Hakodate, Japan

A Perfect Marriage of City and Nature

Located on Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan, Hokadate sits under the vast 334m-high Mount Hakodate.

Hop on a tram that can take you from one end of the city to the other in just 45-minutes or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the area that takes you past historical buildings. Looking for a break and some soothing relaxation? The Yunokawa Onsen is a spa resort area offering up many hot spring hotel and inn options.

How about enjoying the company of wildlife while you relax? How about some snow monkeys? Within the Yunokawa Onsen area you’ll find the Hakodate City Tropical Botanical Garden where about 100 free-range Japanese macaques (a.k.a. snow monkeys) have been known to warm up in the luxurious mineral water.

Meanwhile, it’s easy to bring a little piece of Hakodate home thanks to the ample souvenir shopping locations. Then, once you’ve had your fill of the urban experience, a quick express train will take you to the suburbs of Onuma, a beautiful resort area full of mountains, lakes and forests, where you can soak up natural beauty.