Mt. Hakodate - Hokkaido
Mt. Hakodate (函館山) is a 333.8-meter mountain located on the western edge of Hakodate City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Mt. Hakodate |
Mt. Hakodate Details
Rising 333.8 meters above sea level, Mt. Hakodate offers not only stunning views of Hakodate but also a fascinating blend of natural landscapes and historical significance. The mountain's circumference spans approximately 9.5 kilometers, with varying terrain that includes both rugged cliffs and gentle slopes.
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| Mt. Hakodate - Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
To the
southwest, the mountain features a lava plateau with steep cliffs that drop
into the sea, while the northeastern side is home to lush forests and deep
valleys carved by erosion. In fact, the mountain's diverse topography and rich
biodiversity make it a must-see destination for nature lovers and history
enthusiasts alike.
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| Mt. Hakodate as seen from Tomoe Big Bridge |
The Ainu people referred to the mountain as "Ichinke," meaning "turtle," and its distinctive shape likely inspired the name. In 1793, when American Commodore Matthew Perry's fleet arrived in Japan, and Russian ships entered the port, residents of Hakodate sought refuge in the mountains. The strategic importance of Mt. Hakodate in Japan’s history is undeniable. In 2001, "Mount Hakodate and the Remains of the Battery" were recognized as a Hokkaido Heritage Site, further cementing its place in the region's cultural and military history.
The 13 Peaks of Mt. Hakodate
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| Mt. Hakodate as seen from Goryokaku Tower |
Mt.
Hakodate is not just a single peak, but a collective name for 13 mountains,
each offering a unique experience. These include Gotenyama, the highest peak at
334 meters, as well as Yakushiyama (252m), Tsutsujiyama (306m), and several
others. The Gotenyama Peak, in particular, is known for its panoramic views of
the surrounding city and coastline. Historically, it was referred to as
Yakushiyama and was identified as a key point on the Edo Shogunate’s survey map
of 1860. Today, an observation deck at Gotenyama provides visitors with a
stunning vantage point of Hakodate and its surroundings.
Accessing the Summit
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| Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Mountain Base Station |
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| Mt. Hakodate Ropeway |
Visitors can reach the summit of Gotenyama via the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway, a scenic and convenient option that offers a relaxing ride to the top. For those preferring to drive or hike, there are also public roads and mountain trails that lead to the peak.
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| Welcome to Mt. Hakodate via Sancho Tenbodai Station |
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| Mt. Hakodate Observatory Floor Guide |
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| Mt. Hakodate summit |
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| Mt. Hakodate Summit Observatory Hall Cremona |
The Hakodateyama Tourist Road, or Route 675, provides access, but be aware that there are seasonal restrictions. From April 25 to October 15, private vehicles are restricted from 17:00 to 22:00, and between October 16 and early November, road closures occur from 16:00 to 21:00 due to maintenance of the Hakodateyama Ropeway. During the winter months, the road is entirely closed.
Mt. Hakodate's breathtaking night view
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| We arrived just in time for the sunset |
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Walking Trails and Hiking Routes
For
those looking to explore the natural beauty of the mountain on foot, various
walking trails are available. These include the Old Mountain Trail Course,
Tsutsujiyama Course, and Senjojiki Course, among others. Each trail offers a
unique perspective of the mountain's diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to
rocky outcrops. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just seeking a leisurely
stroll, there’s a route to suit every preference.
Team Nicerio visits Mt. Hakodate
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My
family and I visited Mt. Hakodate for the first time last April 2, 2023, during
the second day of our 3-Day Birthday Road Trip. It was my 517th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. During our visit, we made sure to ride the
cable car before sundown. In that way, we were able to watch the sunset and
also see the city slowly light up as it got darker. We were able to ride the
last ropeway down the mountain. We didn’t explore the mountain top that much, though, as we just stayed in the Mt. Hakodate Observatory. Regardless, it was
totally worth it. It was a very memorable experience for us to see the beauty
of the city from the observatory.
Mt. Hakodate Fees
It’s FREE to hike to the peak of Mt. Hakodate. However, if you want to use the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway, you need to pay the fare:
Adult
/ Round trip: 1,800 yen / One way: 1,200 yen
Child
/ Round trip: 900 yen / One way: 600 yen
Children
up to 2 years old can ride for free
Mt. Hakodate Operating Hours
Mt.
Hakodate is open 24/7, but the roads going to the peak are closed in winter, making the ropeway the most convenient option.
Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Operating Hours
April 20 – September 30: 10 AM to 10 PM
October 1 – April 19: 10 AM to 9 PM
Operating hours are subject to change depending on the weather.
Mt. Hakodate Observatory Operating Hours
The Mt. Hakodate Observatory is open from 10 AM to
10 PM.
Why visit Mt. Hakodate?
From
its stunning views to its rich historical significance, Mt. Hakodate is an
unmissable destination for anyone visiting the area. Whether you're exploring
the mountain's scenic trails, taking in the panoramic vistas from Gotenyama, or
learning about its historical importance, Mt. Hakodate offers an unforgettable
experience. Make sure to visit this iconic mountain and discover why it remains
one of the most beloved landmarks in Hokkaido.
Getting to Hakodate Ropeway Mountain Base Station
From Hakodate Station, walk approximately 160 meters to the Hakodate Asaichi-mae bus stop. From there, take Bus No. 3, operated by Hakobus Company, heading toward Hakodate Sta.-mae.
Get off at the Ropeway-mae bus stop, conveniently located across the street from the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Mountain Base Station.
Travel time: bus -15 minutes + ropeway - 15 minutes
Bus Fare: 250 yen
Ropeway Fare:
Adult / Round trip: 1,800 yen / One way: 1,200 yen
Child / Round trip: 900 yen / One way: 600 yen
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