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Yunokawa Onsen: Guide to Hakodate City's Beautiful Hot Springs Town (Access, Places to Stay, Sightseeing & More)

Yunokawa Onsen: Guide to Hakodate City's Beautiful Hot Springs Town (Access, Places to Stay, Sightseeing & More)

Date published: 20 October 2022

Yunokawa Onsen is located in Hakodate, the gateway to southern Hokkaido. This famous hot spring has long been loved by people from all over, with an outstanding reputation for its transparent, odorless waters rich in sodium and calcium chloride.

Read on to learn all you need to know for your Yunokawa Onsen visit, including general information, access, recommended inns, and more!

 
Table of Contents
  1. About Yunokawa Onsen
  2. Getting to Yunokawa Onsen from Sapporo/New Chitose Airport
  3. 7 Recommended ryokan inns in Yunokawa Onsen
  4. Recommended things to do near Yunokawa Onsen
  5. Spend a night in Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen and enjoy exploring the area!

About Yunokawa Onsen

Japanese macaques taking a wintertime soak at the nearby botanical garden
Japanese macaques taking a wintertime soak at the nearby botanical garden

Yunokawa Onsen is only a five-minute drive from Hakodate Airport, making it the closest hot spring town to an airport in Japan.

These historical springs opened up as part of a hot spring resort built in 1885 when exploratory drilling was conducted. The sodium-calcium-chloride springs boast smooth, odorless, and transparent waters.

Yunokawa Onsen is also close to Goryokaku Park and the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, known for their monkeys that also love soaking in the springs!

Getting to Yunokawa Onsen from Sapporo/New Chitose Airport

From Sapporo:
・By Bus: From Sapporo Bus Terminal, take express bus (some public routes included) to Hakodate Station. Transfer to local bus, and ride to Yunokawa Onsen. (Estimated travel time: 6 hours)

・By Train: From Sapporo, take JR Chitose Line Rapid Airport to Minami-Chitose Station, and transfer to Limited Express Hokuto. Ride to Hakodate Station, and transfer to the tram, getting off at Yunokawa Onsen. (Estimated travel time: 4 hours)

・By Car: From Sapporo, take the expressway and get off at Onuma Park IC (Estimated travel time: 4 hours 30 minutes)

From New Chitose Airport
・By Plane: Head from New Chitose Airport to Hakodate Airport. From there, take Hakodate Airport Shuttle Bus to Yunokawa Onsen. (Estimated travel time: 1 hour)

・By Train: From New Chitose Airport, take JR Chitose Line Rapid Airport train to Minami Chitose Station, and transfer to Limited Express Hokuto. Ride to Hakodate Station, and transfer to the tram, getting off at Yunokawa Onsen. (Estimated travel time: 4 hours)

・By Car: Take the expressway from New Chitose Airport, and get off at Onuma Park IC. (Estimated travel time: 4 hours)

7 Recommended ryokan inns in Yunokawa Onsen

7 Recommended ryokan inns in Yunokawa Onsen

Yunokawa Onsen is a super popular tourist destination for its excellent access. It's only five minutes from Hakodate Airport, and 15 minutes from Hakodate Station! As of 2022, there are about 20 hot spring inns and hotels in town. Here are 7 popular picks!

1. Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu: A long-established Hakodate ryokan that keeps up with the times

Photo: Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu
Photo: Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu

Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu is about 7 minutes by taxi from Hakodate Airport, about 15 minutes by car from JR Hakodate Station, and a short 8-minute walk from the Yunokawa Onsen tram stop. It's a long-established Japanese-style inn that boasts its own free-flowing hot springs, as well as traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine prepared with carefully selected Hakodate ingredients.

Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze (Photo: Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu)
Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze (Photo: Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu)

There are 24 rooms in total, all oceanfront, and include one Western-style room and 20 Japanese-style rooms.

Savor the flavors of Hakodate with delicious dishes prepared by some of the best chefs! (Photo: Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu)
Savor the flavors of Hakodate with delicious dishes prepared by some of the best chefs! (Photo: Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu)

Dinner is served straight to your room or a private dining room, allowing guests to enjoy their meals leisurely and in private. The head chef prepares the delicious dishes with great care, tasty enough to captivate even gourmets. Each meal brings its own exquisite, seasonal favors, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

Open-air bath with an oceanfront view (Photo: Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu)
Open-air bath with an oceanfront view (Photo: Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu)

The gushing natural springs catch your eye the moment you set foot in the front pavilion. This old, 57.6℃ private hot spring has been flowing from the source without interruption since its founding.

Overlooking the sea is a marble open-air bath, where you can enjoy amazing views while you soak, such as the fishing lights in the summer and the snowy landscape in winter. The smooth, hot waters also have a high heat retention effect, meaning the warmth will last even after you've finished your bath.

Day Trip Bathing
・Not available

Pick-up
・Not available

Reviews from Tourists
"I love the traditional atmosphere! My room was also spacious, comfortable, and had a great view. We sat at the table near the window, just gazing at the view and listening to the waves. You can adjust the lights and curtains, and even order room service using tablets. The location was also great, with convenience stores and ramen shops nearby!" (Singapore)

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer available - Ventilation measures taken - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are asked to wear masks

Multilingual services
・English / Chinese

Facility Information
・Number of rooms: 24
・Baths: Open-air baths: 1 (men & women) / Indoor baths: 1 (men & women)

・Check-in at 3:00 p.m.
・Check-out at 11:00 a.m.

  • Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort
    Wakamatsu Hot Spring Resort
    割烹旅館若松
    • Address Yunokawa-cho 1-2-27, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 042-0932
    • Nearest Station Yunokawa-onsen Station (Hakodate Tram Line 2 / Hakodate Tram Line 5 )
      8 minutes on foot

2. Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate: Stunning views from an open-air bath in the sky!

Photo: Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate
Photo: Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate

Bourou Noguchi Hakodate is about a 10-minute drive from Hakodate Airport, 15 minutes by car from JR Hakodate Station, and a 5-minute walk from the Yunokawa Onsen streetcar station.

This ryokan inn boasts an artistic design, with an entrance that exudes a stately atmosphere reminiscent of an art museum. There's also an indoor bamboo grove (that you wouldn't believe isn't outdoors) and a tea room to the back of the floor.

Maisonette-style Suite (Photo: Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate)
Maisonette-style Suite (Photo: Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate)

Guest rooms include the maisonette-type Suite (about 120 square meters in area), the spacious Wamodern room, which consists of separated Japanese and Western-style spaces, and the Ohitorisama room, recommended for solo travelers.

Choose your room depending on the purpose of your trip. The Suite and Wamodern rooms include free-flowing hot spring baths with a view, allowing exclusive access to your own personal Yunokawa hot spring.

Enjoy the elegant, charming atmosphere (Photo: Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate)
Enjoy the elegant, charming atmosphere (Photo: Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate)

The meals served at Bourou Noguchi Hakodate are themed on exotic cultures and use plenty of seasonal ingredients from Aomori and Hokkaido. You'll be sure to enjoy these original, meticulously prepared dishes!

Open-air bath on top floor overlooking the city (Photo: Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate)
Open-air bath on top floor overlooking the city (Photo: Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate)

The large public bath on the top floor is situated at the highest point in Yunokawa Onsen, allowing you to watch the ever-changing scenery of Hakodate City as you bathe. From the open-air bath, you'll also see the airplanes flying in and out of Hakodate Airport right before your eyes! Bask in the gentle sea breeze and the illumination of fishing lights as you soak in this port town's famous springs.

Day Trip Bathing
・Not available

Pick-up
・Shuttle bus in operation between Sapporo and hotel (Adults: 4,000 yen).
・From Sapporo: Mondays / Wednesdays / Fridays
・From Hakodate: Wednesdays / Fridays / Sundays
・Advance reservations required

Reviews from Tourists
"I stayed in the Japanese modern suite with a tub. The room was so spacious and comfortable! The private hot spring is big enough for 3 people to sit in comfortably. It's like having an entire hot spring all to yourself! Dinner and breakfast were also superb, with a great variety of food options. The staff was also very friendly, and even spoke English!" (Singapore)

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer available - Ventilation measures taken - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are asked to wear masks

Multilingual services
・English pamphlets available

Facility Information
・Number of rooms: 79
・Baths: Open-air baths: 1 (men & women) / Indoor baths: 2 (men & women)

・Check-in at 2:00 p.m.
・Check-out at noon

  • Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate
    望楼NOGUCHI函館
    • Address 1-17-22 Yukawacho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 042-0932
    • Phone Number 0570-026-573

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

3. Heiseikan Shiosaitei: A beachfront hot springs inn surrounded by the sound of waves

Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.
Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.

Heiseikan Shiosaitei is right in front of the Yunokawa Onsen bus stop. It's about 15 minutes by car from JR Hakodate Station and 10 minutes by car from Hakodate Airport.

An amazing view from the guest room open-air bath (Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.)
An amazing view from the guest room open-air bath (Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.)

Of the 151 guest rooms, 22 have open-air baths facing the sea. Other rooms include the typical Japanese-style and Western-style rooms. Situated right on the beach, this inn lets you relax to the sound of the waves.

OCEAN TERRACE is decorated with gorgeous fishing lights at night (Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.)
OCEAN TERRACE is decorated with gorgeous fishing lights at night (Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.)

OCEAN TERRACE is a buffet-style dining room themed on the sea. Indulge in delicious local Hokkaido ingredients, whether from meals prepared in the open kitchen or from the seasonal seafood corner.

Large public bath overlooking the sea (Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.)
Large public bath overlooking the sea (Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.)

The public bath is shared with the attached Shiosaitei Bekkan Kagetsu. The large observatory bath has a fantastic view thanks to its magnificent location, with Mt. Hakodate to the right and the Tsugaru Strait right in front. At night, fishing lights illuminate the space, really bringing out that authentic Hakodate vibe. The open-air bath on the fourth floor also offers a window view of the Japanese garden. Whether bathing in the morning, noon, or night, each view will surely move you.

<@Day Trip Bathing |@>
・Not available

<@Pick-up|@>
・Not available

<@Reviews from Tourists:|@>
"The bathtub on the balcony overlooks the sea and has an amazing atmosphere!" (Thailand)

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer available - Ventilation measures taken - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are asked to wear masks

Multilingual services
・Pamphlets in English and Chinese (simplified / traditional) available

<@Facility Information|@>
・Number of rooms: 151
・Baths: Open-air baths: 1 (men & women) / Indoor baths: 1 (men & women) / Rooms with open-air baths: 22

・Check-in at 2:00 p.m.
・Check-out at 10:00 a.m.

4. Shiosaitei Bekkan Kagetsu: Become one with the Tsugaru Straits

Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.
Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.

Shiosaitei Bekkan Kagetsu sits right in front of the Yunokawa Onsen bus stop. It's about 15 minutes by car from JR Hakodate Station and 10 minutes by car from Hakodate Airport. Become one with the sea as you chill out in the Bekkan-exclusive lounge and dine in their restaurant with a view of the Tsugaru Strait.

A guest room open-air bath accompanied by the relaxing sound of waves (Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.)
A guest room open-air bath accompanied by the relaxing sound of waves (Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.)

All guest rooms have open-air baths and ocean views. There are both Japanese- and Western-style rooms, each of which allow you a relaxing soak in the springs surrounded by the sound of waves.

Savor the flavors of Hakodate as you gaze out over the seas (Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.)
Savor the flavors of Hakodate as you gaze out over the seas (Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.)

Dinner is served in the Kagetsu-exclusive dining room, where you can indulge in some of the best traditional kaiseki cuisine made with local Hakodate seafood in complete peace and privacy.

Open-air bath overlooking the Japanese garden (Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.)
Open-air bath overlooking the Japanese garden (Photo: Toho Resort Co., Ltd.)

The public bath is shared with the attached Heiseikan Shiosaitei. The observatory's large bath is in a magnificent location with Mt. Hakodate on the right and the Tsugaru Strait in front, with nighttime views of the illuminated fishing lights that really bring out the atmosphere of Hakodate. The open-air bath on the fourth floor offers a view of the Japanese garden through the window. With so many options, you'll want to try different baths at different times, depending on your mood.

<@Day Trip Bathing |@>
・Not available

<@Pick-up|@>
・Not available

<@Reviews from Tourists|@>
"The view of the sea was quite lovely, and the rooms were nice and elegant!" (China)

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer available - Ventilation measures taken - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are asked to wear masks

Multilingual services
・Pamphlets in English and Chinese (simplified / traditional) available

<@Facility Information|@>
・Number of rooms: 20
・Baths: Open-air baths: 1 (men & women) / Indoor baths: 1 (men & women)
*Bath shared with Hashiosaitei Main Building

・Check-in at 2:00 p.m.
・Check-out at 10:00 a.m.

5. Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari - Hewitt Resort: The largest buffet in Hokkaido!

Photo: Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari
Photo: Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari

Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari is a 1-minute walk from the Tropical Botanical Garden bus stop. The rooftop boasts a magnificent view of the Tsugaru Straits. Enjoy a leisurely soak in this famous historical hot springs, as you also bathe in the moonlight and fishing lights.

Superior Twin (Non-smoking / 27 sq meters) (Photo: Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari)
Superior Twin (Non-smoking / 27 sq meters) (Photo: Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari)

There are five types of guest rooms, including the Standard Double, recommended for solo travelers and couples, and the Universal Room, designed to be comfortable for anyone. Regardless of which room you choose, you'll be sure to experience a relaxing stay.

Tsukifune: The hotel's buffet restaurant that feels like a live stage! (Photo: Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari)
Tsukifune: The hotel's buffet restaurant that feels like a live stage! (Photo: Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari)

On the second floor is a buffet-style restaurant, Tsukisune, which uses lots of local Hokkaido ingredients in its meals. The live kitchen offers a fresh sushi and seafood bowl corner, an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs prepare delicious meat and seafood dishes right before your eyes, and even a sweet-tooth-satisfying Hokkaido sweets corner.

There's also a Japanese restaurant on the first floor called Kumonami, where you can indulge in traditional kaiseki cuisine and other luxurious seafood dishes at the counter seats, or in your own private room.

An infinity open-air bath that appears to extend all the way out to sea (Photo: Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari)
An infinity open-air bath that appears to extend all the way out to sea (Photo: Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari)

The rooftop has an infinity bath overlooking the Tsugaru Straits. At night, you'll be able to see where the hotel gets its name, Umi to Akari (literally 'Sea and Light') from. The reflection of the moon floating on the Tsugaru Straits with the gentle illumination of the fishing lights offer a peaceful tranquility sure to heal your body and soul. There's also a tatami bath, which is quite rare even in Japan, which everyone from children to the elderly can use without worrying about slippery floors.

Day Trip Bathing
・Admission: Adults: 1,100 yen / Children: 550 yen (ages 4-12) / Under 3 Years: Free
・Hours: 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Pick-up
A free shuttle bus operates from Hakodate Station to the hotel (Reservations are required at least one day in advance)

Reviews from Tourists
"This was such a cool, new hotel. It even had its own hot springs on the top floor! The staff members were also very courteous". (United Kingdom)

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer available - Ventilation measures taken - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are asked to wear masks

Multilingual services
・English

Facility Information
・Number of rooms: 221
・Baths: Open-air baths: 1 (men & women) / Indoor baths: 1 (men & women)

・Check-in at 3:00 p.m.
・Check-out at 11:00 a.m.

  • Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari Hewitt Resort
    Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari Hewitt Resort
    函館湯の川温泉 海と灯/ヒューイットリゾート
    • Address Yunokawamachi 3-chome, 9-20, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 042-0932
    • Nearest Station Yunokawa Station (Hakodate Tram Line 2 / Hakodate Tram Line 5 )
      11 minutes on foot

6. Hanabishi Hotel: Experience local and regional culture

Photo: Hanabishi Hotel
Photo: Hanabishi Hotel

Hanabishi Hotel is about two minutes on foot from the Hakodate City Tram's Yunokawa Onsen Station. This long-established hotel has a history of nearly 70 years since it was founded in Hakodate.

Relaxing Japanese-style room (Photo: Hanabishi Hotel)
Relaxing Japanese-style room (Photo: Hanabishi Hotel)

The standard is the spacious 10-tatami Japanese-style room. Various other room types are also available, including rooms with open-air baths and handicap-friendly rooms (also with private open-air baths).

Delicious delicacies from the Hakodate countryside decorate the table (Photo: Hanabishi Hotel)
Delicious delicacies from the Hakodate countryside decorate the table (Photo: Hanabishi Hotel)

Meals are based on traditional local cuisine. Indulge in creative Japanese kaiseki cuisine made to express the four seasons of Hakodate. Each meal lets you thoroughly enjoy the delicious seasonal delicacies of Hokkaido's mountains and seas.

Immerse yourself in the famous hot springs and the seasonal scents of the garden (Photo: Hanabishi Hotel)
Immerse yourself in the famous hot springs and the seasonal scents of the garden (Photo: Hanabishi Hotel)

On the first floor is one of Yunokawa Onsen's most spacious bathing areas, with the large public bath Hishi-no-Yu (men only) and Hana-no-Yu (women only), which consists of three different open-air baths. On the 7th floor is the large public bath Gagyu-no-Yu which overlooks the town of Yunokawa. Take a tour of the baths, and get a taste of each one's distinct characteristics.

Day Trip Bathing
・Not available

Pick-up
・Not available

Reviews from Tourists
"Wonderful view! The Japanese-style room we stayed at was really nice. The Japanese bath and dinner were also wonderful". (Australia)

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer available - Ventilation measures taken - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are asked to wear masks

Multilingual services
・English and Chinese (simplified/traditional) speaking staff available

Facility Information
・Number of rooms: 131
・Baths: Open-air baths: Men: 2, Women: 3 / Indoor baths: 1 (men & women)

・Check-in at 3:00 p.m.
・Check-out at 10:00 a.m.

  • Hanabishi Hotel
    Hanabishi Hotel
    花びしホテル
    • Address Yunokawa-cho 1-16-18, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 042-0932
    • Nearest Station Yunokawa-onsen Station (Hakodate Tram Line 2 / Hakodate Tram Line 5 )
      2 minutes on foot

7. Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei: Enjoy a relaxed, welcoming stay

Photo: Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei
Photo: Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei

Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei is a 15-minute drive from JR Hakodate Station, a 5-minute drive from Hakodate Airport, and an 8-minute walk from Hakodate City Tram Yunokawa Onsen Station.

This inn boasts a whopping 115 guest rooms with open-air hot springs, one of the highest in Japan. Meals also offer so much variety, even repeat customers can enjoy something new every time! Popular picks include the Japanese, Western, and Chinese buffet with an open kitchen and authentic teppanyaki.

You may also borrow yukata, pillows, and cushions from the first-floor amenity corner at no extra charge! Samue (work clothes) are also provided in guest rooms as in-house wear.

A view of the Tsugaru Strait from the guest room open-air bath (Photo: Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei)
A view of the Tsugaru Strait from the guest room open-air bath (Photo: Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei)

Once you step into the Ocean View Room, the Tsugaru Straits burst into view right before your eyes. The open-air bath also boasts a fantastic view of Mt. Hakodate at sunset. You may not want to get out of the tub! So jump in, and soak away your cares as you take in the soothing sounds of the sea.

Enjoy to your heart's content! (Photo: Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei)
Enjoy to your heart's content! (Photo: Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei)

Meals are served buffet style. Dinner offers a variety of options such as steak and sushi. As a health and safety measure, all meals are served in small bowls and plates. You'll be impressed by the careful attention to detail.

Spend your night in Hakodate relaxing and gazing at the fishing lights (Photo: Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei)
Spend your night in Hakodate relaxing and gazing at the fishing lights (Photo: Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei)

On the first floor are the open-air baths, Urashima (men only) and Otohime (women only). Both face the Tsugaru Strait. There's also an open-air bath with a beautiful nighttime view of Hakodate and the fishing lights. Mt. Hakodate seems so close, you can practically reach out and touch it! You'll practically feel your troubles melt away with a soak in the high-quality waters of this spring.

Day Trip Bathing
・Not available

Pick-up
・Not available

Reviews from Tourists
"The rooms with private open-air baths facing the sea are wonderful! I was also deeply impressed by the warm hospitality of friendly and helpful staff". (Singapore)

Health & Safety Measures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer available - Ventilation measures taken - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Guests are asked to wear masks

*As of September 2, 2022

Multilingual services
・Facility information signs available in English / Room key cases available in English / English food display at buffet venue

Facility Information
・Number of rooms: 185
・Baths: Open-air baths: Men: 2, Women: 1 / Indoor baths: Men: 4, Women: 3

・Check-in at 3:00 p.m.
・Check-out at 11:00 a.m

  • Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei
    Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei
    湯の川プリンスホテル渚亭
    • Address Yunokawa-cho 1-2-25, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 042-0932
    • Nearest Station Yunokawa-onsen Station (Hakodate Tram Line 2 / Hakodate Tram Line 5 )
      9 minutes on foot

Recommended things to do near Yunokawa Onsen

From cherry blossoms in the spring to Christmas in the winter, Hakodate offers beautiful scenery no matter the season! Here are some scenic spots and events that you won't want to miss out on!

The Historic Fort Goryokaku: A famous, star-shaped cherry blossom spot

Goryokaku, Hokkaido's Leading Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot
Goryokaku, Hokkaido's Leading Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot

Fort Goryokaku is a special historical site and one of Hakodate's leading cherry blossom viewing spots. Goryokaku, built in 1866, is a castle known for its signature star-shaped moat, built in what is known as the 'Ryoho style.' Goryokaku is also home to about 1,500 Yoshino cherry trees, and every year from late April to early May, tourists and Hakodate residents alike flock to see the beautiful cherry blossoms.

Hakodate Port Festival: Bringing summer to life with parade and fireworks

Parade of about 20,000 people
Parade of about 20,000 people

The Hakodate Port Festival began in 1935 as a way to encourage Hakodate citizens who suffered damage from the Great Fire of Hakodate in 1934, which destroyed one-third of the city. It also commemorates the 77th anniversary of the opening of Hakodate Port. Held every year from August 1-4, you'll experience Hokkaido's largest fireworks display, the Wasshoi Hakodate parade (featuring nearly 20,000 people!), and all kinds of other events, sure to bring even more excitement to the short summer.

When: August 1-4
Venue: Near Hakodate Station
Access from Yunokawa Onsen: Take Hakodate City Tram from Yunokawa Stop to Hakodate Ekimae Stop

Hakodate City Tropical Botanical Garden: See the adorable bathing monkeys

They sure look comfortable!
They sure look comfortable!

The Hakodate City Tropical Botanical Garden is within walking distance of Yunokawa Onsen. Here, you can watch the Japanese macaques taking a nice, warm soak in the springs. Although monkeys generally dislike water, these monkeys welcome the warmth of the hot springs and look forward to a soothing soak. You can watch these adorable critters from December to May of the following year, a spectacle that is certainly uncommon in many parts of the world!

When: December to May of the following year
Venue: Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
Access from Yunokawa Onsen: Short walk from hot springs town

Hakodate Christmas Fantasy: A dazzling illumination of 150,000 Christmas lights!

A huge 20-meter-tall tree!
A huge 20-meter-tall tree!

Hakodate Christmas Fantasy is scheduled to run from December 1-25 around the bay area where the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is located. A huge, 20-meter-tall Christmas tree will dazzle the Hakodate winter nights with nearly 150,000 lights! There are also fireworks that go on when the tree is lit at 6:00 p.m. Note that winter nights tend to get very cold here, so be sure to bundle up well before heading out!

When: December 1-25
Venue: Near Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Access from Yunokawa Onsen: From Hakodate City Tram Yunokawa Station, get off at Jujigai Tram Stop and walk for about 5 minutes

Spend a night in Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen and enjoy exploring the area!

The Hakodate area is so full of attractions, one day is not enough! From the Hakodate morning market and the exotic Motomachi area to the Trappist Monastery, Onuma Park, and Mt. Hakodate itself, you'll want to see it all! So book a stay at Yunokawa Onsen, and enjoy your Hakodate experience to the fullest.

Text by: Masakazu

*Information in article as of October 2022. Please see official websites for the latest updates and information.

English translation by: Krys Suzuki

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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