Three-star “Superb View”
At night, the contrast between the city lights shining on the city in the narrow shape of the land-locked island and the jet-black sea area,
In addition, from June to December, it is famous for the beautiful night view created by the fishing lights (fish-collecting lights) that are lit by squid fishing boats when they are fishing.
It is said that if you find the word "suki" or "heart" in the night view, you will be happy or have a love affair.
In spring, the night view is often shrouded in a sea of clouds, and in summer, it is sometimes foggy and difficult to see the beautiful night view, but fantastic scenes can appear through the gaps between the clouds.
In autumn, many clear days and clear air make it possible to see far into the distance.
In winter, you can see snow and illumination competing with each other.
During the day, on clear days, you can see not only the city of Hakodate below, but also the Shimokita Peninsula across the Tsugaru Straits in the distance.
Mount Hakodate
Mount Hakodate, also known as "Gagyuzan" (literally "lying cow mountain"), is made up of a chain of 12 mountains that look like a cow lying down.
It was originally a large island formed by undersea volcanic ejecta.
Approximately 5,000 years ago, a sandbar was formed by the accumulation of sediments that had been scoured and washed away by ocean currents and wind and rain, and the island was connected to the Watashima Peninsula by a land bridge.
The central city of Hakodate is located on this sandbar.
Since 1898, the island has been used as a military fortress and is off limits to the general public.
This preserved the natural environment, and Mount Hakodate is a treasure trove of nature, home to approximately 600 species of plants and 150 species of wild birds.
It is also famous as a resting place for migratory birds.
Mount Hakodate Ropeway
A large ropeway with a capacity for 125 passengers will take you to the summit, 334 meters above sea level, in about 3 minutes.
Mount Hakodate Observation Deck
The 3-story mountaintop observation deck, which includes the ropeway station, has an observation lounge with a great view, an indoor lounge for resting, a restaurant, an event hall, and a store.
Hiking Course
A hiking course has been developed at the foot of the mountain, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.
Visitors can also walk up the mountain throughout the year, enjoying the ocean, cityscape and nature visible from Mt. Hakodate, and reach the summit observatory in about an hour.
Visitors can also take the ropeway down the mountain, making it easy to reach the observatory.
At the Mt. Hakodate Fureai Center, the starting point, maps and other climbing information are available.
Military Fortress
Construction of a fortress on Mt. Hakodate began in 1898 as a military fortress, and by 1905, 17 facilities, including gun batteries, had been constructed on the entire mountain (Tsugaru Fortress).
The entire mountain was off-limits to civilians, and Mount Hakodate disappeared from topographical maps as the entire mountain was classified as a military secret.
Although the fortress was dismantled after the end of World War II in 1945, traces of the war still remain, including gun emplacements, a power station, and an observation post, and some of the remaining facilities can still be visited.