Looking for the perfect scenic road trip from Hakodate to Japan's northernmost castle town, Matsumae? This coastal drive to the southern tip of Hokkaido offers far more than just beautiful seascapes—it’s a journey filled with rich traditions, from sumo to historic castles, paired with mouth-watering local delicacies.

I’m a travel expert with over 15 years of experience exploring every corner of Hokkaido. I’ve written more than 1,000 articles on the region’s attractions and cuisine. In this guide, I’ll take you through the must-see spots and unforgettable food stops along this picturesque route from Hakodate to Matsumae.

Hakodate is a popular port city filled with tourist attractions like stunning night views, Goryokaku, and Hachimanzaka, drawing visitors from all over the world.

In contrast, Matsumae is located at the southern tip of Hokkaido and flourished as Japan's northernmost castle town and the only one in Hokkaido during the Edo period (1600–1868). Due to its history, Hokkaido has fewer traditional Japanese buildings and cultural elements, and was once home to the Ainu people. However, the Matsumae area is rich in traditional Japanese culture and charm. Today, you'll find numerous historical sites and attractions, including Matsumae Castle, that evoke the town's past, making it particularly recommended for travelers interested in traditional Japanese culture.

You can drive to Matsumae from Hakodate in about 2 hours, making it easy to explore the area via rental car. Even if you take time to sightsee and enjoy a meal along the way, the distance is easily covered in a day. It's the perfect getaway for a change of pace during your multi-day stay in Hakodate.

There are also plenty of sights and attractions in Matsumae, as well as in nearby Kikonai and Fukushima. For those looking to take their time, we recommend spending a night in Matsumae. The area is rich in historical and cultural sites, including the castle, and you'll find lovely ryokans (Japanese inns) with hot springs to enjoy as well.

If you're traveling by public transport, you can take a bus from Kikonai, which has a Hokkaido Shinkansen station and is located halfway between Hakodate and Matsumae. The bus ride to Matsumae takes about 90 minutes. However, there are only a few buses per day, so be sure to check the schedule if you plan to make any stops along the way.

The Saraki Cape offers a breathtaking view of the Tsugaru Strait and is a beautiful spot to see tulip gardens in early May. It's located about 45 minutes from Hakodate, just before you enter the town of Kikonai.

While it's common to take the Hakodate-Esashi Expressway between Hakodate and Kikonai, we recommend driving along National Route 228, which follows the old Hakodate-Esashi Expressway. This route allows you to enjoy views of the ocean as you drive. While the Hakodate-Esashi Expressway quickly passes through mountainous areas via tunnels, National Route 228 offers beautiful scenery, including glimpses of Mount Hakodate and, on a clear day, even the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture across the Tsugaru Strait.

In the mid-19th century, the naval ship Kanrin Maru sank off the coast of Saraki Cape, and you can find monuments and memorials dedicated to it in the area. Since the Kanrin Maru was built in the Netherlands, tulip gardens have been created to symbolize Dutch culture. Every year in early May, tens of thousands of tulips bloom beautifully. While there are no shops at Saraki Cape, special events and vendors often pop up during tulip season.

Located in the heart of Kikonai, Michi-no-Eki Misogi-no-Sato Kikonai is an ideal rest stop on your journey from Hakodate to Matsumae. It takes about an hour to get there from Hakodate and is about 15 minutes from Saraki Cape. Kikonai Station, which is served by buses heading to Matsumae and Esashi is right in front of the rest stop.

In the building, you'll find a tourist information center, a shopping area featuring local sweets and specialties, as well as shops for light snacks, a bakery, and a restaurant. If you're looking for a quick bite, we highly recommend trying the "Misogi Salt Soft Serve" and "Fried Squid Wings" from the snack shop called "Kitchen Kiko." Whenever Nobuka stops by this rest area, she almost always grabs these treats!

The Misogi Salt Soft Serve features vanilla ice cream topped with a salted cream made from Misogi Salt. This special salt is produced in Kikonai by evaporating seawater from the Tsugaru Strait. The rich, sweet flavor of the vanilla pairs perfectly with the mineral-rich salt, creating a deliciously sweet and savory soft serve experience.

On the other hand, the Fried Squid Wings are made from squid beaks, known as "ika tonbi." They're perfect for a light snack during your break. With a nice touch of saltiness, these too are made using Misogi Salt.

At Michi-no-Eki Misogi-no-Sato Kikonai, be sure to check out the Pakupaku Salt Bread sold at the on-site bakery, Koppen Dotto, along with light snacks from Kitchen Kiko. Made with Misogi Salt, this small salt bread is the perfect size for one or two bites and is incredibly popular, often selling out daily.

While you can buy just one, many people purchase five or ten at a time (there may be limits on the number you can buy during busy times).

The bread has a crispy exterior and a soft interior. The richness of the melted butter combined with a subtle saltiness makes it irresistible, and you'll wanting to eat more than one! You can enjoy them inside the rest area, but since they're small, they also make a great snack for the car.

Next to Koppen Dotto is the Italian restaurant Donande's. If you’re looking to enjoy a hearty lunch while taking a break in Kikonai, this is definitely the place to go. The restaurant offers "Kikonai Italian" cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and mountain delicacies sourced from Kikonai and other areas in southern Hokkaido. Their menu primarily focuses on pasta and pizza, with many dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients.

Among the many menu options, the standout dish is the Yuzu Pepper Cream Pasta with Local Hijiki and Spinach from Kikonai. It's made with plenty of spinach and finished with a light yuzu pepper cream sauce, and topped with hijiki seaweed sourced from Kikonai. The plump shrimp and thick hijiki add a satisfying texture, while the subtle kick of the yuzu pepper gives it just the right touch of flavor. This exquisite dish offers a refined taste you won't often find elsewhere, making it a unique local specialty of Kikonai.

After enjoying a leisurely break in Kikonai, it's time to hit the road again. Leaving Kikonai and passing through the neighboring town of Shiriuchi, youl'll move away from the coast and into the mountains. After going through a pass, you'll re-emerge by the sea in the town of Fukushima. The drive from Kikonai to Fukushima takes about 40 minutes. In Fukushima, there are two must-visit spots. The first is the Seikan Tunnel Memorial Museum.

The Seikan Tunnel is a railway tunnel that runs beneath the Tsugaru Strait, connecting Aomori Prefecture with Hokkaido. It opened in 1988 and stretches approximately 53.7 kilometers, making it the longest underwater tunnel in the world. Currently, both the Hokkaido Shinkansen and freight trains run through it.

The Seikan Tunnel Memorial Museum features numerous exhibits documenting the tunnel's construction, which began in 1961. You'll find actual tools used during this monumental project, along with railway models and video footage from the time of its completion and afterward. This museum is particularly fascinating for train enthusiasts!

One of Fukushima's tourist spots is the Chiyonofuji and Chiyonoyama Memorial Museum. It's just a 2-3 minute drive from the Seikan Tunnel Memorial Museum toward Matsumae. The museum is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Japan's national sport, sumo.

Both Chiyonoyama and Chiyonofuji were wrestlers from Fukushima who rose to the pinnacle of their sport as yokozuna (grand champions). Celebrated as national heroes for their numerous victories, the museum was established to honor their achievements. Inside, you'll find an extensive collection of items related to the two yokozuna, including their ceremonial belts and championship trophies, as well as other sumo-related memorabilia.

In the museum, you'll find a replica of the training area and ring from the sumo stable where both yokozuna trained, known as "Kokonoe Stable." Several times a year, wrestlers from Kokonoe Stable come for training camps, so you might even catch a glimpse of them practicing in this very space.

After leaving Fukushima, you'll mostly drive along the coast to Matsumae. While there are many tunnels along this stretch, you can enjoy breathtaking views as you drive along the steep cliffs of the coastline, where there are no houses in sight. About 15 minutes from the center of Fukushima, you will arrive at Cape Shirakami, the southernmost point of Hokkaido. Although there are no shops or restaurants here, there is a parking space on the ocean side along the road, making it a great spot for a quick break and some memorable photos.

If the weather is good, you can clearly see Aomori Prefecture's Tsugaru Peninsula across the strait. The area around Cape Shirakami is a migration route for migratory birds, so depending on the timing, you might get to witness flocks of birds soaring through the sky.

After departing from Shirakami Cape, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the town of Matsumae. Matsumae Castle Museum, a notable local landmark, makes use of the reconstructed main keep of Matsumae Castle. In Matsumae, popular attractions include the museum, the Matsumae Shrine, and a stroll through the "Temple Town," which is lined with numerous temples. Visitors can also explore the Matsumae Clan Residence, which recreates the atmosphere of Matsumae during the Edo period. The area is known as Matsumae Park, and becomes one of Hokkaido's top cherry blossom spots in spring, with approximately 10,000 cherry trees blooming from late April to early May.

In Matsumae, you can't miss out on the gourmet experiences, including tuna. Along with tours and leisurely strolls, there are plenty of highlights to enjoy. For those who want to know more, be sure to check out the article below!

About a two-hour drive from Hakodate, Matsumae is an ideal destination for a day trip. Even with breaks along the way, you can reach it in half a day. And don't miss the scenic spots and delicious food along the route! Take your time enjoying the views and savor tasty treats as you head from Hakodate to Matsumae. Drive safely and enjoy a wonderful journey!