Hakodate is Hokkaido’s third largest city, located at the island’s southern tip. Hakodate is best known for the spectacular views to be enjoyed from Mount Hakodate and its delicious, fresh seafood.
The city was founded in 1454, when Kono Kaganokami Masamichi constructed a large manor house in the Ainu fishing village of Usukeshi, the word for “edge of a bay” in Ainu. Hakodate was among the first Japanese port cities that were opened to international trade after the country’s era of isolation. As a result, the city has experienced notable influence from overseas, and the foreign population’s former residential district and a Western-style fort are among its main tourist attractions.
Fort Goryokaku is where the cherry blossom pictures were taken. It is a star-shaped, Western-style citadel, built in the last years of the Edo period (1603-1868) for the defense of Hakodate against the imperialist threat posed by the Western powers. One thousand cherry trees were planted in the 1910’s. The park is considered a special Historical Site, and revered for cherry blossom viewing in the spring. When we were there the blooms are just beginning.
Mount Hakodate is an inactive volcanic mountain that has a ropeway tram across the sky to enjoy fabulous city views. It is about a 3 minute ride with a gift shop and restaurant at the top. Once there you can see the expansive view of the city and the harbor.
