Mt. Hakodate Ropeway

The basics

Visitors board the ropeway at the base station and are whisked up to the summit of Mt. Hakodate in just 3 minutes. The cable car’s large windows offer uninterrupted views of Hakodate, the Tsugaru Strait, and surrounding mountains along the way, while the observation deck at the top allows you to spend as long as you like soaking up the views. Guided sightseeing tours of Hakodate often include an ascent of Mt. Hakodate via the ropeway, along with such attractions as Goryokaku Park and the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse.

Things to know before you go

• It costs less to buy a round-trip ticket than two one-way tickets.

• Tickets are half price for children (those under 2 can ride for free).

• Facilities at the summit include a souvenir shop and restaurant.

How to get there

The Mt. Hakodate Ropeway departs from the city’s Motomachi District. From JR Hakodate Station, you can either walk for 25 minutes to the ropeway, or ride the number 5 tram for 5 minutes to the Jujigai stop, then take a 10-minute walk to the ropeway's lower station.

When to get there

While the view from Mt. Hakodate is most impressive after dark, you don’t need to wait until the sun goes down. The ropeway runs every 15 minutes from mid-morning to night, every day, all year-round. The view is at its best 30 minutes after sunset, but if you’re not a fan of large crowds, avoid the observation deck for 1–2 hours after sunset.

Isaribi Park

If you want to enjoy a nighttime view without the crowds, turn left when you get off the cable car and head for Isaribi Park. From here you can see Shimokita Peninsula and Tsugaru Peninsula, and, during the summer and fall months, twinkling isaribi (lights placed on fishing boats to lure big catches).