A must-visit shop at Hakodate Airport is Hakototate, a shop selling souvenirs jointly developed with manufacturers in the southern part of Hokkaido. The shop got its start by providing merchandise based on the requests of the many people who were attracted to the charms of Hakodate and it offers a large selection of limited-edition items that can only be obtained here. Here are but a few of them.

The International Signal Flag bags of Kagaya Hata-ten are hand-dyed using the same brush-dyeing method used when making the large fishing flags for ships. The designs are based on the international signal flags used for communication between ships. They have a uniquely Hakodate feel about them, Hakodate, along with Yokohama and Nagasaki, was one of the first ports in Japan opened to foreign trade.

The Ikauro Komon Series, a pattern of squid and fish scales dyed in soft colors, is also a popular item. Among the many rows of triangles there are images of squid with dangling legs and grilled squid. It is used in a variety of ways, such as in handkerchiefs, gathered pouch bags, and pouches with metal clasps.

Animal lovers will also like the series featuring embroidered Northern fox vixen and pups and the series of wood carvings of animals native to Hokkaido. All of the items in the wood carving series are individually handmade, so each has a slightly different expression giving you a wider choice of selection.

If you are planning to get a souvenir for someone, try having it packed in a Kankan gift can. The store offers an original packing method: you can have items you purchase packed in hand-rolled cans. Your friends will be delighted when they receive a souvenir packed in this way and you can also include a card with a message.

Hakototate
Location: 2nd floor of passenger terminal for domestic flights.
Telephone: 0138-57-8884
Hours: 8:00 a.m. ~ about 7:30 p.m. *Open until final boarding time
Closed: always open

You can have a commemorative photo taken inside wearing one of the rental kimono of your choice. It only takes about 5 minutes to put on the kimono and afterward, if you have time, you can also wear it outside Hakodate Airport, too. There are kimono for both men and women so the whole family can enjoy this.

GRANDIR
Location: 2nd floor of passenger terminal for domestic flights.
Rental charge: 3,000 yen for 40 minutes for women; 2,000 yen for 40 minutes for men *Prices may change due an increase in the consumption tax.
Telephone: 080-1884-5126
Hours: 9:00 a.m. ~ 6:00 p.m. *Open until final boarding time
Closed: unscheduled

Founded in 1932 in Hakodate, this is the oldest coffee specialty shop in Hokkaido. The richly aromatic freshly made coffee is truly delicious.

Cafe Misuzu
Location: 1st floor of passenger terminal for domestic flights.
Telephone: 0138-57-8900
Open: 7:30 a.m. ~ 7:10 p.m.
Closed: unscheduled

The Toi bluefin tuna bowl (2,050 yen), made with fish freshly caught in the Tsugaru Strait, is popular. The fish is really fresh because it is drained of blood as soon as it is hauled on board the ship and then immediately packed in ice. It is best to visit the restaurant as early as possible because the tuna often sells out quickly.

Restaurant Pollux
Location: 3rd floor of passenger terminal for domestic flights.
Telephone: 0138-57-8884
Hours: 8:00 a.m. ~ about 7:30 p.m. *Open until final boarding time
Closed: always open
* The Toi bluefin tuna bowl is served from 11:00 a.m.
* Prices may change after the consumption tax is raised.

This is a hamburger chain with 17 outlets in southern Hokkaido predominantly situated in Hakodate City. The popularity of this chain stems from its 20 types of gourmet hamburgers brimming with originality such as the 20 cm tall "The Futtocho Burger".

The Tokura shop near Hakodate Airport reminds one of a basilica and the air is filled with the sound of the wind passing through the nearby windmill.

Located on the site of a Hakodate dairy farm this shop sells soft ice cream and cheese that brings out the full flavor of milk. There are also corners where you can feed milk to calves and also try your hand at making butter. Reservations are required, so please make reservations by telephone at least one week in advance of the day you wish to visit.

About 3000 rare tropical plants of 300 varieties are on display in the garden. Japanese macaque using the hot springs during the winter is also a popular attraction at Monkey Mountain. Adverse to water by nature, these animals have learned how to fight off the bitter cold of winter by soaking in hot springs.

Text by: Minna no Kotobasha