Hakodate is a port city located in Oshima, Hokkaido. It is located on the southern tip of the Hokkaido Island
across the Tsugaru Strait. The name of the city originated during the Muromachi era.
Hakodate is the capital of Oshima Prefecture.
Hakodate flourished during the Hoei period and the town received a further boost during 1741. Hakodate was awarded the status of city on August 1, 1922. During the Edo period, Hakodate was essentially a small fishing village and the largest Japanese settlement on the Island. Hakodate did not develop much in terms of manufacturing as compared to cities like Nagoya, Kobe and Yokohama. Hakodate port opened partially to foreign ships for provisioning after 1854 under the conditions of the Treaty of Kanagawa. During December 2004, Hakodate underwent a merger with surrounding four municipalities and became one of the leading marine cities of the nation.
The weather in Hakodate during the summer months is very pleasant. The average temperature during the month of May is about 12ºC and the mornings are quite chilly. Usually there are clear skies throughout the year. Since the climate of Hakodate is deeply influenced by the Tsushima ocean current, the temperature differences in the area are minimal. Hakodate receives a substantial amount of snowfall ranging to about 150mm during the month of November.
Hakodate Airport which opened in 1961 and is located in the center of the city serves as the economic, political and cultural center of southern Hokkaido. In June 2006, a regular international flight service between Seoul and Hakodate was started.
Some of the tourist attractions in the Hakodate city include:
- Mount Hakodate
- Goryokaku Fort
- Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses
- Old British Consulate
- Russian Orthodox Church
- Motomachi District
- Yunokawa Hot spring
- Trappistine Convent
- Old Russian Consulate
Apart from these, just a short drive from
Hakodate would bring one to the gorgeous Lake Onuma and Mount Komagate.
Hakodate is renowned for its seafood and so visitors can enjoy sushi, onegiri and Japanese delicacies.
