The Enchanting Night Views of Japan
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Japan is home to three cities renowned for their stunning night views, collectively known as the Three Major Night Views of Japan (Nihon Sandai Yakei). These cities—Nagasaki, Kobe, and Hakodate—are celebrated for their breathtaking panoramas that have captivated both locals and tourists alike. Among these, the view from Mount Hakodate Observatory stands out, having earned a prestigious 3-star rating from Michelin for its spectacular scenery. If you find yourself in Hakodate, a visit to this observatory is an absolute must!
Getting to Mount Hakodate Observatory
To fully appreciate the mesmerizing views, you’ll first need to reach the Mount Hakodate Observatory. While entry to the observatory is free of charge, the various transportation options to get there come with their own costs—unless you choose to hike!
Tip: If you prefer saving some money, you can drive up the mountain; however, be aware that during winter (from mid-December to mid-April), the roads leading to the observatory are closed for safety reasons.
Here are the different ways to access the observatory from Hakodate:
- Mount Hakodate Ropeway: The easiest and most popular method is taking the ropeway from Motomachi, which takes approximately 3 minutes. The fare is 900 yen one way for adults, while children can ride for free. You can find more information about the ropeway here.
- Hiking (Free): For the adventurous spirit, hiking to the top is an option that takes about an hour. You can view the trail map here.
- Mount Hakodate Sightseeing Bus: This guided bus tour offers a convenient way to reach the observatory, picking you up from Kanemori Red Brick. However, during winter, a combination of the bus and ropeway will still be necessary, so you’ll need to purchase a ropeway ticket.
- Mount Hakodate Climbing Bus (non-operational in Winter): A bus service from Hakodate Station goes to the observatory for 500 yen one way.
- Taxi (non-operational in Winter): Taxis are also available to take you directly to Mount Hakodate. The fare to get back to Hakodate Station generally ranges from 8,000 to 16,000 yen, depending on traffic conditions.
The Best Time to Visit Mount Hakodate Observatory
For the optimal experience, I recommend arriving at the observatory about 30 minutes before sunset. This timing allows you to witness both the beautiful daytime scenery and the magical transition into nightfall. Be prepared for crowds, though, as this is a popular time for visitors.
If the weather doesn’t seem favorable, you can keep an eye on the live camera feed from the Ropeway website, which updates every two minutes. This will help you decide if it’s worth heading up the mountain.
The View from Mount Hakodate Observatory
As you ascend via the ropeway, you’ll already begin to enjoy the stunning views. It’s advisable to secure a spot at the front of the gondola for the best experience; however, if that’s not possible due to crowds, don’t worry—the observatory offers an even more impressive vantage point!
Upon arrival at the observatory, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking vistas. Don’t miss the open-air observatory on the fourth floor, where you can enjoy unobstructed views of Hakodate. The height of 334 meters is ideal for an observatory, allowing you to see intricate details of the city, including the bay area, the historic Motomachi district, and even Goryokaku Tower.
Is it really the “ten-million-dollar view”? After having visited Nagasaki and Kobe, I can confidently say that the view from Hakodate is truly exceptional. The landscape is simply stunning! Although I wish I had my camera with me to capture the moment, I had to rely on my iPhone for photos, which, despite its quality, couldn’t fully do justice to the view, especially given the windy conditions and frigid -8 degrees Celsius temperature during my January visit.
Amenities at Mount Hakodate Observatory
The Mount Hakodate Observatory features four levels. The first floor is where visitors arrive via the ropeway. The second floor includes a restroom, a Cremia ice cream shop, a souvenir shop, and Restaurant Genova for a delightful dining experience.
On the third floor, you’ll find the Tea Lounge Legato, which is open from 5 PM to 7:30 PM. Finally, the open-air observatory on the fourth floor offers the best views of Hakodate, providing a perfect spot to soak in the beauty of the city from above.
That’s my experience at Mount Hakodate Observatory! I hope this information assists you in planning your visit. For more insights on Hakodate, don’t forget to check out my detailed Hakodate travel guide.
Note: I personally funded my visit to Mount Hakodate Observatory, and all opinions expressed are genuinely my own.