The Night View from Mt. Hakodate

The night view from Mt. Hakodate is world-beating. This is a definite "must-see" when sightseeing in Hakodate.

Awarded the highest rating of three stars in the "Michelin Green Guide Japon", the view from Mt. Hakodate is described as "worth taking time out to see." Tourists from around the world flock to Mt. Hakodate throughout the year. You don’t have to wait until after dark, either - the expansive vista during daytime is also spectacular.

Mt. Hakodate is located within striking distance of the city center. The ropeway is the standard way to visit the mountain and will land you at the summit station in just three minutes. When taking the ropeway up the mountain, try facing the back of the car and looking out the right-hand window: from this position, you’ll get the biggest thrill at the instant when the night view suddenly reveals itself. The observatory on the mountain also features a souvenir shop and restaurants.

Highlights of the night view from Mt. Hakodate change with the seasons. In the autumn, the days are often fine and the air clear, offering visitors a sweeping panoramic view. In the winter, the glow of the city lights is reflected off the whiter-than-white snow that envelops the city, enhancing the dazzling night view. On foggy summer nights, the mountain looks down on a mysteriously veiled panorama.