the doorman who rushed to help us with our luggage, to the patient front desk, to the young hospitable staff who assisted us with booking dinner at the hotel.

We stayed in a traditional Japanese room and got to experience sleeping in a futon for the first time. It was one of the best rests I’ve ever had, and was the start of my journey as a futon lover! The rooms are spacious and the walls are a calming darker grey. And of course, the onsen was the highlight of our stay. It was a large open-air onsen made of stone overlooking the ocean. We soaked in it twice, first to enjoy the sunset and again after the delicious dinner at the hotel. 

I know your hotel can make or break your trip experience, and even has a huge impact on whether you come back to that city or not (probably more than it should). Staying here was a refreshing break that we needed after days of walking more than 10,000 steps a day. It was romantic, calming, and a complete 5-star experience. I highly recommend staying here!

We had an en-suite onsen that had incredible views of the ocean. We found ourselves looking forward to the end of the day because we could take a dip and relax. Many of our group even woke up early to start the day with onsen as well! Highly recommend.

- David (Read more reviews)

Luxury: Bourou Noguchi Hakodate (4⭐) ($$$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.7/10 (500 reviews)
• ✅ Perfect for: All travelers
• 💎 Known For: Modern designs, city views, stone onsen, stellar service
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

To be honest, I had a really tough time choosing between Bourou Noguchi and Heiseikan Shiosaitei Hanatsuki. They’re both amazing hotels with great facilities, but Bourou is pretty modern whereas Heiseikan has the vibe of a more traditional ryokan.

In the end, Bourou Noguchi is the winner because the views from your in-room onsen are hard to beat. At Bourou, there are 4 floors of guest rooms with private onsen. You can either stay at Suite, a two-story apartment-style suite with moody modern interiors, or Modern, which is based on retro-Hakodate designs.

The amenities in Bourou live up to their 4-star status, with beautiful views of Hakodate everywhere. There are rooftop open-air onsen, a sky lounge with ceiling-to-floor windows of the city, and a stone sauna. 

There is a shuttle bus to Hakodate Station available for a flat fee, or it’s a 3-minute walk to the Yunokawa-onsen tram stop.

But wait! If traditional Japanese ryokans with sea views are more your style, then I’ll direct you to Hanatsuki. The guest rooms have soothing ocean views, with private open-air baths made of cypress wood. Bourou is more “grand elegance”, while Hanatsuki is a “calm, quiet luxury”. 

Our room was superb, we had a view of the port. The in-room hot spring bath was a real winner!! As it was our first time, it was easier for my kids to have our family privacy than in the public bath. The stone sauna that they have is a gem! If only I found it earlier! Being in there really helped my tired muscles from all the walking.

Vanessa (Read more reviews)

Best Hotels in Motomachi

Motomachi is a great central area. It's next to all the best restaurants and shops, and not too far from Hakodate Station. It's also the closest to Mount Hakodate Ropeway, a popular nighttime viewing spot.

Budget: HakoBA Hakodate by THE SHARE HOTELS (3⭐) ($-$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.9/10 (2,800 reviews)
• ✅ Perfect for: All traveler types
• 💎 Known For: Historic roots, Diverse room options, Hostel-Hotel, Curry specialties
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

HakoBA was originally a bank back in the 1930s and has been reborn as a fantastic modern hotel that retains its history and culture. 

The overall design of the hotel is clean and simple, with some quirky art pieces and pops of color like yellow and orange. You can either choose to stay in the historic building that retains its simple elegant interiors from when it was “Yasuda Bank”, or opt for a group or dormitory-based accommodation in the newer building. The old bank building has separate bathrooms and private rooms, while the new building has loft beds and is better suited for solo travelers or bigger groups of up to 8 people, with beds as low as $35/night.

You can enjoy a book lounge, a small rooftop terrace, a shared kitchen, and a specialty curry restaurant with a stunning view of the Hakodate Bay Area. If you like spicy food, then this will be right up your alley, as they incorporate various types of spices with ingredients from Southern Hokkaido. 

The hotel is only a 3-minute walk to Suehirocho Station and is right next to Hakodate Bay so you have a stunning view of the port. 

Overall, HakoBA is a great value with its perfect location, diverse room options, and historical significance as a building that has stood the test of time. 

Beautiful room in an old bank. High ceilings, comfy bed, good amenities, and lovely bathroom with a rain shower and deep bath.

Joe (Read more reviews)

Mid-Range: Pension Jokura (2⭐) ($$)

• ⭐ Rating: 9.6/10 (470 reviews)
• ✅ Perfect for: Culture Lovers, Solo Travelers, Small Groups
• 💎 Known For: Authentic experience, Outstanding service, Highly rated, Transportation Pick up 
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

Usually, I would opt for a hotel over a guesthouse or Airbnb-style accommodation, but Pension Jokura is a Hakodate hidden gem run by locals.

This adorable guest house is run by a sweet older couple who welcome you into their friendly guest home. The dining table is adorned with handmade ceramics, and intimate touches can be found everywhere from the personally collected paintings to the kindness of the hosts.

The rooms are traditional tatami rooms with cozy futons and can accommodate up to 3 people. The guesthouse is a short 3-minute walk to both Suehirocho and Omachi Station and a 10-minute walk to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse shopping area. However, the owner may help with transportation if you make a request in advance!

Every review praises how wonderful the stay is, and the excellent service! If you’d like to experience a truly authentic Japanese stay and would like to make friends with Hakodate locals and other travelers then you should check Pension Jokura out. 

The breakfast was fantastic, the building was incredible, and the hosts were outstanding. Even though I was a guest, they truly made me feel like I was an old friend or even part of the family. Hakodate is such a beautiful city and the people who run Pension Jokura are a big part of that beauty. I will definitely be returning on my next trip to Japan.

James (Read more reviews)

Luxury: La Vista Hakodate Bay (4⭐) ($$$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.7/10 (8,000 reviews)
• ✅ Perfect for: All travelers
• 💎 Known For: Award-winning buffet, panoramic views, onsen, on-site convenience store
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

La Vista Hakodate Bay is a large hotel that accommodates every type of traveler and is well known for their excellent cuisine. There is a main building as well as an annex, so make sure to check out both. 

La Vista Hakodate Main Building

The main building is a grand hotel with a traditional design inspired by the Taisho-era  (think 1910s to 1920s). There are 4 onsen, 5 different restaurants, a bar, and their very own Family Mart inside the hotel! The rooms are classic and have beautiful views of Hakodate’s nightscape that perfectly showcase the port.

The breakfast buffet is so popular that it ranked #1 in Hokkaido for 7 years in a row! Indulge in unlimited snow crab and seafood to start off your day on a great note. Dinner features kaiseki course meals, including all-you-can-eat sushi with freshly caught fish. 

La Vista Hakodate Annex

Off to a separate wing from the main hotel,  the newer annex has a more modern feel, which you can see from the updated furniture and room design. You’ll find the same amazing ocean views in the annex rooms, and three different types of private onsen are available to rent (ceramic, brick, and cypress). Comparatively, the main building doesn’t have any type of private onsen.

I personally am more inclined toward the annex because I prefer newer buildings and private onsen. Keep in mind the annex is a little bit more expensive, but I think it’s worth it for newer rooms and less foot traffic compared to the main building.

La Vista is a 5-minute walk to Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, a 13-minute walk to Motomachi, and around a 20-minute walk to Mount Hakodate observatory lift. It’s the perfect base if you like shopping, water views, and restaurants, but keep in mind it’s a little far from the main Hakodate Station. 

The hotel is in a good location, and the view from the onsen is spectacular. Breakfast is superb. The hotel provides free ramen at night. I loved the amenities in the onsen area. The staff are doing a very good job! 👍

Chonticha  (Read more reviews)

Best Hotels in Goryokaku

While Goryokaku Park is a little out of the way from the rest of the city, I can't deny that the six-pointed fort is worth a visit to the city all by itself.

It's an absolutely stunning park and is greatly significant to Hakodate and Japan's history. Goryokaku Tower has delicious eateries and tells the story of the fierce battle that took place on these grounds over a century ago.

In addition to its historical impact, the vast space and grassy hills in the park make it the perfect place for kids to play and for adults to relax all day.

Budget: Smile Hotel Premium Hakodate Goryokaku (3⭐) ($$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.3/10 (2,200 reviews)
• ✅ Perfect for: Solo Travelers, Couples, Business Travelers
• 💎 Known For: Universal Access Room, Free Late Check Out, Business Area
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

Smile Hotel Premium is a clean, compact business hotel that offers rooms as low as $50/night for two people, or $40/night for solo travelers. 

The decor is modern and updated. There are double, twin, and triple rooms that can accommodate up to three people. There’s also a universal twin room for those who need ample space or assistive devices!

While the hotel offers a good amount of amenities such as a trouser press, sewing kit, refrigerator, and even an ethernet cable for those working, one of the highlights is that you can check out at 12 pm for free if requested. Who doesn’t love free late checkout?

There are tons of restaurants nearby. Goryokaku Park is 10 minutes away on foot, and you can spot Goryokaku Tower from your room. The closest train station is only a 4-minute walk, so you can get around Hakodate conveniently.

Overall, Smile Hotel Premium is a terrific budget option with a lot of amenities and value for a low price. 

For what you pay, you get a lot at this hotel. Super quiet, great beds, room air filter, medium size bathroom, clean, new, and comfortable. 10-minute walk to Goryokaku Tower, 2 convenience stores a minute or two away. All with a really fabulous breakfast of so many choices.

Martin (Read more reviews)

Mid-Range: HOTEL MYSTAYS Hakodate Goryokaku (3⭐) ($$)

• ⭐ Rating: 8.5/10 (1,700 reviews)
• ✅ Perfect for: All Travelers
• 💎 Known For: Breakfast Buffet, Excellent Service, On-Site Convenience Store
• 🏨 Check rates and availability on Booking.com

Hotel Mystays is a fantastic all-encompassing hotel chain that has great service for an affordable price. While it can be slightly pricier than the budget hotel, it’s a big upgrade. 

The rooms range from small double and twin rooms to deluxe rooms that can accommodate up to four people. The decor is tastefully modern, with fantastic views of Hakodate City and Goryokaku Tower from your window. 

You’ll find yourself surrounded by delicious izakaya, Korean barbecue, and other great restaurants in the area. The hotel itself has a breakfast buffet with locally produced dishes such as Hakodate specialties like squid sashimi, Hokkaido cod roe, and the city’s own milk and salt ramen. There’s also an on-site sushi restaurant that uses rich seasonal catches encapsulating the delicious seafood that Hakodate is famous for. 

The hotel is only a 1-minute walk to Goryokaku Station, and 16 minute walk to Goryokaku Park, so the location is great. The hotel is just great overall, but personally, my favorite part of the hotel is the Family Mart that you’ll find on the first floor. If you’re like me and fancy grabbing a sweet treat every night before you tune in (only when I’m in Japan, I swearrr), this is a game changer!! 

The hotel staff spoke English and were extremely helpful. When we couldn't find the hotel parking entrance, they went all the way to where we were parked to direct us and even assisted in guiding us. Our rooms were comfortable and fully equipped with all the amenities and toiletries we needed, with additional toiletries in the hotel lobby. They provided additional foam pillows, which were great for sleep.

Sarah (Read more reviews)

Free Map: Where to Stay in Hakodate

Where to Stay In Hakodate: FAQs

What’s the best area to stay in Hakodate for first-time visitors?

This is honestly a hard question for me to answer. Most first-time visitors should stay near Hakodate Station or Motomachi, where a lot of the town’s shops and restaurants are.

If you’re going to be using the train system a lot, or exploring Hakodate and Hokkaido fully, then staying around Hakodate Station could be a better choice instead.

However, my personal favorite area is Yunokawa Onsen. It’s relaxing, the ocean views are breathtaking, and it’s the perfect place to replenish your strength and catch a break during your trip. The Yunokawa area is also convenient if you’re going to be flying from Hakodate Airport, but is a bit far from the main city attractions.

Is it better to stay near Hakodate Station or in a hot spring resort?

Hmmm… that depends on if you want to stay in a hotel with an onsen during your Hakodate trip!

There are a couple of hotels near Hakodate Station that have an onsen (JR Inn and Marina) for the best of both worlds. This is more beneficial if you’ll be using the train system and won’t be renting a car.

If you want more onsen options or are renting a car then you’ll have no issues staying in the Yunokawa Onsen area, and I would highly recommend it!

How do I get to Hakodate?

Most likely you’re flying into Japan from another country. To get to Hakodate, you’ll first have to fly into one of their international airports, which will probably be either Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) International Airport.

Tokyo to Hakodate

Once you touch down in Tokyo, you have some options to get to Hakodate.

✈️ Plane: Take a second 1.5 flight from Narita or Haneda Airport into Hakodate Airport. It’s a relatively small airport, but I enjoyed departing from there because I found a great artist and bought a painting there! 

💡 Pro Tip: Keep in mind that there can be a 15-20 lb carry-on weight restriction when you fly locally in Japan. As an overpacker, I found it quite debilitating.

🚄 Train: A more climate-friendly option is to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. It’s a 4.5-hour trip for around $150. This could be a good option if you have a fair amount of luggage to haul with you. 

💡 Pro tip: If you want to bring a full-sized luggage on board with you, keep in mind you need to book a special seat with overweight baggage space. 

🚘 Car: I don’t recommend renting a car for your Tokyo-Hakodate trip. You have to hop on a ferry to cross the waters, so a car isn’t going to cut it. 

Sapporo to Hakodate

If you’re already going to be in Hokkaido, then going from Sapporo to Hakodate is a popular route you can take. This is how I personally got to Hakodate.

✈️ Plane: Flights run from Sapporo-Okayama Airport to Hakodate Airport quite frequently, and the flight duration is only 40 minutes for $40! Not bad, right? Sapporo-Okayama is also closer to the city center than New Chitose Airport. It’ll be about 24 minutes by car or 32 minutes by train from Sapporo. 

🚄 Train: You can take the Limited Express Hokuto train from Sapporo and get to Hakodate in around 3.5 hours. I personally took this route and it was pretty enjoyable! The seats were comfortable, and I took a little snooze. Tickets are around $60 USD. For more information, you can see my detailed post here.

🚘 Car: You can definitely rent a car in Sapporo and drive to Hakodate. With a car, you can even stop by Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which is difficult to reach with public transportation, Noboribetsu, Date, and more cities on the way! 

Is Hakodate Worth Visiting?

Yes, Hakodate is completely worth a visit! It’s actually one of my favorite cities in Japan. I love its relaxed pace, beautiful views, and delicious food. The colorful setting makes me feel like I’m in a Makoto Shinkai movie.

What’s the best way to get around Hakodate?

The best way to get around Hakodate is by bus or car, and occasionally the train. The train system doesn’t cover the entirety of the city, but you can get to some areas on the Hakodate Dock-mae and Yachigashira lines.

For the quickest route to a few of Hakodate’s landmarks like Yunokawa Onsen and Goryokaku Park, a bus is faster. Make sure to bring some cash too, as some buses don’t take IC Transit cards.

How many days in Hakodate is enough?

I think 1-2 days is perfect to explore Hakodate. You can add a third day to visit Onuma National Park or if you want to explore at a slower pace.

What’s the best time of year to visit Hakodate?

I visited Hakodate in early May during cherry blossom season and thought the weather was perfect! It was sunny with a breeze and not too cold. Goryokaku Park was absolutely stunning.

Are there any hotels in Hakodate with private onsen?

Yes, in fact, there’s a ton! You can check out my personal favorite Hakodate hotels with a private onsen here.

Do hotels in Hakodate provide shuttle service from the airport or train station?

In general, hotels don’t usually offer shuttle service to or from the airport. You’re more likely to find parking available at the hotels instead. 

Of the hotels I mentioned,  Yunokawa Kanko Hotel Shoen offers free shuttle service to Hakodate Station and Bourou Noguchi Hakodate offers a paid shuttle service. 

What should I do in Hakodate?

You should visit Motomachi, the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, Mount Hakodate Observatory, Cape Tachimachi, and Goryokaku Park! Oh yeah, and eat a Lucky Pierrot Burger too, for the experience.

I cover everything in my Hakodate Itinerary that covers 1-2 days in the city, so take a peek if you need help organizing the structure of your trip.

What to Pack for Hakodate

💴 Yen/Cash: I was surprised that some of the public transportation in Hakodate were cash only. I would definitely have some on hand just in case, but the shops and restaurants all accept card, so you only have to worry about the buses.

🔋 Portable Battery

📷 Camera

👚 Clothing for the season: I’d make sure to wear layers, as it can still be chilly during the spring/summer due to the breeze. It snows in the winter, so make sure to dress accordingly and bring shoes with a tread if needed!

📱 Phone

👟 Walking shoes

What do you not need to pack for Hakodate?

Most hotels will have the following amenities, so you don’t have to bring these!

• Body wash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Pajamas
• Slippers
• Hair dryer
• Cotton Pads
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste

Conclusion: Where To Stay In Hakodate

Now you should know exactly where to stay in Hakodate! At least, I hope I helped narrow your choices down. If I didn’t, and sadly made you more confused, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll help you out!

There are a lot of things to do and explore in the city, but I personally would stay in Yunokawa Onsen if you haven’t experienced staying in a ryokan or hotel with an onsen before. The views are beautiful, and experiencing a private onsen such as Yunokawa Prince’s is a special experience. However, I can’t deny JR Inn and La Vista Hakodate Bay both have their own perks as well!

If you need any trip planning assistance you can always contact me at audrey@getlostinjapan.com. Here’s to your best Japan trip ever!!

Related Posts:

Is Hakodate Worth Visiting? A Beautiful Coastal Town In Japan

The Best Hakodate Itinerary: Stunning Views And Hokkaido Flavors

The Best Hakodate Hotel With Private Onsen (2025)

Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei: Complete Review Of The Four-Star Hotel