12 Nov - Having scouted Hakodate surrounding the previous night, we focused on the main agenda today, which is visiting Goryōkaku in the morning & Mount Hakodate in the evening. After a full breakfast in our hotel, we set off for a train ride to Goryōkaku Station using our JR Pass.
Front of JR Hakodate Station
JR Goryōkaku Station
Manhole with Goryōkaku design
Goryōkaku is originally a star fortress completed in 1866, serving as the main headquarters of the short-lived Republic of Ezo. Most recently, it was featured in Detective Conan Movie 27: The Million-Dollar Pentagram which was released in theaters on April 12, 2024. This attraction was already an Instagram spot for tourist to begin with, so it is a must visit spot when we are in Hakodate!
Base of Goryōkaku Park
View of Goryōkaku Fort from the tower
To catch the Million-Dollar view from Mount Hakodate, we need to reach the top before sunset and before the horde of tourists arrival. Sparing no time, we left Goryōkaku after we took our share of photos and took a taxi to the Hakodate Ropeway. Mount Hakodate offers one of the world's best night views, earning it the nickname "Million-Dollar Nightscape" and a Michelin three-star rating, known for its unique fan-shaped city lights framed by the sea on both sides, best seen at dusk after sunset to witness the transition from day to night.
Top of Mount Hakodate
Waiting for the transition from day to night Million-Dollar View
To escape squeezing with the crowds and the cold, we decided to comfortably have our dinner at Restaurant Genova. To get the best seats, you need to start queuing 30mins before the restaurant opens at 4pm. Though the food is a bit pricey, I assure you it is well worth the money spent.
Last shot of the scene while waiting for the crowd to disperse 90mins after sunset. We still need to queue another 30mins to take the ropeway down.
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